Parent and kid interview #14 Pacer Skateboards

Hi what is your name and whose parent are you?

Amy, Mum to Tom (9) and Evan (5)

How long has your child been skating?

4/5 weeks now, although Tom has had a board for almost 2 years!

What do you think about them skateboarding?

I absolutely love to see them skate. Their grins are ENORMOUS! They are just so happy when they’re skating. I was surrounded by skateboards and skateboarding growing up as my Mum and Dad owned a company called Pacer Skateboards. Dad was probably the first person in the UK selling skateboards from their house in Windsor. Despite having access to numerous boards growing up, and my Mum and Dad both being able to skate, I never learned to skateboard. So I’m chuffed to bits these two have found such a great teacher in Tom to get them started.

Are you not worried they might hurt themselves?

Oh for sure! Kids will probably find a way to hurt themselves, so all you can do is reduce the risk where you can. At least when they’re skating I can tell them they have to wear a helmet. They’re not going to do that climbing trees or crossing the road.

What got your child into skateboarding?

My brother Andy, bought Tom (my eldest) a board 2 years ago and since then I have been looking for lessons. Their Dad has a longboard and skates alongside them whilst they bike ride at the park too.

Do you think it’s a positive pastime?

Yes, it takes skill, perseverance and a fair bit of grit. The kids learn a lot from it.

Even with all the stigma surrounding skateboarding?

Well, my experiences at skateparks or chatting to skate boarders have only ever been positive so it’s hard to buy into the stigma really. From my earliest memories age 3 or 4 sitting underneath the a temporary wooden skate ramp outside our house, through my twenties marketing products at skate events, until recently hanging at the side-lines watching my kids learn, I have spent time at a lot of skate parks over the years and there has always been a good community of people there. Welcoming and fun, even if you can’t actually skate -like me!

What do you think of Tom the Tic Tac Skate Coach?

Amazing – so patient and so encouraging. If I wasn’t chasing down my 1 year old Jasmine and trying to keep her off the concrete because she is so desperate to join in – I would have asked if I could learn with the boys already. Apparently the silver surfer lessons are on Fridays… I will have to see if I can get childcare…

And how has his presence helped your child regarding skateboarding?

It’s given them the basic skills and confidence to come down to the park and practice themselves. It’s taught them that people at the park are your friends when you come down with your skateboard. They really took this advice on board and they’ve made loads of new friends here already.

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

They are really enjoying it and I will support that.

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

I can highly recommend the great teaching to anyone who will listen!

What valuable life skills do you think your child has learnt from skateboarding?

Just have a go, you might get good. Congratulate the successes of your brother, or anyone else you think has done well! Be courteous and respect others waiting their turn in the park.

And finally, would you recommend skateboarding to anyone who has never tried it?

Well, I think I had better get on a board myself first, but yes of course I would recommend it. My kids love it