Skateboarders harbouring dreams of becoming the next Tony Hawks, will have the opportunity to brush up their rad tricks, and perfect their 360s, nose grabs and McTwists, at a skateboard coaching session being held at Valley Gardens Skate Park in Harrogate on Thursday 28 August 2014.
The event, which takes place between 10am-12 noon, is part of the Sk8 Safe training programme, which Harrogate Borough Council has carried out for the past couple of years with specialist training company Sk8 Safe.
As well as helping novices learn the basics, and experienced skateboarders to perfect their skills, the event will also teach the etiquette of skate park use. Attendees will be taught how to use the skate park safely and will be made aware of the importance of respecting fellow skate park users, and also other visitors by not skating or riding through Valley Gardens on their way to and from the skate park.
It has been a busy year for Valley Gardens Skate Park seeing a number of projects come to fruition. The skate park ambassador scheme has gone from strength to strength helping less experienced children and young people use the skate park safely and ensuring that they are aware of the rules of the park. The ambassadors have also turned their hand to fashion design, creating a cool skate park t-shirt for skateboarders and BMX riders to wear.
The Valley Gardens Skate Jam, which took place on Sunday 20 July 2014, saw talented young skateboarders and BMX riders come out in force to show off their skills, bask in glory, and walk home with fantastic prizes donated by Deckheads Scooters, Notion BMX and Popcornskate.
Sk8 Safe also awarded prizes for skill, and use of the park, in the main Scooter, Skateboard and BMX events. While in the free skate sessions they rewarded effort and etiquette.
Local BMX rider Scott Atkinson, who came first in the BMX Jam and won the ‘Overall Best Trick’ title, received a prize of tickets to the Leeds Festival Tickets worth over £500.
The Skateboard Jam was won by local skater Ben Hunter (aged 11), who beat off strong competition from previous winners Danny Jones, Tom van den Hoeven and Lloyd Clipston who came in 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.
First place in the Beginners category of the Scooter Jam was awarded to Kieran Dowdall (aged 9) for the second year running. While the Intermediate Under 13 title was claimed by Rory Henderson, and the Intermediate14+ age group was won by Fin Waterhouse.
Skateboarders interested in attending the coaching event should call Sarah Agar-Brennan on 07973741454.
Booking is essential as places are limited.
Photo credit goes to photographer Nate James
