Complete Guide to Wizard-Style Skating Basics

Wizard-style skating is not just a new trend in the skating world; it’s an evolving discipline that blends creativity, movement, and a sense of community. Born from a fusion of aggressive and recreational skating, this style is redefining what it means to hit the pavement with wheels underfoot. Through this guide, we’ll explore the key principles of wizard skating, its cultural impact, and why it’s resonating with skaters from all walks of life.

What is Wizard-Style Skating?

At its core, wizard-style skating is about fluidity and creativity. Unlike aggressive skating, which focuses on stunts and tricks on rails or ramps, wizard skating emphasizes continuous contact with the ground, smooth transitions, and a flowing style. It’s often compared to dancing or figure skating but with an urban twist.

The hallmark of wizard skating lies in its versatility - it’s a discipline accessible to both beginners and experienced skaters. The unique hardware, such as rockered frames, provides stability and maneuverability, making it suitable for mastering everything from basic movements to advanced tricks.

As Bus, an experienced skater and advocate of this style, describes, "It’s almost like a personal way of dancing… blending your personality with skating."

Origins and Evolution of Wizard Skating

Wizard skating has its roots in aggressive skating but has since carved out its own identity. The style was popularized by Leon Basin, founder of Wizard frames, who revolutionized skating hardware in 2014 by introducing frames with natural rockers. This innovation allowed for more agility and stability, enabling skaters to explore new movements.

Bus, a team rider for This is Soul and an advocate of wizard skating in the Netherlands, emphasizes the style’s evolution: "It started as a creative way to explore movement, but now it’s a vibrant community that connects skaters globally."

The discipline has grown rapidly, with skaters from diverse backgrounds - aggressive, recreational, and even figure skating - making their mark. Iconic moves like the "gazelle" and foundational principles of flow have established a shared language within the community, further cementing wizard skating as a distinct and innovative style.

Why Wizard Skating Resonates with Modern Urban Lifestyles

Wizard skating is particularly appealing to young urban dwellers, students, and professionals who are seeking a blend of creativity, practicality, and eco-friendly recreation. Here’s why this style aligns with modern sensibilities:

1. Sustainability and Accessibility

Wizard skating offers a low-impact, environmentally friendly way to commute or explore the city. Unlike aggressive skating, which often requires specific locations, wizard skating thrives on flat, urban terrain.

2. Creative Expression

The style allows skaters to integrate their personality into their movement. As Bus explains, "It’s like a blank canvas. You can make your own painting with it."

3. Inclusive Community

The Dutch Wizard Dojo and similar groups around the world bring skaters together to learn, train, and grow. These communities foster collaboration, creativity, and shared learning.

4. Mindfulness and Flow

Many skaters describe the experience as meditative, offering a break from the fast-paced nature of urban life. The focus on fluid movement and creative exploration adds a therapeutic element.

The Five Principles of Wizard Skating

In an effort to make this style more accessible, Bus is developing a framework of five principles, which he has detailed in his upcoming book. These principles aim to provide a structured approach to learning wizard skating without being overly technical. Though the principles were not explicitly outlined in the video, they emphasize creativity, foundation, and flow as key components of the style.

The Hardware Revolution: Frames and Liners

One of the defining features of wizard skating is its innovative hardware. From rockered frames to premium liners, the equipment is designed to enhance both performance and comfort.

Rockered Frames

Rockered frames, where the outer wheels are slightly smaller than the inner ones, provide a natural curve that offers stability and agility. This setup allows skaters to perform smooth, flowing movements while maintaining control.

Five-Wheel Skates

The introduction of five-wheel frames has been a game-changer. Offering unparalleled stability and a skiing-like feel, these frames are ideal for advanced skaters and beginners alike.

Intuition Liners

Designed for a snug fit, intuition liners have become the gold standard in skating. They ensure maximum control and comfort, making them a favorite among wizard skaters.

Challenges and Opportunities in Wizard Skating

While wizard skating continues to grow, it faces several challenges:

1. Terminology Debate

One ongoing discussion within the community revolves around what to call the style. Terms like "wizard skating", "flow skating", and "urban figure skating" have been proposed. While most skaters identify with "wizard skating", finding a universally accepted term remains a work in progress.

2. Overwhelming Hardware Options

The variety of frames and setups can be daunting for beginners. However, tools like gear-selection wizards and community advice can help navigate this complexity.

3. Cultural Perception

In some regions, inline skating still carries a dated or uncool image. Wizard skating, with its stylish moves and modern aesthetic, has the potential to change that perception.

A Glimpse into the Future

The future of wizard skating looks promising. As more people discover the style, its influence on the broader skating world is growing. From hardware innovation to cultural integration, wizard skating is set to leave a lasting legacy.

Bus envisions a future where the community continues to thrive, with skaters from all backgrounds contributing to its evolution. "I’m hoping to see more young skaters pick it up and make it their own", he says.

Key Takeaways

What is Wizard Skating? A creative, fluid style of skating that combines stability, agility, and personal expression.
Origins: Developed by Leon Basin with the introduction of rockered frames, sparking a movement that blends aggressive and recreational skating.
Community Focus: Groups like the Dutch Wizard Dojo emphasize collaboration and shared learning.
Hardware Innovation: From five-wheel frames to intuition liners, the equipment is designed for both performance and comfort.
Mindful Movement: The style offers a meditative, creative outlet that appeals to skaters of all ages.
Future Growth: As more skaters join the community, wizard skating is set to redefine the sport's cultural and technical boundaries.

Wizard skating is more than just a skater’s pastime - it’s a transformative movement that inspires creativity, fosters community, and challenges traditional boundaries in skating culture. With its unique blend of artistry, accessibility, and innovation, wizard skating is carving a niche that’s as exciting as it is inclusive. Whether you’re an experienced skater or a curious beginner, this style invites you to step in and flow with the magic.

Source: "Introduction to Wizard Style Skating 1/3" - Thisissoul, YouTube, Sep 1, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBgTPI9GZKE

Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.