Sunday, May 13, 2012
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Skateboard School Launches in Langford
Goldstream Gazette
editor@goldstreamgazette.com
Steve Munro glides with ease up the vertical wall of the half-pipe and slaps the ceiling. Skateboarding indoors takes nerves and cool precision. In an roomy, two-bay space in a warehouse on Dunford Avenue, a half pipe, two quarter pipes and a few street-style rails create what could be Canada’s first dedicated skateboarding school. Indoor skateparks and indoor ramps aren’t new, but Debbie Qayum says setting up a school that caters to newbies and experienced skaters alike has broken new ground. For kids with nervous parents or who are uncomfortable at the Langford skatepark, and with a burgeoning number of young families, the East Sooke mom says this is a service whose time has come. “A lot of kids are intimidated. A lot are afraid to go to the skatepark,” Qayum said. “They think they’re not good enough, that they’ll get in the way. There is no place to learn if you don’t have a friend with a board to teach you. “There is a demand for this. Kids can learn individually or in a group and not feel embarrassed.” Qayum and Munro launched the Side Step skateboarding school in early February, with a skateboard shop upstairs, and has seen a steady stream of young kids and even a few older adults. “Parents say it’s awesome. Many don’t want their kid at the skatepark because it’s not supervised,” Qayum said. “There’s no alcohol or drugs here. It’s quite strict. You’ve got to be a member, parents have got to sign their kid up.” Qayum, in her 40s, took up skateboarding four years ago after her two teen boys started skating. Her oldest boys showed her the ropes at the Sooke skatepark and in Langford. Munro, a 31-year-old, 20-year veteran of boarding, said he started teaching skating to his friend’s kids a few years ago at the Langford skatepark. He and Qayum teamed up to teach skating to kids at John Stubbs Memorial school in the lacrosse box, and then Poirier elementary in Sooke. With six to 10 kids at a time, some as young as five, Munro devised a skateboarding certification program for different levels of tricks and skills, modelled after snowboarding. “I want to give youth in the city something to do. I grew up before there was a skatepark,” Munro said. “It was hard to get around and we were harassed by police and businesses.”
“We want to give them confidence. It’s neat to see a kid achieve a new trick,” Qayum adds. “They get excited and I get excited. It’s neat watching a kid meet a new level, a new trick. It gives them confidence and self esteem.”Based on those ad hoc classes, they decided demand from kids and parents warranted a full-fledged school and indoor skatepark. Qayum purchased the warehouse space and worked through the regulatory requirements over the winter. Getting insurance was expensive and tough. “This is the first skateboard school in all of Canada. Every step with permits and licences, no one had done this before. It was breaking new ground,” she said. “Even with the insurance.” “Langford is such a great place to do this. We’ve got a young population, lots of young families with kids who like to skateboard,” Munro said. “There’s lots of academies for sports in school. I thought it was time for skateboarding as well.” Whether skateboarding school as a business is viable remains to be seen, although the relocated Switch skateboard shop (now called Switch Ungerground) should help balance the books. “The ultimate goal is to see a profit," he said. "Now we are just trying to keep afloat. It’s an experiment kind of a thing." But Munro and Qayum also say teaching kids skateboarding is more a passion and a lifestyle than a job. They and a group of volunteers built the ramps and are planning on organizing skater teams in different schools throughout the district. “Hopefully we’ll end up getting corporate sponsors or sponsorship from the city. We want to get a youth centre going on,” Munro said. “The idea is to go for what makes parents feel safe, so they can drop their kids off to do a good sport.”
The Side Step Skateboarding School is at 109-937 Dunford Rd. See regularunderground.com for school information and skatepark drop in times.
“We want to give them confidence. It’s neat to see a kid achieve a new trick,” Qayum adds. “They get excited and I get excited. It’s neat watching a kid meet a new level, a new trick. It gives them confidence and self esteem.”Based on those ad hoc classes, they decided demand from kids and parents warranted a full-fledged school and indoor skatepark. Qayum purchased the warehouse space and worked through the regulatory requirements over the winter. Getting insurance was expensive and tough. “This is the first skateboard school in all of Canada. Every step with permits and licences, no one had done this before. It was breaking new ground,” she said. “Even with the insurance.” “Langford is such a great place to do this. We’ve got a young population, lots of young families with kids who like to skateboard,” Munro said. “There’s lots of academies for sports in school. I thought it was time for skateboarding as well.” Whether skateboarding school as a business is viable remains to be seen, although the relocated Switch skateboard shop (now called Switch Ungerground) should help balance the books. “The ultimate goal is to see a profit," he said. "Now we are just trying to keep afloat. It’s an experiment kind of a thing." But Munro and Qayum also say teaching kids skateboarding is more a passion and a lifestyle than a job. They and a group of volunteers built the ramps and are planning on organizing skater teams in different schools throughout the district. “Hopefully we’ll end up getting corporate sponsors or sponsorship from the city. We want to get a youth centre going on,” Munro said. “The idea is to go for what makes parents feel safe, so they can drop their kids off to do a good sport.”
The Side Step Skateboarding School is at 109-937 Dunford Rd. See regularunderground.com for school information and skatepark drop in times.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sooke Fall Fair Show
SideStep just had its first show in the Sooke Fall Fair on Sept 10th! The very first of its kind! We set up our own outdoor skate park and entertained the crowds as they came to the fair. The students put on a fantastic show for everyone and the skater monkey came to visit all the kids and was high fiving the crowd.There were SideStep students during the break handing out stickers to all the kids in the audience. There was music and our own MC and coach Steven Munro.The fair would love to have us back again next year! We plan on doing this again next year at the fair!!
ISN
50/50 Arts Collective
Vic Sightings - Exhibition of recent photo and video works that highlight the local sites and skaters, giving a special look at what goes into landing the tricks and capturing the shots.
Dates: Sep. 9, 2011 - Sep. 24, 2011
Location: 2516 Douglas St, Victoria
Dates: Sep. 9, 2011 - Sep. 24, 2011
Location: 2516 Douglas St, Victoria
Friday, September 9, 2011
Switch - Back To School Skate Competition
Time - Saturday, September 10 · 10:00am - 5:00pm
Location - Westshore Skate Park
Link - http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=182992178437826
Location - Westshore Skate Park
Link - http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=182992178437826
Monday, September 5, 2011
SideStep Corp
SideStep Corp The new fall classes wil be starting Sept 8th at 6pm-7pm at Poirer School inside the gym behind Journey Middle School which is behind the Sooke Skate Park. Hope to see some new faces as well as all the wonderful students we have now! Classes will be running every Monday and Thursday 6pm-7pm. Until next summer not including holidays.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Side Step Skateboarding School has Been Gaining Ground and a Strong Following
Our young school is just starting up and has eight regular students, as well as eight others in private lessons running every week. Students in our classes range in age from 5 years old to 15 but all ages are welcome. Our way of teaching is based off a Skill level and point system that lets the students look back and see what they have learned over their lessons. We just held our first skate demo at the Sooke skate park on August 7th. It was a big success! All the students had a chance to present new skills to their friends and family in a open skate jam and one-at-a-time show. As a side treat there was a hot dog vendor, karaoke singing and a monkey mascot. We are also looking in to the future and vision of the school that is to have an indoor school up and running in 2013 in Langford.
Calijah is an incredible kid, full of energy and focus. He is willing to learn and push himself outside his comfort level each class. He is now an advance level 1 and we hope to have him competing next summer on our team if he keeps up at this rate! He loves to do air tricks and he will continue practicing this and other styles as well! Jesse is an older teen who is capable of more than he realizes now. He is a level 3 intermediate. He is starting rails, air and lots of ground tricks. We hope to have him on our team next summer as well! Nate is a fast and serious learner, and within three lessons he completed two levels, he is now working on his third beginner level. He has just turned six and I see him becoming an advance student within five years if he keeps up the rate he is going and keeps enjoying it. We hope to have him on our competitive team in the next few years.
For more information about the school, please contact (250) 642-2648 or sidestepcorp@gmail.com. Also find SideStep Corp on Facebook!
Calijah is an incredible kid, full of energy and focus. He is willing to learn and push himself outside his comfort level each class. He is now an advance level 1 and we hope to have him competing next summer on our team if he keeps up at this rate! He loves to do air tricks and he will continue practicing this and other styles as well! Jesse is an older teen who is capable of more than he realizes now. He is a level 3 intermediate. He is starting rails, air and lots of ground tricks. We hope to have him on our team next summer as well! Nate is a fast and serious learner, and within three lessons he completed two levels, he is now working on his third beginner level. He has just turned six and I see him becoming an advance student within five years if he keeps up the rate he is going and keeps enjoying it. We hope to have him on our competitive team in the next few years.
For more information about the school, please contact (250) 642-2648 or sidestepcorp@gmail.com. Also find SideStep Corp on Facebook!
ISN
Friday, August 19, 2011
SULTAN OF SHRALP! 2011
Time - Saturday, August 20 · 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Location - West Shore Skate Park, Victoria BC
Created By - Surface Boardshop
The Sultan Of Shralp is and open jam comp and its winner is voted by everyone in attendance that night! All you have too do is show up, skate, and then cast your vote on who you think the sultan of shralp is for 2011!
- No judges
- No entry fee's
- No age groups or categories
- No run's
There will be music, BBQ, prizes and a double skate video viewing after dark right at the park!
SULTAN OF SHRALP! 2011
Location - West Shore Skate Park, Victoria BC
Created By - Surface Boardshop
The Sultan Of Shralp is and open jam comp and its winner is voted by everyone in attendance that night! All you have too do is show up, skate, and then cast your vote on who you think the sultan of shralp is for 2011!
- No judges
- No entry fee's
- No age groups or categories
- No run's
There will be music, BBQ, prizes and a double skate video viewing after dark right at the park!
SULTAN OF SHRALP! 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Skate Shown the Sooke Park from noon-4pm August 7th!
We will be having a community barbeque, Kareoke and two skateboarding shows! Come join the fun!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Side Step BBQ
Barbecue, music , skate school demo, community guests.
Time - Sunday, August 7 · 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Location - Sooke Skate Park, in front of Journey Middle School.
Time - Sunday, August 7 · 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Location - Sooke Skate Park, in front of Journey Middle School.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Debbie and Steven have put together a safe and monitored program for skateboarders to achieve multiple skill levels before becoming part of a pro team that competes on and off the island. By offering a program that includes balance and structure they are confident skaters can achieve their highest level of competencies. They will sponsor 1 child from Metchosin Technical school to provide a full year free lessons to become a Pro member and mentor to others!
To find out more contact Debbie or Steven at ph# (250) 642-2648 or email: sidestepcorp@gmail.com and Facebook!
ISN - Island Sports News
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Switch West Shore Skate Jam
Time - Saturday, July 9 · 10:00am - 9:30pm
Location - West Shore Skate park
Switch West Shore Skate Jam
Friday, June 24, 2011
Art day in Sooke Park
SideStep Corp has now finished picking up the last of the paint supplies we will need to create an awesome looking park!
This is all of our parks to share we need to take back ownership of them and make them as great as possible. I am always willing to hear new ideas on how to improve our skateparks in Langford and Sooke. I have been going to bat for the parks for over three years now and I will not give up. Skaters are very talented and incredible people.
It doesn't matter what we have outside the park, it matters who we are in the park you all have taught me that!! I like the fact skaters like people for who they are not what they are! Skate On!!
This is all of our parks to share we need to take back ownership of them and make them as great as possible. I am always willing to hear new ideas on how to improve our skateparks in Langford and Sooke. I have been going to bat for the parks for over three years now and I will not give up. Skaters are very talented and incredible people.
It doesn't matter what we have outside the park, it matters who we are in the park you all have taught me that!! I like the fact skaters like people for who they are not what they are! Skate On!!
Skate Jam
Time - Saturday, June 25 · 11:00am - 4:00pm
Location - Sooke SkatePark by Journey Middle School
There will be a BMX catagory and rip stick and scooter catagory as well as the usual ones. $10.00 to register 1 hour before comp starts. Also a prize for best photo. Refreshments avl. Art days coming up as well!!!
Link - Skate Jam
Art Day in the Sooke SkatePark contest - take part in doing a mural!!!
Time - June 28 · 11:30am - 2:30pm
Location - In front of Journey Middle School in Sooke
There will be prizes 16 people can enter so show up on time. Will be a fun filled day!! First come first in! Side Step Corp is putting on the event along with SeaParc!
Link - Facebook Page
Location - In front of Journey Middle School in Sooke
There will be prizes 16 people can enter so show up on time. Will be a fun filled day!! First come first in! Side Step Corp is putting on the event along with SeaParc!
Link - Facebook Page
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Classes
Classes will start July 5th at 4pm please come early to sign up! We will be meeting at John Stubbs School in the back, in Belmont Park near Jaun de Fuca Rec Center. All students will be assigned into their proper start levels. Bring board and helmet with you, and any other safety gear you may require. Helmets are mandatory! No helmet, no class we will have a few extras for students who forget. Look forward to working with you all. Keep skating!!!
By Debbie Qayum
LINK - EVENT
By Debbie Qayum
LINK - EVENT
Monday, June 20, 2011
Facebook SideStep Corp
We are both teachers of skateboarding!! We love the sport and love to pass on our skills. All ages can learn, you are never to old! I have three years experience teaching this class with kids ages 11-14. Steven has 16 years experience of all ages and loves teaching kids as much as me. We are both very patient and encouraging and work at a pace each student is comfortable with.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Well we have done it.
Side Step Skateboard School will be open for business on July 5th, 4:00pm
at the Jaun de Fuca Rec Center at the Bear Mount. Rink.
(located down the hill, behind the rec. center)
As a new School we will be focusing on beginner and intermediate levels.
If you are looking for an advanced or a private lesson we will be offering them as well. We are accepting new students now, space it limited.
If you wish to sign your self or child up for classes we have a sign up at switch board shop located 754B Goldstream Ave.
We are are also accepting email sign ups.
sidestepcorp@gmail.com
Questions
contact us at
Debbie Qayum
250 642 2648
250 642 2810
Steven Munro
250 391 5743
Side Step Skateboard School will be open for business on July 5th, 4:00pm
at the Jaun de Fuca Rec Center at the Bear Mount. Rink.
(located down the hill, behind the rec. center)
As a new School we will be focusing on beginner and intermediate levels.
If you are looking for an advanced or a private lesson we will be offering them as well. We are accepting new students now, space it limited.
If you wish to sign your self or child up for classes we have a sign up at switch board shop located 754B Goldstream Ave.
We are are also accepting email sign ups.
sidestepcorp@gmail.com
Questions
contact us at
Debbie Qayum
250 642 2648
250 642 2810
Steven Munro
250 391 5743
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