Skate school gets girls on board for fun and fitness

“After I had kids, it became easier to go to the skatepark than the beach, because I could pop my youngest in the skate bowl and know he was safe instead of worrying about the water,” Ms Moore said.

The active young mum jumped on a skateboard herself and soon began to catch the eye of other women who wanted to learn the sport.

“With my extensive coaching background and my love of skateboarding, it wasn’t too much of a leap to start thinking about the first Margaret River skating school,” she said.

In a first for the town, Ms Moore is offering classes for women and mothers, where she said many participants are eager to share the sport with their families.

“It’s a great way for parents to connect with their kids, it is certainly not a sport ‘just for youngsters’.”

“Of course there is also the fitness factor – skateboarding is exceptional for strengthening your core through balance and is a really fun way to get moving.”

Ms Moore said the sport also taught skaters to be tough and resilient in life. 

“You really need to be able to take a fall, pick yourself up and get back into it, and it doesn’t take long for you to realise that you are capable of getting a bruise or two and getting right back up again,” she said.

Local skaters are excited about the planned skate park refurbishment and Ms Moore said the facilities would serve to increase popularity of the sport in the town. 

Ms Moore’s daughter was the only female competitor at the recent Freestyle Now competition held in town and the proud mum said she hoped the classes would give more girls the skills to compete.

“We offer classes to boys and girls, men and women – there is something for everyone!”

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Anyone interested in taking classes or seeking more information can visit www.facebook.com/MargaretRiverSkateSchool