Our goal is to be able to bring skateboarding to anyone that wants or needs it.
What we can offer
Whether it`s something for underprivileged communities that need to keep young people away from such dangers as county lines and gang violence, or to people that cannot afford sports equipment or to travel to skate parks.
We can offer skate coaching and support to anyone who needs it, everyone is welcome, and skating is truly all inclusive. It doesn't matter if you are good at sports already, or trying something new, as long as you are out on a board having fun that's all that matters.
As skateboarding has grown in popularity recently, especially with young women, we have run events for the girls only, as well as our usual mixed groups. Everyone is welcome at our events, but we can also run smaller quieter groups for people that don't do well in crowds. Our training programmes can be tailored to suit all needs and abilities, even within the same classes. There are no restrictions on height or strength, making skating accessible to a wide range of people. We would love to have a semi permanent facility or venue where we could set up more equipment designed specifically for those less physically able or with specific needs. This might include large crash mats, or a suspended harness so it is impossible to hit the floor if you fall off the board. Which would be beneficial for those with muscular or bone conditions that would otherwise not be able to participate due to fear of falling and sustaining an injury that might not heal.
Skateboarding can be a great way to focus on positive activities rather than harmful ones. And can lead to a respite from anything in life that may be difficult, and potentially a way out. At the very least it`s a great way to spend free time with friends. Physical activity of any kind is a great way to help improve mental health, combined with the social aspects of events and even just hanging out at the skate park, skating can be a lift mentally as well as feeling better physically.
As our equipment is all made to be portable we can set up anywhere there is a flat space, this could be in a village hall, sports centre or even a car park. As long as the ground is skate able we can set a skate school. Our inflatable ramp sets us apart from traditional skateboarding setups, as it is portable, easy to set up, and designed with safety in mind. This allows us to bring the excitement of skateboarding directly to schools, community centres, and local events, breaking down barriers to access and promoting physical activity in a fun and inclusive way.
We know many people do not have the luxury of well maintained skate parks, or instructors that are experienced and qualified in skate coaching, which is why we bring the skate park to you.
We are also looking to introduce skateboarding as a way to get young people active and engaged in sports, but also with their peers in a positive encouraging environment, where everyone is equal and encouraged to be the best they can be, to overcome their fears and do things they never thought they could do. We know young people and especially teenagers can be very self conscious and lack confidence in themselves and their ability, which is why our trained staff always look to boost young people to their full potential and help them realise what they can accomplish if they believe in themselves.
We have already been able to help many local young people develop their skateboard skills whilst having fun and growing in confidence, not just in skating but in the rest of their life. As they grow in confidence with skating, this transfers to everyday life, to school, with their friends and even home life.
At every event we have at least one grown up that cannot wait to show us they used to skate as a youth, and want to have a go on our boards, skating round as their kids watch in embarrassment. We hope this will give parents and kids something to bond over, something they can do together at the skate parks or in the back garden, in the street or even in the living room.
All our coaches are qualified by Skateboard GB, trained in safeguarding, and experienced in youth work.
What we require, how funds will be spent
There are a few possibilities of how our team can facilitate free skateboarding lessons:
1. Funding for us to run a skate school at one of our venues.
We have been running successful events and lessons throughout the summer, and would like to replicate this for free. We already provide boards and helmets to anyone that doesn't have them, taking down another barrier that might stand in the way of someone being able to get involved. We know how expensive equipment is, and combined with the already high cost of living we want to be able to provide everything anyone will need to be able to skate and have fun.
2. Funding for us to travel to local facilities and run an event for or with other youth groups or organizations.
Due to the unique portability of our ramps we are able to take them virtually anywhere and set up in minutes, we have set up on a coastal path for a women's skate group, schools canteens for our half term camp, and even basketball courts and sports pitches. The possibilities are endless. All we need is some flat ground.
We already have the means to travel and the experience to set up anywhere, we just require the funds to pay our staff and help with the travel costs or transporting equipment.
3. Organize local travel companies and youth groups to bus young people from rural or deprived areas to come and skate with us.
If travelling around to lots of different communities is unrealistic another option is to bring people to one location. This could be done with mini bus hire, car pooling or any number of different ways. With proper marketing, planning and support we can help everybody skate and have fun whatever their background, location or constraints.
4. Training staff and replenishing equipment.
All our coaches are fully trained and insured, our helmets, boards, pads and any other safety gear is thoroughly checked and maintained. As thing wear out or get damaged they need at be replaced as safety is paramount. We would also love to be able to train young people and get them the same qualification by Skateboard GB that our coaches have. This would be the next step as they get older or even become so good at skateboarding theres nothing left to teach them! This progression into teaching other young people means that our programme can continue giving long after they have gone through our skate school, and hopefully these skills and confidence will stay with them through their lives, giving them the confidence and self belief to do anything they set their minds to.
About us
Our core team consists of 3 school friends, now in our 30`s, with a passion for action sports and a keen interest into giving back to the communities that have given so much to us.
As our business has grown we quickly realised the community and charity route was defiantly our calling, and we are intent on making Inflate2Skate free forever to youth groups and charities wherever possible. We have seen personally how much the young people (and parents) have enjoyed our events, and the ramps are always a talking point, and a source of amazement and wonder to many.
Unfortunately we cannot provide our services for free at the moment, which is why we are looking for funding.