Welcome to the Friends of Gramicci project!
We’re excited to share stories from our community, and today, we’re thrilled to introduce Nakula — a 20-year-old professional skateboarder from the vibrant coastal town of Byron Bay, Australia. Nakula’s style effortlessly merges laid-back streetwear with performance-driven essentials, and his passion for skateboarding has taken him across the globe. From mentoring the next gen to repping skatewear brands like Gramicci, Nakula’s journey is just getting started.
Let’s dive into his story.
Growing Up Skating in Byron Bay
Tell us about yourself. What’s your background and what are you doing now in Byron Bay?
Hey, I’m Nakula — a 20-year-old skateboarder from the beautiful Byron Bay area in Australia. I’ve been skateboarding for over a decade now, and it’s something that has shaped my life in so many ways. Growing up here, I was lucky to have access to a community that celebrates creativity, individuality, and the freedom that skateboarding offers. These days, I’m skating professionally, which is a dream come true. I’ve had the chance to travel the world, film video parts, create content, and immerse myself in different skate cultures. It’s been a crazy ride, but I’m constantly learning and pushing myself to grow both as a skateboarder and as a content creator.
Freedom, Expression & Finding Community Through Skateboarding
What drew you to skateboarding in Australia? Was it the creativity, the freedom, or the sense of community? How has your connection to skateboarding evolved over time?
For me, skateboarding was always about freedom. Growing up in Byron Bay, I was surrounded by nature and a relaxed atmosphere, which naturally influenced my connection to skating. The creativity involved was a huge draw—I loved how skateboarding let me express myself in ways that felt real and unrestricted.
As I got deeper into the scene, the sense of community started to stand out. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from—skating brings people together. Now it’s more than just a sport or a passion; it’s my lifestyle, my career, and my way of connecting with people across the globe.
Style in Motion: What the Next Generation Is Wearing
You’re coaching young skateboarders in Byron Bay. Have you noticed any specific clothing or styling trends among the next generation? What brands are they currently drawn to, and do you see yourself as a style role model influencing their choices?
The younger skaters here in Byron have such a fresh and individual sense of style. It’s a blend of comfort, streetwear, and skate culture. Brands like Butter, X-Large, and Gramicci are definitely standing out—they offer functionality while staying fashion-forward, which is important for kids who are skating all day but still want to look good.
I try not to push trends, but I do recognize that the way I dress and skate can influence them. I always encourage them to find what makes them feel confident and authentic—style should reflect who you are, not just what’s trending.
Skating Around the World: Europe and Indonesia
You recently travelled to Europe and Indonesia. What was that adventure like, and did you get a chance to skate around the cities? How did the skate culture in those places compare to the skateboarding scene in Australia?
It was honestly life-changing. Europe has such a deep-rooted and diverse skate scene—every city had something unique to offer. I met skaters with incredible talent and creativity, and the vibe was super inspiring.
In Indonesia, it was a different kind of magic. The skate community there is so warm and welcoming, and you really feel the passion even in places where skating is still growing. Compared to Australia’s well-established and distinct skate culture, both regions showed me how global and unifying skateboarding really is. It’s the same language spoken in different accents, and that’s something I’ll never forget.
Why Gramicci Resonates with Skaters Worldwide
You’ve mentioned the skate scene in Korea and Japan, where Gramicci is already popular among skateboarders. What do you think makes Gramicci stand out in those skateboarding scenes?
Even though I haven’t been to Korea or Japan yet, I can totally see why Gramicci has become a go-to in those scenes. The gear is functional, durable, and just fits the skate lifestyle. Especially in countries where skateboarding is viewed as both a sport and an art form, the quality and design of Gramicci pieces really stand out.
The pants are a good example—they’re built to move with you, not against you. That’s what skaters need. The fact that it’s catching on globally just proves Gramicci understands skate culture on a deeper level.
The Perfect Fit: What Makes Clothing Skate-Ready
Skateboarders often prioritise comfort and movement. What specific features do you look for in skate-friendly clothing, and how does Gramicci fit into your daily skateboarding setup?
Comfort and mobility are non-negotiable. I look for pieces that are stretchy, lightweight, and strong enough to handle constant wear and tear. Gramicci nails that. Their pants and shorts have the right balance of durability and flexibility, which means I can focus on pushing my limits without being distracted by my gear.
And honestly, when your clothing helps you skate better and looks good doing it—that’s the sweet spot.
What’s Next for Nakula?
You’re at an exciting point in your skateboarding journey. What’s next for you? Do you see skateboarding as a lifelong passion, or are you planning to build a career around it?
Skateboarding is definitely for life. Right now, I’m focused on creating content, travelling, and collaborating with brands that align with who I am. But I’m also thinking long-term. Coaching younger skaters is something I love, and down the line, I’d like to start my own projects that give back to the community—maybe a youth skate program or even my own line someday.
Skating gave me a path, and I want to keep evolving with it, inspiring others the way I was inspired.
Follow Nakula’s Journey
Want more from Nakula? Stay updated with his latest skate adventures, style picks, and behind-the-scenes moments by following him on Instagram @nakulaboag
Explore Gramicci's versatile, skate-ready collections right here:
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