Skating’s new dawn
For a select group of skateboarders it is all about fun, and they want Newcastle to see this.
For some skateboarding is an expression of freedom, a form of art, a skill that takes years to master.
For a select group of skateboarders it is all about fun, and they want Newcastle to see this.
Eben Venter and a group of fellow skateboarders are championing an initiative, a very personal one, one they hope that will not only help bring the community together but also help spur development in Newcastle.
“We just love skateboarding. It is a passion for many of us. We may not be the greatest skateboarders, but we have seen how much fun it can be, and how much of a difference it can make to your life,” explained Eben.
Following the closure of the Victoria Road half-pipe almost ten years ago, the only place for the skating community of Newcastle, to practise their sport, was the half-pipe at Grace Community Church.
With this in mind, Eben and his crew have begun making plans for the development of a skatepark in Newcastle, according to a development once proposed by the Newcastle Municipality.
“We want to create something that everyone can use safely, from bikers to rollerbladers and skateboarders.”
The idea of the next Tony Hawk or Danny MacAskill coming from Newcastle does not sound preposterous to the group who are trying to put together Newcastle’s very own skate-park.
Currently, the group skates weekly at the old Spoornet station near the Monte Stanco Moths Shellhole.
The group has already cleaned the area around the concrete station slab, and is filling in the various holes that could prove dangerous to skate on. According to Eben, safety of the skaters is of utmost important to the group.
“We are building ramps and pipes to grind. We want our community to see and experience the joys of skating.”
The group’s belief is that the sport will help keep the youth of tomorrow from indulging in various vices, and at it will develop a skill set within the community.
Already, some of the plans put into development by the group can be seen and the future of skateboarding, stunt biking and skating is looking brighter.
“Thank you Spoornet and Transnet for allowing us to use this land to begin our project. To the community, come and join us, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.”
The group skates every Sunday from 4pm and at times earlier. For more information, check them out on Facebook, NN Skate Park, or contact Eben on 082 837 4800.
