My Way: Paul Regan

Credit – Rob Wise

Paul Regan isn’t your typical skateboarder, let it be said. 

Organised and disciplined, he not only owns Quay Skate Store in his beloved Hull, but the Parallel Skateboards brand which has steadily grown since its inception back in 2019.

With the release of their second video “The Great Yorkshire Coast” last month we belled him up to get the skinny on where the brand is headed, selecting ‘90s indie bangers, and linking up with Blueprint alumni.

Here’s what he had to say about…

…steering the Parallel ship through choppy waters:

“I launched the brand in 2019 with two other people, Josh and Mike- however, after a couple years they both left to pursue other ventures, and I took it on full time as I’d invested a lot of my time and money into it.

Although it didn’t get off to the best start- basically, it got rushed out- and due to three different people having their own thoughts on direction and what they wanted the brand to look like…however, I’d like to think the work I have put in since 2021 has legitimised the brand a bit more.

I think sometimes, you just have to find your feet and direction, which I feel Parallel has done now. We’re going to hook up a couple more riders- I’ve sent some bits to Toggs (Ian Ashley) up in Hartlepool; great guy, and a sick skater. He also rides for Legacy, too… I also would like to get a couple of girls involved with Parallel, so will be looking at that, next.”

… where the brand name came from:

“The idea behind the name Parallel was that all skateboarders are Parallel in some respects. For example: everyone in skateboarding is different, have their own individual style etcetera… however, skaters have some parallels between them; we all enjoy skating for what it is, all get along, and appreciate each other’s style, however it is that we all do our own thing. So, with that being said, skateboarders are all Parallel in that respect.”

… how much of a total don Scott Palmer is:

“Honestly, mate- Scott is the best, absolute raddest dude and so down to earth, he just loves skateboarding for skateboarding and never tried to be a cool guy: this is the way. Now that Scott is fully involved on the team side, he will help with making brand decisions going forward- great to have someone as established as Scott involved.”

…using James’ “Sometimes (Lester Piggott)” to open TGYC:

“Loved using that James song! I was listening to BBC Radio 2 at the time and heard it, and thought ‘What is this song?’, as it reminded me a little of Snowy’s Portraits song by the Stone Roses.

Funny thing is, I came up with the concept of the Yorkshire coast video and seaside spots before hearing the James song, checked it out on YouTube- and they’re all in the sea singing!

I thought ‘Boom- this is the song to use!’ (laughs)- works really well, I think.”

…what comes next:

“I loved making it (TGYC) and coming up with the concept/theme of the video, think it flows good- and better than just trying to make another hammers video. I’m hoping this second video and the first feature-length one (Land Of The Rose) puts the brand in good stead now within the UK, hopefully it’s seen that we’re legit and doing it right.

Then, looking towards the next video project, it will be themed and have a good concept to it; with the brand, I always wanted it to be relevant, relatable and have substance to it. Not just another brand putting out products and hoping people will buy our stuff.

I want to drop a video or photo articles alongside each product launch, be that once or twice a year, so people get stoked on it.

Again, rather than just putting out endless amounts of product and hoping it sells.”

…what consitutes Yorkshire pride:

“I think Yorkshire pride is just being proud of where you come from- that can be anywhere, really… and what it means to the person.

Yorkshire is a special place, though: such great countryside scenery, little towns and villages- and, of course, a great coastline!”