Parent and child interview #5

Hi what is your name and whose parent are you?

I'm Paul, and I am Cam's dad

How long has your child been skating?

Cam got his first board for his 8th birthday in March this year, and started skating almost immediately

What do you think about him skateboarding? Are you not worried they might hurt themselves?

I think it's great how quickly he has taken to it, and how much pleasure he gets from being able to skate around the park and down the ramps. I'm not worried about him hurting himself, he has pads and a helmet, and has quickly learnt how to control his speed and balance

What got your child into skateboarding? Was it your influence or...

I've always been in to adrenaline sports like skiing and mountain biking, and I used to board a bit when I was a kid. I think Cam has been influenced a bit by me, and a bit by watching it on TV and wanting to try for himself

Do you think it’s a positive pastime? Even with all the stigma surrounding skateboarding?

I think it's a great thing to get in to. It is not easy, and yet you can quickly pick up the basics which gives a lot of satisfaction. It's an outdoors activity, which takes tenacity - great things for kids. Plus, the skate park seems a bit intimidating at first, but all skaters recognise that you have to start somewhere and the vast majority are super friendly and really encouraging of the kids

What do you think of Tom the Tic Tac Skate Coach? And how has his presence helped your child regarding skateboarding?

Tom has a very special style; he is always positive and has a great way to identify an individual's ability and spot exactly how to push them to develop just that little bit further each time - which is a great confidence builder. Cam has come on massively over the last couple of months, and this is all down to Tom's teaching.

Can you imagine not being around skateboarding you or your child now?

I don't think so. It's an activity where we are on an equal footing, despite the age difference, and where we are gaining a lot, both individually and together.

What do you think you could contribute to the Tic Tac skate school?