No school in session? Time for the School Of Skate!
By Contributor
What were Rossland’s kids doing when school was out last week? Everyone found different activities, and for a group of fortunate youngsters the answer was the School Of Skate.
Rossland Recreation, in cooperation with the Rossland Skatepark Association, ran a learn to skateboard program in the Emcon lot (the site the City has approved for a future permanent park). Skaters utilized the Emcon asphalt, a quarter pipe mini-ramp and a 3 foot mini ramp, constructed by the RSA for Golden City Days. The demand for the daily drop in skate lessons resulted in 5 out of 6 classes filling quickly.
“We had a great turnout,” said Ty Smith, the Castlegar-based accredited skateboard instructor that led the courses. “The boys and girls were really excited about skateboarding.”
Ty developed their skills of stance, stopping, falling safely, turning and basic skateboard tricks on the flat and transition.
For some of the young skaters it was their first experience with a ramp, while others were managing to successfully drop in after only one or two lessons. For all of them the progression from the beginning to the end of the course was truly impressive.
The RSA is aiming to raise the remaining funds to build a permanent skatepark in the Emcon lot within the next year and a half. But in the meantime, the ramp may be back next summer.
“This is the next generation of Rossland skaters we’re supporting here,” said Ty. “They’re keen!”
