Learn to skate
Learning to skate is serious fun, but it requires dedication, grit and energy. The great thing about skateboarding is that it can be done almost anywhere there is smooth ground — that might be your driveway, a footpath or local skatepark.
Getting started
Choosing a skateboard
Skateboards come in all shapes and sizes from cruiser type boards to regular street skating boards, slightly wider and longer boards for Park, Bowl or Vert, or proper longboards for downhill skating. Choose the best board for your interests. If you’re unsure, speak to your locally core skateboard store or skate school for some advice.
Where to skate
Find a friend that skates or get in touch with a skate school to find a supportive environment to skate in. Getting a feel for standing on a board and learning basic balance can be done on carpet or grass. Progress to a flat and clear surface without obstacles to start rolling around. When you feel more confident, it could be time to head to the skateboard — take a friend that skates or book a lesson to get the feel of the skatepark and learn about skatepark etiquette.
Safety equipment
Wearing elbow and knee pads, a helmet, and wristguards is a great idea, especially when getting started. It hurts to fall on concrete. Be smart, and don’t cut your skateboarding experience short.
Shoes & Clothing
Flat soled sneakers are best. They come in all shapes and styles. Choose a pair that has the right amount of board feel and protection to suit your feet. Loose or stretchy clothing is best.
Choosing your stance
You will either be regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward) stance. Your strongest or dominant foot is usually the one that leads. Try standing on a board both ways and choose the stance you feel most comfortable with.
Skate schools
There are many different skate schools all over the country. Some run free or paid drop-in sessions; others do tailored lessons by ability or age. Some providers offer holiday programmes or birthday party sessions. We’ve compiled a list of them so you can find the right one for you in your local area.
North Island
Young Guns Skate School
Website:
younggunsskateschool.co.nz
Location:
Auckland
Services:
Holiday sessions, After school classes, Skatepark tours, Birthday parties, Private lessons and Events
Girls Skate NZ
Website:
girlsskatenz.org
Location:
Auckland
Services:
Holiday programmes, Free sessions, In-school programmes, Group lessons
OnBoard Skate School
Website:
onboardskate.org.nz
Location:
Palmerston North, Levin, Masterton
Services:
School, Girl’s and Women’s, After School, Birthday Parties, Private Lessons, School Holiday programmes.
Surely Skate
Website:
surelyskate.com
Location:
Hawkes Bay and surrounding districts
Services:
Girls only lessons, Group lessons, Private lessons, Holiday lessons, Skate tours and Events
Aroha Skate
Wellness Riders
Website:
wellnessriders.com
Location:
Auckland and Hawkes Bay
Services:
Youth led group lessons, Homeschool lessons and Events
East Skate Club
Website:
eastskate.co.nz
Location:
East Auckland
Services:
Group lessons, Beginners, Intermediate and Adults
Sam's Skate School
YouTube:
@samsskateschool
Location:
Tauranga and surrounding suburbs.
Services:
Private lessons, Birthday parties, Holiday programs, In school and After school programs.
Mana Skateboarding
Website:
manaskateboarding.com
Location:
Mount Maunganui and surrounding suburbs.
Services:
Group lessons, Private lessons, Skate tours. Taught by NZ Bowl, Park and Street 2025 Champion, Shaun Boucher.
Bay Skate Skate School
Website:
bayskate.nz
Location:
Napier
Services:
Group lessons, Private lessons, Events, Group bookings, Birthday parties, Girls night sessions and In-school lessons
Jedi Skateboard Academy
Website:
onboardskate.org.nz
Location:
Palmerston North
Services:
School, Girl’s and Women’s, After School, Birthday Parties, Private Lessons, School Holiday programmes.
Waa Hine Skate
Website:
Waahine Skate
Location:
Wellington and surrounding districts
Services:
Encouraging and motivating wāhine and takatāpui (LGBTQ+) to give skateboarding a go in the greater Wellington region. All ages and abilities welcome!
Sol Skates Club
Happy Skate School
Location:
Hamilton
Services:
Group lessons, Later Skate sessions, Private lessons
Email:
treskool@gmail.com
Location:
Hamilton/Waipa District
Cambridge and Te Awamutu
Services:
Group lessons, Private lessons, Holiday programs and birthday parties
Kid Skate Tairawhiti
GUTS (Get Up To Skateboard)
South Island
Progression Sessions
Cheapskates Skate Skool
Website:
skateskool.co.nz
Location:
Christchurch
Services:
Group lessons, Private lessons, Birthday parties and more!
Rad Skate School
Website:
rad.nz
Location:
Hawea, Wanaka, Queenstown
Services:
Group lessons, Private lessons, Adaptive lessons, After-school and Holiday programs
SITE Wanaka
If you’d like to have your skate school listed on this page, please contact us here.