Behind the Brand: FR Skates

 

Short answer:

FR Skates, founded by Sebastian Lafargue, has evolved from its slalom roots into a globally recognized inline skate brand. It offers a range of models, including freestyle, aggressive, and free-ride skates. The brand continues to innovate, with recent developments like the UFS-compatible UFR skate expanding its product line.


The pioneer

Sebastian Lafargue, a pioneer in the slalom Skating world, established FR Skates. Originally part of the Seba brand, FR Skates developed as a standalone entity in 2018 after the two brands parted ways. Initially known for high-performance slalom skates, FR Skates has subsequently expanded into aggressive, downhill, and free-ride skating. The brand's mission is to provide skates that allow skaters to excel in any discipline, without being limited by their equipment.
Sebastian Lafargue has a long history in the skating world. Starting with his early days as a competitive skater, he progressed to founding Seba, and ultimately creating FR Skates. He has always focused on innovation, ensuring that FR Skates remains a leader in quality and performance. The brand has become one of the best-selling lines at Thisissoul Skate Shop in Amsterdam, where skaters can try on and purchase the latest FR models.


Behind the brand FR skates: the evolution

Early history and Seba Roots

Sebastian Lafargue’s journey began in Paris, where he first encountered skating as a child. He started with quad skates and eventually transitioned to inline skates in the 1990s. His passion for slalom skating grew, leading him to competitions across Europe, where he won several titles. In the late 1990s, he began collaborating with brands, which eventually led to the creation of the Seba brand, a name that soon became synonymous with high-performance slalom skates. Seba Skates, co-founded by Lafargue, focused primarily on slalom skating. However, as the market and skate technology evolved, so did Lafargue’s vision. Recognizing the need for diversification and innovation, he eventually transitioned to founding FR Skates as a standalone brand.

FR Skates is best known for its slalom and free-ride skates, but the brand has successfully expanded into other disciplines. The introduction of models like the UFR (Universal Frame System) skate marked a significant shift, allowing skaters to easily switch between free-ride and aggressive skating by simply changing the frame. This versatility is at the core of FR Skates’ philosophy.

The brand offers several popular models, including:

  • FR1, FR2, FR3, and FRX: These models vary in quality and price, with the FR1 being the highest-performing model.
  • UFR Skates: These skates feature a UFS mounting system, allowing for easy conversion between disciplines.
  • SL Freestyle and SL Spin: Carbon-based models designed for high-performance skating.

    Each model is designed with a specific skating style in mind, whether it's freestyle, aggressive, or recreational skating. Despite its growth, FR Skates maintains its commitment to quality, with each model undergoing rigorous testing by top skaters.

     

    Behind the brand FR skates: product, marketing, and corporate structure 

    Product development

    Sebastian Lafargue’s role in the company is primarily focused on product development, ensuring that each skate meets the highest standards. Greg, his business partner, handles the commercial side of the business, including sales and marketing. Together, they oversee the entire production process, from design to distribution. 

     

    Marketing and brand direction

    FR Skates prides itself on being a versatile brand, catering to skaters of all levels. The brand’s image revolves around the idea that skaters should never feel limited by their equipment. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced skater, FR Skates offers a model that can grow with you. 

     

    Corporate structure

    The company operates globally, with warehouses and offices in multiple locations. Meanwhile, Lafargue and Greg manage the business from France. Furthermore, FR Skates has partners and distributors worldwide. Consequently, the company has grown steadily since its inception, with a strong focus on maintaining relationships with skaters and retailers.

     

    Conclusion

    FR Skates has successfully positioned itself as a leader in the inline skating industry, with a focus on innovation, quality, and versatility. From its early days in slalom to its current position as a multi-discipline brand, FR Skates continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in skating.

    For more in-depth insights into the history and future of FR Skates, watch the full interview with Sebastian Lafargue, where he discusses the brand’s journey, recent developments, and future plans.

    Get an insider's view of the skating industry with our Behind the Brand series. From humble beginnings to global success, explore how your favorite brands grew and evolved, and what makes them leaders in the sport.

     

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