More Than Just Skateboarding
The workshops aimed to re-engage participants from previous sessions while welcoming newcomers eager to learn. Across both communities, young people practiced essential skateboarding skills like balancing, steering, and stopping. As their confidence grew, they took on ramps and advanced tricks, including rock-to-fakies and soccer flips.
In Ngukurr, skateboarding was complemented by creative activities such as tie-dye shirt-making and ramp art. These breaks allowed participants to recharge and return to skating with fresh focus and energy. “I like it because it's hard; it makes you give 100%,” said one enthusiastic participant.
In Numbulwar, participants tackled challenges like weaving through cones and mastering flat-ground tricks, building both their skills and their confidence. One young skater shared, “My favourite thing about skateboarding is you can learn quickly.”
Confidence and Community
The benefits of the program extended beyond skateboarding. Participants developed problem-solving and decision-making skills while learning to take risks in a safe, supportive environment. Skateboarding also provided a positive outlet for stress relief and emotional regulation.
A strong sense of community was another key outcome. Young people encouraged each other, shared tips, and celebrated successes together. “You need to lean back more,” one skater advised a friend, demonstrating the collaborative and supportive atmosphere.
Programs like these not only help young people develop valuable skills but also foster confidence, creativity, and strong community connections.
Roper Gulf Regional Council is proud to support initiatives that empower and inspire our youth and looks forward to continuing its partnership with Build Up Skateboarding to bring more impactful programs to our communities in the future.
These workshops were made possible through the support and funding of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) as part of the Youth Reconnect program.
