PBA's event “Skate at 8” engaged the student community for a night filled with skateboarding and games.
Photo credit: Hedda Jarhall
The number of skateboarding participants in the U.S. has increased over the past five years, according to a research study by Statista. In 2023, nearly 9 million people across the nation skateboarded at least once.
Even though Los Angeles is considered the birthplace of modern skateboarding, South Florida has a history of skateboarding that goes back to the 1940s. It is the home of several skateboarding's biggest moments, including one of the earliest known U.S. competitions.
During the 1970s, a total of 31 skate parks were constructed in Florida. The skateboard Safari in West Palm Beach was one of them.
A 2024 research study titled, “Fun, faster than walking, and more convenient than a bike. Skateboarding in a college town,” found that skateboarding is a convenient form of transportation and helps create community.
The research found skateboarding creates a sense of belonging while engaging communities. According to the research, skateboarding also manifests in greater social and cultural engagement.
Elin Santos, a senior at Palm Beach Atlantic University, said she has skated since she was 10 years old. She often longboards in her free time. A longboard is a variation of skateboarding where the board is longer and wider than a regular skateboard.
“Skateboarding is a good way to get a great community and a good activity to bond with people. I also think it is a very good form of motor transportation,” said Elin Santos.
She said she thinks skateboarding is popular among PBA students because everything is close, making it a convenient way to transport yourself.
During Labor Day weekend, the Steering Committee at PBA set up events for students, including ‘Skate at 8’ on Friday night. The Steering Committee is a group that organizes events for students across campus. Ashley Baranowski was the marketing creator for the event. She created all the social media posts, while working at the check-in table.
“This is the first year I am on the steering committee but I have been a participant in previous years,” said Baranowski.
Baranowski explained how “Skate at 8” is a popular event at PBA due to the campus’s proximity to the beach. She thinks it creates a skating and surf culture that resonates with the student body.
“It is also a fun event for people who do not skate because there are good snacks, refreshments, fun games and a lively photo booth. People also love watching other people skate. This one is always a hit,” said Baranowski.
Baranowski frequently skates herself. She often goes to the intercoastal in West Palm Beach to skate with friends.
“Skating is a good way to exercise. My core always feels like it is on fire afterward,” said Baranowski. “I love being able to tell people that I skate. It makes me feel cool.”
Santos said her favorite part of the event was the music and skating competition that took place towards the end of the event, where people teamed up in a relay race.
What would you say to people who want to start skateboarding?
“Do not be discouraged because it is difficult, you just have to keep trying,” Santos said. “You are going to fall, it is part of learning, but do not let it dishearten you.
By Hedda Jarhall
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