Skateboard GB launches national awards programme for first-time skateboarders

Skateboard GB, the National Governing Body for skateboarding, is thrilled to announce the full launch of the Cruiser Award; the first nationally recognised awards programme for first-time skateboarders. 

Drawing on best practice from similar programmes, including Bikeability and Learn to swim, the Cruiser Award was developed over 18 months, and includes input from the UK’s leading coaches and skateboard schools. 

The launch of the Cruiser Award is part of Skateboard GB’s ongoing partnership with Samsung UK & Ireland. With a shared commitment to inspire participation in the sport across the UK, thanks to Samsung UK & Ireland’s support, Cruiser Award coaching packs are going to be given to Skateboard GB qualified coaches across the UK, facilitating the delivery of the programme in towns and cities nationwide to over 20,000 children.

Designed for people of all ages, the awards programme covers the six ‘nuts and bolts’ of skateboarding; stance, balance, safety, pushing, turning and stopping. Through each stage, learners will receive a progress card with information on how to practice their newly mastered skill, plus a sticker for their board or helmet. At the end of the programme, participants will be awarded a Skateboard GB certificate, and will have gained the confidence and the essential skills needed to begin skating independently and progress. 

The launch of the Cruiser Award comes at an exciting time for Skateboard GB, as it looks ahead to the Paris Olympics. Returning to the Games for the second time, following the trend seen after the Games in Tokyo the UK can expect to see a huge surge in both skateboarding participation and interest in lessons. For the first time aspiring skateboarders, inspired by the Olympics, will have access to a nationally recognised skateboarding programme, providing a straightforward and enjoyable entry point into the sport.

James Hope-Gill, CEO at Skateboard GB adds, 
“Skateboarding is a growing sport, with over 750,000 people taking part. Its accessibility means it’s a fantastic way to engage with young people who may be ‘turned off’ by traditional sport and activity, providing them with a way to exercise and become part of their local skateboarding community. This is especially true for under-represented and hard to reach groups.

Through the Cruiser Awards, and thanks to Samsung's ongoing support, we’re able to provide coaching packs to qualified coaches from Aberdeen to Jersey. With the Olympics just around the corner, we expect to see an uptick in the number of people wanting to try skateboarding. The Cruiser Awards sets a national standard for aspiring skateboarders, of all ages, to get started.”

To find your nearest Skateboard GB coach, visit our website at CLICK HERE

For more information about the Cruiser Awards CLICK HERE