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WRAD Health supports youth mental health

Broken arm leads Warrnambool teenager to launch skate brand

A broken arm kept Warrnambool teenager Charlie Miller away from skateboarding for months but it inspired him to combine his two life passions – skating and design – into a new business with a message.

On Monday September 21, Charlie will officially launch his own skateboarding apparel and accessories brand, SKOCKZ, with support from WRAD Health.

“My message is all about bringing youth together through skateboarding,” Charlie said. “WRAD Health’s message aligns to my values – improving youth mental health through skateboarding.”

SKOCKZ currently has about 10 products, including hoodies, T-shirts, collectable keychains, and Charlie plans to grow the store. 

A year 12 student at Warrnambool College, Charlie’s enforced time away from the sport had an unexpected consequence. “I broke my arm while I was on a trip about six months ago so I couldn’t skateboard for a couple of months,” he said.

“I felt completely isolated, stuck at home. Filming my mates at the skatepark and slowly building back got me through it. I realised how great the environment was — and that’s the spirit this brand is built on.”

SKOCKZ started as a school project making skateboard socks but soon grew into an expanded enterprise. He’s already made some sales online and has 100 pairs of socks on the way.

Charlie uses illustrator and Canva to make his designs, which now includes Polymer Clay Skocksters.

“I’d love to continue doing my business and take a gap year next year and then go to uni to study design to make my skills even better,” he said.

Charlie has been skateboarding passionately for two years. “It sounds corny but it gives me a free feeling,” he said. “All the people at the skatepark are really nice. It’s not teenagers on their phones. It’s like a community and the skaters want to get everyone involved in skating, no matter what their age.

“I started SKOCKZ because the skatepark is where mates are made, tricks are learned, and everything else disappears for a while.”

 Charlie’s website can be found here: SKOCKZ.