Photo Credit: Jamie Matthew
On any given rain-free afternoon, inline skaters, BMX riders, and skateboarders of all ages can be observed enjoying a local skatepark. Since the revitalization of skateboarding in the late 1990s, parks and recreation agencies across the country have been striving to provide free outdoor action-sports complexes. It’s been a job well done, but is the job over? What about the traditional idea of providing programming for popular recreational activities?
Providing programming in action-sports parks can be daunting at first. The spirit of skateboarding is rules-free, and there are no age brackets or schedules. However, skateboarders share a love of their sport and a sense of camaraderie. The majority of skateboarders are dedicated to events and programming that build their community and that will welcome the next generation of skaters. With this in mind, multiple programming options are available.
Clinics And Workshops
Workshops are a great way for beginners to be introduced to the sport. Skatepark etiquette (how to use the natural flow of a skatepark and take turns to avoid colliding with other skaters), safety precautions, and proper balance and foot placement are not innate; they are learned. An effective instructor can help beginners conquer these concepts quickly so they can get into the fun stuff, which is, of course, learning how to ride a bowl, ollie, and do other tricks. Most beginners or their parents are happy to pay a fee similar to that for a session of dance or karate classes to attend a few lessons and ensure they can enjoy their new activity with success and safety.