‘‘Just turn up and be consistent’’
learn to skate.’’
Since then Winstone has been holding ‘‘sunset sessions’’ most weekdays after school and Kids On Boards training days on Saturdays and Sundays at the Tokoroa skatepark.
Wallace-Elliott has, in the past few months, teamed up with Winstone and has started running KOB classes at the Morrinsville skatepark on Sundays from 1pm.
Everything is provided by the KOB crew – boards, pads, helmets – the pair use their own funds to buy the essentials.
‘‘To be a KOB kid all you need to do is turn up and be consistent, so we have to set a good example for them,’’ WallaceElliot said.
‘‘All we ask of the kids, and of ourselves, is passion, purpose and perseverance – we won’t stop till the wheels fall off,’’ Winstone said.
Their guidelines are simple – no bullying, no swearing, no putdowns – every kid is treated equally.
They said the kids had taken ownership of their space – there’s no litter or graffiti at the Tokoroa skatepark – it’s a testament to how the kids have taken to the sport and their mentors’ philosophy.
‘‘The kids who are coming down love it, they are naturals, seeing them take on a new trick and finally land it, then the smiles on their faces – it’s a real sense of achievement,’’ Winstone said.
‘‘Give them a board, and they are occupied for that day – the parents love it,’’ Wallace-Elliot said.
‘‘One family has four kids coming along ... they do their chores faster at home to get down to the skatepark earlier.’’
Winstone is a self-employed painter and plasterer, while Wallace-Elliott, 33, builds skate parks for a living.
They are now in the process of setting up a charitable trust, so Kids On Boards can have a sustainable future.
‘‘We provide a safe space and a refuge if it’s needed, and with all the kids we encourage integrity, respect and positivity,’’ Winstone said.
He said the New Zealand skateboarding community was one big family, ‘‘we have been reaching out to them, and they have been amazing and really supportive’’.
‘‘We don’t ask for money, we know it’s tough out there and decent boards and gear can cost a lot,’’ Wallace-Elliott said.
‘‘It’s way more than just skateboarding for these kids, they know they are part of a wide community, not just here, but with skaters from all over the country,’’ Winstone said.