A free skateboarding event is rolling into Hobart this Saturday to mark International Go Skateboarding Day, with workshops, competitions and giveaways on offer at EC Skate Park.
Skate of Mind, a nationally touring collective of skaters, artists and musicians, is hosting the event on June 20 at the Murray Street park, one day ahead of the global celebration observed in more than 70 countries.
Locky Rankin, a community producer and mentor with Skate of Mind, said the day would feature free learn-to-skate workshops, digital art workshops, a best trick competition with Vans giveaways and a mystery obstacle.
“All welcome, any ages, any skill levels, and come and have a great time,” Rankin told Pulse.
Rankin, who is from Sisters Beach in north-west Tasmania, said the collective works in regional and remote communities across Australia to promote skateboarding as a path to better mental health for young people.
“It’s a great pathway for a young person to find community, creativity, and physical exercise, and those three things, it’s factual that those three things have great positive mental health outcomes,” he said.
“That’s what Skate of Mind as a project strives to create for young people in regional and remote communities.”
Sponsored Australian skaters such as Lenny Tejada will travel from the mainland to take part.
Rankin said he got into skateboarding through his older cousins growing up in Sisters Beach, where the culture revolved around surfing, skating and BMX.
He has worked with Skate of Mind for three years, though the organisation has been running since 2019 under its parent group Big Art, which has been working with skateboarders since around 2006.
An after party will follow at the Crescent Hotel from 6pm.
The event will be held at EC Skate Park, 285 Murray St, Hobart from 12pm on Saturday.
