HCSC Social Skateboarding Session
ATB Skate Warehouse | Swindon
I am not one for New Year's resolutions however one thing I want to do more of this year is to experience new activities or sports. Having visited the wave in Bristol many times and seeing people skateboard effortlessly around the complex I set my sights on learning how to skateboard.
On the 28th of January thirteen members of the Home Counties Surf Club (HCSC) met in Swindon at ATB Skate Warehouse. From the outside ATB Skate Warehouse looks like any other commercial unit on an industrial park. As soon as you open the door and step inside you are greeted by Patches!…
Patches is a Labrador. Aptly named as he has a hole filled blanket always tied around his collar. Patches loves people and sometimes when he gets too excited, he uses his mouth to show his affection. The blanket around the collar can be put in Patches mouth as an alternative to your hand or jacket…
With the blanket in Patches mouth we had our briefing session in the Skate shop around what to expect and the equipment we would need. Afterwards we then headed through the shop and into the skate park.
The warehouse is a large space filled with every ramp you could think of; wave ramps, quarter pipes, spine's, halfpipes, vert ramps, rails and even a staircase! If you head to the back of the warehouse and open the door, you'll also find a large covered half pipe outside.
Chrissy volunteered to lead a session for a few of the members who were new to skateboarding - myself included! After fifteen minutes of getting comfortable being on the board, working out how to push forward and manage small turns without falling off it was time to head to the ramps.
Tom | HCSC Member | ATB Skate Warehouse
The ramps don't seem that large when you're stood next to them but when you’re on top of a skateboard looking down, they feel massive. With each attempt going down the ramp I slowly worked my way up to the top of the ramp.
I will admit now to having one bad fall which knocked the wind out of me for a few minutes! Despite falling over, I continued to try out the different ramps across the skatepark and watch those more skilled skaters attempt complex tricks on the rails.
The end of the skateboarding session was signalled by the arrival of the pizzas. People were able to chat over some pizza about the session, what they enjoyed and where they struggled. One comment that kept popping up was that everyone had a great time and would be back soon.
What makes HCSC such a great group of people is that no matter the difference in skill levels or experiences everyone supports everyone else. Despite me not being able to shred a half pipe, having people cheer you on as you progress makes taking part and trying new things that much more fun.
After the pizza was finished it was time to say our goodbyes and head home. Of course, not before saying goodbye Patches!
Chris Carlin | HCSC Member
