There’s a new learn-to-skateboard program being offered up in Williams Lake, and a longtime veteran of the sport will be heading up its instruction.
Skateboarding 101, being put on by the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex, is for kids ages six to 12 and begins Sunday, May 26 and runs for four weeks.
Vancouver-based Carly Richardson, who began longboarding in high school after she saw some older kids doing it, will be the instructor for the course. She said after her first attempt at longboarding back in 2000, she was hooked.
Richardson, now 27, has since turned her passion for longboarding into a career, and is sponsored by more than half a dozen skateboard companies including Landyachtz Longboards, Bear Trucks and TimeShip Racing.
Richardson was a coach and mentor for an all-female downhill skateboarding team, bringing 60-plus girls to the Maryhill Tour de Feminin. She has worked in California and New Mexico teaching people of all ages the skills they need to ride confidently and safely.
“My perspective on my board is always different, but that’s the part of what I love about it,” Richardson said. “The literal feeling under my feet is always the same – comfortable. But as surroundings change intention and direction change. It’s always a different mood for me but always positive, and I’ll never stop.”
Richardson said learning to be safe will be one of the key components of the program.
“Learning to be safe is key to boarding,” she said. “You are going to fall whether you like it or not, so learn how to do it the right way. Then, you can enjoy all your roll time on the board.”
The class will start on flat ground then move to ramps, then the skate park.
“It will be a lot of fun,” Richardson said.
Skateboarding equipment will be available for those who need it, but all participants must provide their own helmet.
For more information or to register call the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex at 250-398-7665.
