Skateboard Camp at the Slab

WAITSBURG - After the success of last year's cheer camp, Waitsburg Parks & Recreation added six new summer activities. The first was Skateboard Camp, held at The Slab next to Simply Sawdust.

For three days, eight beginner skaters worked with coaches John Langford, Austin Casey, and Grant Godard to learn the basics and have a great time. Kids love to jump on a board, but they don't always have the skills or skater's etiquette to ride safely.

With a focus on safety, coaches began each day with a meet-and-greet, warm-up stretches, and an equipment check. Helmets, mats, and knee pads are only a part of the good safety habits campers learned. They also learned to make sure that the riders and the decks are in shape and ready to ride.

Lane Gwinn

Coach Langford checks out a camper's board.

The lesson plan includes instructions on how to fall, get onto the board or deck, balance, push off, turn, stop, and step off.

Lane Gwinn

Learning to fall is part of the fun.

"Building skateboard etiquette, we are encouraging respect, always picking your board up when skating and there is foot traffic, asking permission before skating anything, and being respectful to community members. Respect goes a long way and could potentially get them a skatepark in our community," said Langford.

The next Parks & Rec camp is Volleyball from July 14 to 16. There will be two camps, Pickleball and Baton Twirling, the following week. The series continues in August with Soccer, Cheer, and Fly-Fishing Camps. Each camp is only $30, and those who sign up for all six camps will receive one free. Follow Waitsburg Parks & Recreation on Facebook for registration information, locations, and updates.