Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
As he watches their smiles widen with excitement as they pick up their skateboards and embrace the freedom and euphoria he too experienced as a seven-year-old when he first took up the sport, Sonny Ingledew cheers enthusiastically and shares words of encouragement with his young pupils.
Keen to offer Clarence Valley youths an opportunity to participate in a fun-filled outdoor activity, and make a contribution to his community, Mr Ingledew established Yamba Skate School eighteen months ago, and the locally based business continues to experience a strong surge in popularity.
With over 30 years skateboarding experience, Mr Ingledew possesses a deep passion and appreciation for the sport which offered him an outlet as a young boy growing up in Grafton, and allowed him to “find his people”, make new friends, and grow and develop skills which he enjoys sharing with the next generation of local sporting enthusiasts.
“A lot of people have this idea that skateboarding is just about doing fancy tricks, and it’s always had this stigma attached to it because a lot of people think skateboarders only skateboard and don’t do much else, but there’s so much more to the sport,” Mr Ingledew said encouragingly.
“It’s about challenging yourself, wanting to learn new skills and giving yourself goals to work towards achieving.
“You never stop learning, and that’s a great lesson to teach kids because it motivates them.
“I reckon that’s one of the best things about Yamba Skate School because I love skateboarding, and I always dreamed of doing what I love for a living.
“I love the interaction with families, meeting the kids and watching them learn because those moments are priceless.
“I teach a lot of different styles and about the positive culture of the sport, and it’s really great to see more and more kids wanting to learn to skateboard.
“The feedback for Yamba Skate School has been amazing, and all the kids are super keen to learn.”
Utilising the vicinity of the soon to be expanded Yamba Skatepark to host classes and one-on-one lessons, Mr Ingledew teaches children as young as five, and said skateboarding is becoming increasingly popular with girls.
“I teach more girls than boys, and they love it,” he said.
“They all skate together, there’s no segregation, and it’s great to see more girls taking an interest in the sport.
“Skateboarding gives me a sense of freedom, and I love that.
“I love seeing the kids experience that feeling as well.”
For more information on Yamba Skate School, lesson enrolments and fees, please visit www.yambaskate.com
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 13 October 2021.