Carving a future
Switchback is the home of New Zealand-made, custom skate apparel and homewares. Inspired by their love of skate culture and their beautiful home in Aotearoa, Switchback have crafted a rad range of nostalgic apparel and skate decks, as well as carved a path for people to design their own.
The brand was born in the majestic Mangawhai Heads, in the home of Janelle Fenwick, a passionate entrepreneur with a penchant for community building. It’s her dream of bringing self-expression to new heights amongst the thriving skate culture of the local community that opened the door for Switchback. “The skate park is our community meeting place, it's where our kids laugh and grow in confidence, and where parents join them in the halfpipe or at the very least, relive their adrenaline-seeking youth. It’s a place where everyone is welcome.”
Now she and her team are on a mission to bring those same vibes to the world. Driven to create a space for individuals to showcase their own stories without sacrificing on quality, Switchback has sourced their products with sustainability and durability in mind so that you can ride care-free – the way it should be.
“It's no secret that the skate community has proudly pushed the boundaries of what's possible, and what could be more rebellious than putting the power in your hands to create your own skate-wear that tells your story the way you've always wanted to?” says Janelle. From 90s-inspired, oversized tees to custom-wrapped maple decks that are ready to ride (or display), they really have something for every skater, no matter what age or level of adrenaline.
With creatives tucked away in every corner of the skate world, Switchback has taken the opportunity to capture that artistry and energy in their pre-curated collection which features work from local artists such as Moana Wave Company who share their passion for storytelling, as well as their mission to create something that’s more than just a piece of clothing. Their products are made to be worn, and they’re designed to last even the most adventurous of rides.
But it's not just about bringing the community into the artistry, Switchback also puts them at the centre through events to support charitable organisations, in particular those who champion mental health such as I AM HOPE.
www.CustomSkateArt.com
www.instagram.com/SwitchbackCustomSkate