Hi Dan, can you tell me a little about yourself and what you do?
My name is Dan Wall and I live in the South East of the UK. I work in Kent at The Canterbury Academy teaching Construction and Business & Enterprise to secondary school students that range from 11-19 years old. We try and focus the students towards basic construction skills as well as the technology and underpinning theory that supports it, and the Business & Enterprise course I teach is centred around skateboarding.
How did you hear about Roarockit? What inspired you to bring skateboard building into the classroom?
I was first introduced to Roarockit back in 2015 and instantly fell in love with the idea to create my own board. As a skater back in the 90s I always wanted to make my own and failed many times trying to “bend wood” into a skateboard shape. Skateboarding has been a part of my life in some way or another over the years and I strongly believe this should be accessible to all. I was always welcomed by fellow skateboarders and have tried to pass this inclusive attitude on to my students. My belief is that the skills undertaken in skateboarding and in the creation of the decks can be used within everyday life and every student can learn from them.
How do you feel this program benefits the classroom? How do you work this into your curriculum?
The program is there to encourage students to learn through what they hold dear. The students have a feel for skateboarding, design and for being their own boss, and this course gives them the freedom to design and create something unique to them. Their creative skills and willingness to try new things helps provide an inclusive learning environment. This can only support and promote success for them.
Alongside the business courses we also use skateboarding as a means of physical exercise which we are currently integrating into our physical education curriculum. I am currently completing a degree in Sports Coaching (3 months to go until complete) which I have been focusing around skateboarding where possible. Using skateboarding and the deck building allows students to express themselves both in a physical way but also stimulate their minds, which can benefit their mental health.
What were the students’ reactions to getting to build skateboards in the classroom? Do you have any special stories to share of the effects it had on your students?
Students were shocked that a school would not only allow but also promote skateboarding. Around the school there are other great programs that go on which involve designing or making products but the students are always super excited to create their own skateboard. It’s always a great feeling when you see a student make their board but more importantly skate it until it’s dead. That tells me they have a personal connection to their board which I hope will inspire them to make more.
How did it turn out? Are the students riding their boards afterwards, or do they use them more as an art project?
We promote the use of handmade decks here at the school where both myself and my colleague ride our own decks. I have not bought a mass-produced board to skate in a long time, I actually struggle to land tricks on them compared to my boards. We feel by setting an example, skating our handmade decks, it gives the students the confidence to use theirs. Some will make a deck to hang on the wall but most want to skate them straight away. It’s great seeing them scratch it for the first time but that quickly goes away when it’s replaced with pride on landing their first trick.
How were you able to get skateboard building started in your class, did you have to jump through any administrative hoops to get there?
We are lucky here that the programs are supported by all at the school as they see the benefits towards the students. The motto of the school is “a school for all the talents”. Thankfully the school supports that skateboarding itself is an expression, a talent, and should be allowed to grow into what the rider sees fit. Deck building is a skill on its own and if students can learn and participate in a new skill that too can only benefit them in life.
Thanks again for your time Dan, any last words for the readers back home?
Thank you so much for your time and for reading what I hope is just the start of our deck making journey. I think I would be lost without the ability to make decks and to share my knowledge (which is still growing). I hope we will forever be a proud member of the Roarockit family.
Follow Dan’s journey on Instagram at @dan_n_wall!
Taryn O'Grady,
Social Media Expert, Roarockit Skateboard Company