The skateboarding world is becoming increasingly global, with pros from Europe and Japan now a common sight. It wasn’t always this way; there was a time when non-American skaters were like side characters in a video game, briefly appearing before disappearing. WKND, embracing this interconnectedness, expanded its team internationally, adding Karsten Kleppen. This led them to discover Sarah Meurle, a skateboarder who’s been honing her skills since the early 2000s. Her part in Rumblepack and subsequent pro board for WKND propelled her into the spotlight.
Sarah Meurle Header
Sarah’s journey is a unique one, marked by her time at Malmö’s Bryggeriets Gymnasium skate school, her contributions to CPH Open, and her passion for photography. We caught up with Sarah to explore her experiences and gain insight into the European skate scene.
You were part of the first graduating class at Malmö’s Bryggeriets Gymnasium skate school. Can you tell us about your experience there?
It’s actually built in an old brewery, which is why it’s called Bryggeriets. The skate program was well-developed from the beginning. John Dahlquist, the instructor, had a clear vision and integrated skateboarding into normal Swedish courses. For instance, CAD classes became about designing skate ramps, making learning relevant and engaging.
Sarah Meurle WKND
As a skater and photographer, do you think skateboarders make good photo subjects?
Sometimes. Because I’m a skater, I might be a bit biased. I do think we are interesting, doing something that might seem odd to outsiders. Skateboarding can be very street-oriented, getting dirty and into strange situations.
Have you learned anything about life through photography?
I once spoke to a vintage clothing store owner in New York, who said, “Being photographed takes a piece of your soul every time.” That stuck with me. Taking a portrait can be very vulnerable, and you must be mindful not to exploit someone.
Sweden is known for some unique laws. What are some that might surprise people?
Sweden has “Allemansrätten,” or the “everyman’s right,” allowing you to camp anywhere for one night, even someone’s lawn. There’s also the Jante “Law”, an unspoken rule of humility. It discourages boasting or bragging, which is very different from the American culture. It’s not an actual law but something we will call someone out on.
So, you can’t celebrate landing a trick in Sweden?
[laughs] I do celebrate a bit, but I try to be aware of not being “Jante.”How does the US compare to Sweden in terms of this?
The US is pretty much the opposite of Jante! It’s a good thing though. In Sweden, people are more reserved, while in the US, people are very outspoken and friendly. It’s refreshing but can still surprise me.
What other differences have you noticed between skateboarding in the USA and Sweden?
In LA, if you’re talented and can skateboard, you can make money. You have the ability to capitalize on skateboarding in a way that wouldn’t happen in Sweden. It’s rare to see a skater in Sweden with brand new gear.
Have you experienced the expensive LA grocery stores, like Erewhon?
I haven’t been there but even just getting coffee around LA is costly. I end up spending a lot on it. I’ve started bringing a camping espresso machine to save money. I typically drink two or three cups a day. Coffee is definitely a must on WKND trips. It’s all about choosing your addictions, I guess.
Sarah Meurle Gap
Over your career, have you ever turned down anything that felt like “selling out”?
When I was 17, I was filmed for a Swedish TV show, which followed me and some other skaters to the European Championships. It felt inauthentic, like they were trying to make us do things over again. After a month, I decided to quit.
How did you end up joining the WKND team?
I spent about a year and a half not skating for anyone. It was nice to be a kid again, going to the skate shop and trying out different boards. I tried a WKND board and liked the shape. Trevor Thompson saw a clip of me skating a WKND board on Instagram and contacted me. It happened naturally. It’s been two years now.
Have you picked up any slang or new ways of living from the WKND crew?
[laughs] Yes! There’s a lot of slang I’m trying to keep up with. Nikolai Piombo is always saying “It’s a bop,” which is funny. He also uses “XP,” referencing his gaming background, to describe the struggle of trying a trick multiple times. Riley Pavey plays a lot of trap music, and I started asking him to play something chill. He started calling me Grandma, so now I ask for the “grandma music.”Have you experienced a “contact high” from Tanner Burzinski and Nikolai?
Probably! It’s impressive what they can do on a skateboard after smoking.
Tell me about being part of Grant’s skits.
It was insane. Grant has really stepped up the production. He had professionals working with us, including a makeup artist and someone who does special effects for Hollywood films.
How long did the face makeup take for the Rumblepack video?
It was quick, about half an hour. The other props, like the electrical box, took days to prepare. They were even pouring ice cream on me to make me look like I was melting! It was a hectic but great experience. I had to go to McDonald’s to buy more milkshakes and ice cream, trying to match my skin tone.
Do you see a future in acting?
I didn’t have to do much acting for the skit. I learned that it’s a lot about facial expressions. I’m down to be in another WKND skit, but I don’t know if I’m going to go to Hollywood. Maybe I should take an improv class.
Sarah Meurle Photo
Have you taught any of the WKND riders any Swedish customs?
When they visited, I introduced them to Priest cheese. We cut cheese differently here, peeling it off the wheel with a special cutter. I gave everyone a piece, and it’s become a WKND tradition. They all love it.
Do you feel your skating has become more creative since joining WKND?
Yes, I think it has. WKND allows you to take time to really try things and come back to spots. On trips, you often do your go-to tricks to get something done, but filming for this part I was able to explore different approaches. The way WKND finds spots is crazy. They’ll spend a whole day fixing a spot to skate the next day.
What’s your take on brands having separate “Euro” teams?
I think it’s a shame to divide things. Everything should be a mix. If you have a team, it should be global, with everyone supporting each other.
Now that you’re considered an “American pro,” was there a point where you felt being a European pro was different?
I was just joking about that the other day after I turned pro. Someone asked me how it feels to be an American pro. This time it felt like it was properly done, and I came out with a part I really worked hard on. I felt acknowledged. I had a pro board with a Swedish brand when I was 19, but it wasn’t the same. It’s good to have to work for it. And to be honest, America didn’t know me that well before this.
Sarah Meurle New
How does it feel to turn pro at your age? Do you wish it happened earlier?
I think you just need to embrace it when it happens. It would have been great if it happened sooner since I’ve been skating for so long. However, it has allowed me to explore things outside of skating, like art school and photography.
It’s better late than never with what’s happening now in the industry. When I was 25 I was going to start working on a bachelor’s degree and focus more on photography. Around that time, Nike started wanting to build women’s skateboarding, and they asked me to be on the team, that was eight years ago.
When did you first notice people were coming to Sweden to skate?
People started recognizing Malmo and Sweden because of Polar and Pontus Alv. He had a unique approach that inspired many people. I also need to give credit to the skate high school, and CPH Open, for attracting more people to the scene.
Are there any skateboarding trends you’ve regretted?
I had some questionable fashion choices. I was into hip-hop at 15, with New Era hats. I also had these cargo pirate shorts that were cut below the knee with the hats that was my most outrageous fit. Around 18, I developed a sense of style, but I’m always changing things up. I’m constantly having a crisis about my hair and what hat or beanie to wear.
Are there any rivalries between Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish skaters?
We had a Scandinavian championship ten years ago, but it was all friendly. There are some stereotypes though. Swedes think that Norwegians are spoiled brats because of their oil wealth. The Danes tend to be more conservative and consider Swedes to be weak leftists.
In Sweden, there’s the trend of landing a trick and then jumping in the water. Have you participated in that yet?
No, not yet, but I want to! I have a spot in Malmo picked out. That might be my next move before it gets too cold.
Sarah Meurle’s journey exemplifies the global evolution of skateboarding. From the skate-focused education in Sweden to her experiences as a professional skater with WKND, Sarah’s story is one of growth, creativity, and cultural exchange. Her diverse perspectives and experiences, combined with her unique style, make her an exciting and influential figure in the skateboarding world.
Interview by: Ben Komins
Photos by: Joel Meinholz, Kevin Horn, Hallvard Kolltveit and Corey Greengage
