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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.

OnBoard Skate School

Location:
Palmerston North, Levin, Masterton

Services:
School, Girl’s and Women’s, After School, Birthday Parties, Private Lessons, School Holiday programmes.

Website:
rad.nz

Location:
Hawea, Wanaka, Queenstown

Services:
Skateboarding lessons, Groups, birthdays, one-on-one

Young Guns Skate School

Location:
Auckland

Services:
Skateboarding lessons, Lockdown sessions, Holiday sessions, After school classes, Skatepark tours, Birthday parties, Private lessons, 

Location:
Auckland

Services:
Group lessons, Private lessons, Holiday lessons

Location:
Auckland

Services:
Holiday programmes, Free sessions, In-school programmes, Group lessons

Location:
Online

Services:
Manaaki Skate Program

Website:
eastskate.co.nz

Location:
East Auckland

Services:
Group lessons, Beginners, Intermediate, Adults, 

Sam's Skate School

Location:
Tauranga and surrounding suburbs.

Services:
A skateboarding social enterprise operating in Tauranga and the surrounding suburbs. They offer FREE after school and school-holiday skateboarding lessons to local tamariki. Also available are private lessons, birthday parties, holiday programs, in school and after school programs.

Jedi Skateboard Academy

Location:
Palmerston North

Services:
School, Girl’s and Women’s, After School, Birthday Parties, Private Lessons, School Holiday programmes.

Girl's Skate Kapiti

Location:
Kapiti

Services:
School, Girl’s and Women’s, After School, Birthday Parties, Private Lessons, School Holiday programmes.

Location:
Wellington

Services:
Encouraging and motivating wāhine and takatāpui (LGBTQ+) to give skateboarding a go in the greater Wellington region. All ages and abilities welcome!

Location:
Upper Hutt and Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington

Services:
Female run skate school supported by Fusion Skate. Group lessons, private lessons, after school care, holiday programs, free pop up lessons.

If you’d like to have your skate school listed on this page, please contact us here.