About
Skateboarding is what we love to do and our head instructors each have 30+ years in the sport, still compete and run clinics, camps, events and perform assemblies throughout the world with primary focus on the eastern US.
Our instructors are certified to teach domestically and internationally. We run all of the inner city skateboard programming for Parks and Recreation of Philadelphia, Abington Township PA, Franklin Institute, South Eastern PA Girl Scouts, Camp Airy MD and Home School groups in PA / NJ to name a few.
Head instructors:
AJ Kohn is a top competitive Professional Freestyle skateboarder and top skateboard demonstration talent with close to 2,000 shows performed. AJ is skilled in and teaches all forms of skateboarding. An Industrial Design Engineer by trade who teaches STEAM education in assembly form and applies that to skateboarding.
Ronnie Gordon is a professional skateboarder who was the head of Woodward Skateboard Camps for 20 yrs., consistant top competitor, talent development coach and heads up our build projects as he is also an Industrial Arts Wood Shop teacher.
Tyrone Williams heads up our Home School groups and was the 2017 US Champion in Amatuer Freestyle skateboarding. He was one of our inner city youth that used skateboarding to find himself and give back to the community. A great mentor to all types of youth and a proponent of trade skills education as he is also a skilled Machinist.
Hatchert Salle is a top amatuer competitive skateboarder in the region as well as one of the heads of our Saturday programs, offers private lessons and our inner city skateboard program for the City of Philadelphia that outreaches to 1000+ kids per season. Always smiling Hatch is a great addition to our head instructor roster!
Christine "Juice" Marie one of the top female competitors on the east coast. She started as a student and is helping run our inner city skateboard summer programs, afterschool programs and our area clean up crews.
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Andrea S.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We go over the basics of pushing, turning, how the board flips or rotates, how to stop and stay safe.
Then we go over basics with assistance and without as a group and then individually.
Each skateboarder is different but the basic foundation is the same and can be adjusted to an individuals needs.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Head instructors are all educators capable of teaching K-12
Certified:
City of Philadelphia, Abington Township, GO Skate, CJ Skate Park (Toronto) International Certs, Camp Woodward certs.
Professional Assembly performers / Industrial Arts / Engineer: STEAM based approach
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lesson /Sessions: Saturdays and Sunday at The Skateboard Academy: Community drop in style:
9:30-11: Beginners: $15
12-1:30: Beginners /Intermediates: $15
2:30-4: Intermediate /Advanced: $15
Private Group Lessons: Schedule an appointment $25 per student minmum 2 *at our facility
Private Individual lessons: Schedule an appointment $50 per hr in house
* Note if the lesson is not at our facility there will be a travel fee added to your total.
How did you get started teaching?
We all started teaching through skateboarding and when someone would ask what they could improve we would work with them. Our instructors all are natural teachers students usualy find us!
What types of students have you worked with?
All types of students begineers to professional level.
We also specialize ADD, ADHD, OCD, ODD, Autistic Spectrum, physical special needs and behavioural issues.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently one of our students who is afraid of heights conquered their fear and dropped off of something higher then they thought they could do. The expression of relief and new found confidence and the support of fellow students was very satisfying!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If you are looking to hire a skateboard instructor look at not only what they have done but how long they have been teaching. Many people can skate but only few can actually teach.