Has watching the Olympics sparked a newfound desire to dive into sports? If your joints can’t handle “breaking” and rugby still seems too rough, here’s another event to try at home: skateboarding. And we know the perfect place to learn.
Enter Goofball Sk8boards. The Waldo office space-turned-inclusive indoor skatepark is open six days a week and offers everything for beginners to pros.
If you’re new to life on four wheels, don’t worry — City Editor Maddie already took the plunge on a one-on-one lesson with Goofball co-founder and lead instructor Harper Rose. Here are a few of her takeaways:
- As long as you can stand on a board, you’re welcome to join. Goofball has seen all ages at its camps, clinics, and private lessons — it’s even holding its first 18+ class this weekend.
- No gear, no problem. City Editor Maddie walked in with tennis shoes and an open mind, all gear used in the lesson was provided by Goofball. If you catch the bug, all sorts of boards, helmets, apparel + magazines are available for purchase up front.
- “Safe, sober, friendly for all.” While the mainstream culture may perceive skateboarding as rife with gatekeeping and overwhelmingly male, the LGBTQ-owned shop + skatepark centers beginner + under-represented skaters. No offensive language or unsolicited advice allowed.
Interested in learning or brushing up on old skills? Check its website for available classes or stop in to the park 12-8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays or 12-6 p.m. on Sundays. Psst, park admission is free all summer long.
