If you’ve been around wakeskating for a while, chances are you’ve heard of Sattelyte Wakeskates. The brand made its mark during some of the sport’s most exciting years before stepping away from board production. After a long hiatus, Sattelyte is back with a reproduction of some their classics. We caught up with founder Garry Munce to hear the story behind the return, what went into bringing Sattelyte back, and where his goals are with the brand in today’s wakeskate scene.
“Can you walk us through the origins of Sattelyte Wakeskates and how it first got started?”
Emily Pattison and I started the brand together in the early 2000s. Emily’s dad was a woodworker and helped us with the initial design and molds. We then partnered with skateboard manufacturers on our commercial molds. There were challenges because skateboards have different rockers, concave and are not designed for the water. In the early days, there was some real trial and error but with persistence we felt that we had a product that was durable and riders would love.
“What made this brand different from the rest in its original run?”
We were proudly Canadian, making our boards all from Canadian maple wood and manufactured in Canada. We liked to party. We were a “worked hard, play hard” crew. We would be the ones closing down the bar and then the first to get to the contest.
”Now, why the relaunch? Whose idea was this?”
It’s for nostalgia. We had so many great memories with Sattelyte traveling the world, competing and doing video parts. We want to do different collabs and just breathe new life into Sattelyte. It was my idea (Garry), and if my kids get a kick out of seeing what their dad did back in the day, that will be worth it.
”For people who weren’t around the first time, how would you explain what Sattelyte Wakeskates was back in the day?”
We had a very diverse and talented team from around the world. But we also had awesome friends that just loved to support the brand. What was cool is that people would reach out to us and let us crash at their lakehouse or offer to be guides in Germany. We planned a film trip through the south down to Alabama and one of our customers gave us full access to his house and boats to film. Sattelyte often felt like a traveling group of water gypsies who just wanted to ride and have a good time.
”Okay, you be honest with us here. Was this idea a rekindling of passion or from staring at old gear in the garbage for too long?”
We sold out of all of our boards. The only inventory we have in the garage is just mine or team rider’s collections. All new rerelease boards are made direct-to-order. I’ll be honest and say that we never really turned a profit. Sattelyte was always about having fun, chilling with your friends and trying to get a solid video part.Â
”And, on a scale from “great idea” to “questionable life decisions,” where does the relaunch land?”
It’s a great idea. As a direct-to-order business, there is very little overhead or inventory costs. The manufacturing processes have improved greatly and the personal reward to bringing the brand back to the public is definitely worth it.
“On a personal level, what does this brand mean to you?”
It is my passion. In the early days, we were building everything from scratch. We had no idea how to make wakeskates but we figured it out. We have so many incredible memories of traveling the world with our team and being able to relive part of that passion means a lot to me.
”What lessons are you using from the first run that you are applying to the second run?”
The boards need to be indestructible. Getting the right glue and mold pressure is a fine art.
”What challenges have you faced in bringing it back?”
Very little to be honest. It is so much easier this time around because we have the right partners and have gained wisdom with age.
”What does success look like for this new chapter of Sattelyte Wakeskates?”
Seeing our boards show up in a video part, a kid’s first shuvit on Instagram or some of our old customers or riders going back out to ride.
”What’s changed the most since the original Sattelyte Wakeskates days? Is it the sport, the gear, or just your knees?!”
We all go to bed earlier now and have better sleep routines. We all have kids, so the partying is way less gnarly.
”How excited are you about this relaunch?”
Seeing how stoked my son was to be in a magazine holding one of our boards.
”If this interview convinces people to buy the new boards, do we get royalties?”
Draft a contract and we will review it.
”Thank you for taking the time to talk with us. We loved hearing about your story. Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? Or is there anything we missed?”
We just want to thank everyone who supported us over the years. The list is way too long to name everyone here, but you know who you are. From the team riders, customers, editors, filmers, photographers, foreign fixers, bail bondsman, drivers … so many people came together to help this rag tag group of water gypsies. We are super indebted to their service and support. Here’s to the next chapter.
The website is up and running and you can get your hands on a board by filling out the contact form.Â
Sometimes looking forward starts with looking back. This relaunch isn’t chasing trends, it’s honoring the era that helped shape Canadian wakeskating and the riders who made it what it is.
