That’s the opinion of a few Pictou County men who are trying to encourage young skateboarders as they learn the sport.
Twenty-somethings Brandon Richardson, Christian Heighton, and Aaron Maclean are a few of the faces behind Pristine Skateboarding, a small Pictou County company selling branded skateboards decks and clothing as well as organizing local teams. “A community thing more than a business” is how they describe it.
“When I was little, the older guys would pick on you when you … fell,” Heighton said during an interview ahead of a skate demo they’re organizing.
That discouraged them from trying to learn, and they want it to change.
There’s usually only one event locally each year, they said, and their demo offers a chance for skateboarders to come together.
The response has been better than they expected, Richardson, who also teaches kids in Westville twice a week how to skateboard, said, with good support from Trenton Recreation and plenty of excited young skaters. At the demo on May 28, they’ll be offering prizes, partly as a motivational tool.
“I never would’ve gone into a competition because I knew I wouldn’t win,” Richardson said about when he was learning.
Pristine Skateboarding already has an “A Team” of skaters, but are looking to create a “B Team” as a way to encourage and motivate people new to the sport to try to improve.
Just the basics
When: Thursday, May 28
Where: Trenton Skate Park
What time: Set-up at 5:30 p.m., demo/contests start at 6 p.m.
What: Demonstration, contests, BBQ, prizes and live music
Who: Bands playing include:
- Machete
- The Prelims
- The Marty Mcflys
