Summary of "Swivel Council: Episode 3"

Swivel Council: Episode 3 - Engaging Recap

In this lively and in-depth episode of Swivel Council, hosts welcome their first guest, Nicola Colin, for a deep dive into the nuances of inline skating gear, styles, and culture. The conversation kicks off with a spirited discussion about the pros and cons of raised heel versus flat base boots, sparked by a question from the Endless Blading podcast. Nicola shares his evolving preferences and experiences with various skate setups, including UFS flatbase frames, raised heel boots like the Zoom, and the design philosophy behind his own Kaiser Edge frame.

Key Highlights & Technical Insights

Nicola contrasts the feel of carbon boots versus plastic ones, emphasizing shock absorption and comfort differences.
They explore how heel raise impacts skating style, especially for footwork and dance-like movements, with Nicola noting that a slimmer, less bulky boot enhances agility and flow.
The discussion touches on frame sizes (80mm, 84mm, 90mm, 100mm wheels) and how wheel size and frame length affect skating style, speed, and trick execution.
Nicola and the host debate the benefits of Trinity frames for lateral support and energy transfer, praising their solid feel despite minor downsides like screws interfering with stalls or grinds.
They analyze the ergonomic design of boots like the Zoom, which cradle the ball of the foot with an up-sweep, enhancing leverage and control.
The conversation includes a fun exploration of skating styles—from aggressive skating to urban dance-style footwork—and how music choice influences flow and creativity.

Cultural & Lifestyle Insights

Nicola shares his journey from aggressive skating to incorporating more dance and footwork, inspired by practicing basics and learning to flow intuitively.
They discuss the social aspect of skating, especially group skates as a “third space” for community and connection beyond just tricks.
The hosts reflect on the growth and challenges of big wheel skating culture, emphasizing the need for more storytelling, personality-driven content, and accessible formats like dance battles or jam sessions to engage wider audiences.
Comparisons to other sports like skiing, BMX, quad skating, and skateboarding highlight the unique convenience and expressive potential of inline skating.
The episode touches on the future of skating in media and culture, imagining crossover events that blend freestyle BMX, skateboarding, quads, and inline skating in creative dance-offs and jams.

Humor & Memorable Moments

Nicola’s buckle hilariously hits his eye mid-chat, prompting a lighthearted safety reminder.
The hosts joke about skating with earbuds—whether one or both ears—and the awkwardness of ignoring people while skating with music.
A funny anecdote about skating inside due to rain and “dancing in place” on flanners (indoor skates).
Playful banter about the “true spirit of Leon” and impersonations of friends’ skating styles add warmth and personality to the conversation.

Notable Personalities

Nicola Colin – Guest, experienced skater, frame designer, and influencer in the skating community.
Host (Billy) – Engages Nicola with thoughtful questions, shares personal experiences, and leads cultural discussions.
Mark Moreno – Mentioned as an aggressive skater who appeared in Nicola’s Zoom video.
Other references include skaters like Ari (popular YouTuber), Luis de Paulo (powerful aggressive skater), Wauah 66 (inspirational footwork skater), and skateboarding personalities Sergio and Super Rat.

This episode stands out for its blend of technical skate gear talk, cultural reflections, and the human side of skating—highlighting the joy of movement, community, and creative expression on wheels. Whether you’re into gear specs or the social dance vibe of skating, Swivel Council Episode 3 offers a rich, authentic, and entertaining look into the world of inline skating today.