CLUB RULES + FAQ's

The primary focus of East Van Skate Club is to have fun, but first and foremost, our goal is to keep everyone safe. This means following the rules and understanding that participation in the club, just like any other sport, comes with the risk of injury and is entirely at the users discretion.


  A FEW THINGS TO KNOW AND CONSIDER BEFORE 
 JOINING EAST VAN SKATE CLUB 


  • East Van Skate Club (EVSC) exists to facilitate opportunities for people to try and engage with skateboarding. We do not offer formal skateboarding lessons, and as such, participation is completely at the discretion of each individual child and their caregiver. As with any sport, there is a reasonable risk of injury - the East Van Skate Club assumes no liability for any injury that may occur as a result of participating in the club.

  • Skaters 12 years old and under must be accompanied by a guardian or an adult over 18 years of age at all times during our meet ups. We do NOT provide supervision, drop off/pickup, or childcare services of any kind.

  • We strongly encourage all skaters to use helmets and other protective gear whenever they are skateboarding. All skaters must wear a helmet when borrowing any of EVSC's loaner skateboards. Please bring your own helmet if you have one.

  • As a member of East Van Skate Club, it is imperative to follow the rules and etiquette of the skate park. If you are new to the group, please speak with one of the club leaders at your first meetup. Following the rules and knowing how to navigate the park before you start helps keep the skate park safe for all users.

  • EVSC will not be responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items you or your child brings to our meetups. Please do not bring anything of value or leave any items unattended.

  • There is an expectation that club members are respectful of the skate parks, the community, and other club members. This means no littering or being destructive of park or skate club property, being kind and respectful to other park users and club members, and, as we are an all-ages club, not using profanity or offensive language when taking part in our events. 

  • East Van Skate Club offers a safe, inclusive, respectful, and non-judgemental space for everyone. All are welcome, as we strive to foster a community of purposeful inclusion regardless of race, ethnicity, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, financial means, or national origin. Bullying, name-calling, teasing, inappropriate or derogatory language, physical threats or violence, and generally non-respectful behaviour will not be tolerated, and may result in removal from ongoing and future EVSC events.

 HOW DOES THE SKATE CLUB WORK? 
East Van Skate Club exists to create barrier-free opportunities for people to try and engage with skateboarding. We host regular meet ups at local skate parks around East Vancouver, bringing with us a few loaner skateboards for anyone wanting to try it out, and offer information on skate park etiquette and how caregivers can best support their kids in learning. Come out to one of our meet ups to experience more, and come back with a friend if it floats your boat.  

 WHERE DO MEET UPS HAPPEN? 
Meet ups will happen at a few skate parks around East Vancouver. We primarily plan to meet at Strathcona Skateboard Park (Venables Street at Campbell Avenue)
From time to time, we may host meetups at Mount Pleasant Skateboard Park (in Mount Pleasant Park at 16th Avenue and Manitoba Street)

 IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR PARTICIPATION? 
Not really. Although we aim to primarily engage children under the age of 18, if you are older than that but want to give skateboarding a shot, feel free to come on out. All are welcome!

 IS THERE ANY COST? 
No. One of the barriers for many people wanting to try skateboarding can be cost - a skateboard can be a pricey investment-  especially if you aren't sure if you are going to like it enough to continue. Our intention is to eliminate any financial barrier that may be limiting participation by offering free loaner boards at out events to people that don't yet have one, and seeking out community sponsorship and/or grants to cover any of our operating costs or expenses.

 I DON'T HAVE A SKATEBOARD - WHAT SHOULD I DO? 
We have several loaner boards on hand for use during our meet ups. Feel free to come by and borrow one at any of our events. Please note: we only have so many boards on hand, and from time to time, there may be more kids than available loaner boards. If that situation arises, we will rotate through the boards so everyone gets a turn to try them out.  We also have a few loaner helmets and pads.

 WHERE IS A GOOD PLACE TO BUY A SKATEBOARD? 
There are several great skateboard shops in Vancouver. We always advocate for supporting local shops that in turn support our local skate community. Below are a few shops doing meaningful work in Vancouver.
Antisocial Skateboard Shop -  2337 Main Street, Vancouver BC, V5T 3C9 | 604.708.5678
Menu Skateboard Shop -  170-332 Water St Vancouver BC, V6B 1B6 | 604-558-4737
The Drive Skate Shop - 1997 Commercial Drive Vancouver BC, V5N 4A8 | 604-568-5050
PD's Hot Shop - 3734 W 10th Ave, Vancouver BC, V6R 2G4 | 604-739-7796

 DO I HAVE TO WEAR A HELMET? 
The short answer is YES - especially when you are first learning, but even after you are a bit more comfortable - we strongly advise that all riders wear a helmet any time they are skateboarding. If you plan on borrowing one of our loaner skateboards, you must wear a helmet. Please bring your own helmet if you have one (bicycle helmets are fine.)

 HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS? 
The best way to stay informed is to sign up for our Newsletter or follow us on Instagram. We will also update the 'Upcoming Events' page on our website.

 DO YOU OFFER SKATEBOARD LESSONS? 
No, we don't. But we have some friends that do - Check out Under Toe Skateboard Academy

 IS THERE PARKING AT YOUR EVENTS? 
Sure - there is generally ample street parking surrounding the skate parks we meet up at- that said, we strongly encourage walking, skateboarding, riding your bike, using public transit, or car pooling (in that order) to any of our events.

 ARE THERE BATHROOMS AT THE SKATE PARK? 
Both the Strathcona Skateboard Park and the Mount Pleasant Skateboard Park have a port-o-potty on site.

 WHAT CAN I DO TO SUPPORT SKATEBOARDING IN VANCOUVER? 
  • Connect with and follow the Vancouver Skateboard Coalition - An advocacy group working to influence policies, initiatives and decisions concerning skateboarding in Vancouver.
  • Write to the Mayor and City Council and tell them that skateboarding infrastructure is important to you. 
  • Support local shops and skaters doing meaningful work in our community.
  • Check out local skate events! Coming out to watch is an act of support and shows the city these types of events are meaningful and needed. 
  • Tell your friends, get them stoked, bring them to a meet up. 

Have a question we didn't answer? CONTACT US.


East Van Skate Club respectfully acknowledges that the land on which we gather is the unceded, traditional, and ancestral territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.