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
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.
Rad Skate School
Website:
rad.nz
Location:
Hawea, Wanaka, Queenstown
Services:
Skateboarding lessons, Groups, birthdays, one-on-one
Young Guns Skate School
Website:
younggunsskateschool.co.nz
Location:
Auckland
Services:
Skateboarding lessons, Lockdown sessions, Holiday sessions, After school classes, Skatepark tours, Birthday parties, Private lessons,
Aroha Skate
Girls Skate NZ
Website:
girlsskatenz.org
Location:
Auckland
Services:
Holiday programmes, Free sessions, In-school programmes, Group lessons
Wellness Riders
East Skate Club
Website:
eastskate.co.nz
Location:
East Auckland
Services:
Group lessons, Beginners, Intermediate, Adults,
Sam's Skate School
YouTube:
@samsskateschool
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
Website:
onboardskate.org.nz
Location:
Palmerston North
Services:
School, Girl’s and Women’s, After School, Birthday Parties, Private Lessons, School Holiday programmes.
Girl's Skate Kapiti
Website:
onboardskate.org.nz
Location:
Kapiti
Services:
School, Girl’s and Women’s, After School, Birthday Parties, Private Lessons, School Holiday programmes.
Waa Hine Skate
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!
Skate Ed
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.
House of Skate
Website:
houseofskate.co
Location:
Mount Maunganui
Services:
A skate school in Mount Manuganui for beginner and intermediate skaters.
If you’d like to have your skate school listed on this page, please contact us here.