Learn how to kick it in Pelham’s skate park
Pelham is helping youth ride into summer with free skateboarding lessons at Isaac Riehl Memorial Skate Park.
Through the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund the town received $9,200 to fund active programs. In partnership with Monkeynastix, which focuses on fitness, the town is running free skateboarding lessons and Monkeynastix activities during the summer.
Skateboarding instructors Ethan Scott, 24, and Abbi Carr, 23, run the program in Marlene Stewart Streit Park three days a week.
“If you fall, you have to get back up again and keep trying,” Scott said about the discipline and dedication athletes must have.
About 35 youths have signed up for lessons, but Scott said on average about 15 show up. He said some youths participate on certain days, so it always changes.
Carr, who has been skateboarding for three years, said the best part of teaching people how to skateboard is seeing their confidence improve. She said many start off nervous, but once they land a certain trick they’ve been trying, they “love it.”
Scott and Carr said not only does the sport build confidence, it is also a great workout. Skateboarders must use their whole body to perform tricks — even just skating uses the whole body.
“It’s good to see them socializing instead of on their phones,” Scott said about the wellness benefits of a skate park.
Julie Cook, recreation, culture and wellness programmer with the town, said the free skateboard lessons are part of the town’s plan to increase physical literacy as well as teach about sharing space. Often, the skate park has various sports and activities at the same time. Cook said people use skateboards, bikes and scooters at the park, so part of the education is learning how to respect one another and the space.
To start skateboarding, Scott said all you need is a cheap skateboard and a helmet. He said once you get better at skateboarding and you know it’s a sport you enjoy, then you can upgrade, but any board can do for learning purposes.
Cook encouraged people to sign up for the free lessons in advance to ensure a spot. She said youth need to bring their own boards and protective gear, including helmets, to the lessons.
At Centennial Park, Monkeynastix staff teach physical literacy for children ages one to eight. Cook said the activities are held every Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Participants will use different equipment to promote healthy and active living. Cook said the programs are great because they get children off the couch and moving.
Skateboarding lessons are every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10:15 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
For more information about the programs and to sign up for lessons, visit www.pelham.ca/kids.