In the year in which skateboarding becomes an Olympic sport, Wanaka is right on trend with the opening of the area’s first skate school.

Rad Skate School opened about six weeks ago and offers both group and private lessons, which are held at a variety of locations from Cardrona to Hawea. 

Skate coach Chris Curran said the club aimed to cater for “everyone from 2 to 99” but their initial group classes were divided roughly into two groups: five to seven-year-olds (beginners) and nine to 12-year-olds (intermediate). 

“Going forward we also hope to have an all-women class, and an adult class, because we keep hearing the demand for these from the community,” Chris added. 

Chris, who has been skateboarding for 20 years and recently placed second in the National Mini Ramp competition, is joined by a band of experienced coaches including Grady Johnny, G Perin Junior and Anna Burgess. Vedyn Fellows (12) also helps out with teaching some of the smaller children.

The current block of group classes is fully booked, but from February 29 a new block of private classes (for one to three people) will be available. 

Chris said that the classes were as much about community and learning from each other as they were about technical skills. 

“We try to teach them about skate park etiquette, like having only one person in the bowl at a time, and we hope that by having the lessons at different parks around Wanaka the boarders can make contact with the people who run these parks, some of which are on private land.” 

For more information, see the Rad Skate School Facebook page.

PHOTO: Supplied