After donating 10 new skateboards to the Orillia Youth Centre a couple of weeks ago, Kahuna Surf Shop has donated 10 more to the Rama Youth Centre.
Tim French, owner of the popular downtown shop, says the initiative is the store's way of driving more youth to the sport.
“The more kids that have access to the boards the more they have access to get out there and participate in a relatively low-cost sport,” he said.
French’s son, Pierson, says involving local youth in sports is one of Kahuna’s biggest ambitions.
“Skateboarding isn’t a team sport; this gives kids a chance to do something on their own if that’s what they choose to do. Skateboarding also has a community where kids can meet people and make new friends,” he said.
“We want the community to see the advantages of skateboarding and have exposure to the sport. If we can give kids this equipment, then it helps the community, it helps the kids, and it helps us.”
Kathleen Flemming, recreation administrator for Rama First Nation, says she and the youth who use the centre are thankful for the generous donation of the boards and associated equipment.
“This gives kids an outlet, especially during COVID where in-person programming has been put on hold,” she said.
“This gives kids an opportunity to fall in love with a new sport and be passionate about it.”
Flemming says skateboarding is the perfect sport for youth who don’t have an interest in playing team sports such as hockey or baseball.
“It’s for the group of kids who can thrive when doing something on their own,” she said.
“It’s also a sport that is easily accessible for kids who don’t have a lot of money. So, we are super excited about this donation.”
Flemming noted Rama First Nation is considering establishing a clinic where Kahuna Surf Shop could help create new programming for the centre.
