Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what level sk8 course to put my child in?

If your child can ride a skateboard to and from place to place, drop off curbs, ollie, and is exploring tricks then an intermediate course is the one.

If your child is unsure of what direction they ride or have trouble pushing and stopping on flat ground then a beginner course is key.

Regardless of the course, you/your child sign up for we understand that no one will be at the same level or have the same interests so our courses are extremely adaptable with this in mind. We focus on the needs and goals of each individual rider.

Am I/Is my child too old for the beginner course?

Absolutely not! Unlike many sports size and physical strength don’t really matter in skateboarding it all comes down to skills and confidence. Sometimes 6-year-old kids are in need of advanced courses and other times 26-year-olds are just stepping on for their first time. We’ve even taught grandparents to skateboard. It’s better when we’re all doing it together!

Where do I buy boards, supplies, and parts?

Always shop locally, and at a Skate/Snowboard Shop. If you are looking for anything skateboard or snowboard related in Golden, be sure to head down to Darkside or Brent’s Board Shop (located in downtown Golden) and they will be able to help you in more ways than one. Let them know we sent you and obtain a 10% discount. Also, feel free to reach out to Sideways Strategies for advice.

What (kind, shape, and size) of board should I buy?

Fire us an email or head on down to one of our local shops they have what you need and can steer you in the right direction.

What is the difference between getting a pre-build complete or building our own?

The pre-built skateboards come with very low-grade parts that will need to be replaced (with the other expensive ones) if your child takes to skateboarding.

A custom build can cost up to $350+ (for the top-of-the-line) but the trucks, wheels, and bearings will last a decade or more. The only thing you will ever need to replace might be the deck.

Bottom line if you think you or your child will want to continue skateboarding for a while don’t cheap out. it will seriously hold you back from your full potential.

Do you have any extra boards, helmets, or pads to borrow?

Yes, we do have extra gear items available for those of you who may need them. We do recommend that you purchase your own setup to ensure you can practice some of the things we go over in our courses on your own time, but please come try ours first.

Where are your locations?

We have access to the following locations:

  • Golden Curling Rink (April 15th - Sept 15th)

  • Skatepark/Pumptrack

  • Anywhere on the Recreational Block surrounding the Rec Plex