Learn to Skate in Barrie
The Barrie Skateboard Association runs Learn to Skate, a beginner skateboarding
program for kids at Queens Park Skatepark in Barrie, Ontario. It is built and
run by local skaters as a non-profit, and it is designed for first-timers all
the way up to riders landing their first tricks. Most of our skaters are between 6 and 12 years old. No experience is needed, and
you do not need your own gear to start.
WHO IT'S FOR​
– Kids ages 6 to 12 (younger and older riders welcome, talk to us)
– Complete beginners who have never stood on a board
– Returning skaters who want real structure instead of guessing
– Any skill level: every rider is placed by ability, not age
– Complete beginners who have never stood on a board
– Returning skaters who want real structure instead of guessing
– Any skill level: every rider is placed by ability, not age
How the program works
Learn to Skate is built on a simple idea: every skill has a clear, observable
pass. A rider does not move up because a session ended. They move up because
they can actually do the thing, in front of an instructor, on demand.
That means progress is real and you can see it. We talk to parents in level language, so you always know where your skater is and what they are working toward next.
The program runs in four stages.
That means progress is real and you can see it. We talk to parents in level language, so you always know where your skater is and what they are working toward next.
The program runs in four stages.
Session Zero: First Time on a Board
Every new skater starts here. We find their natural stance, get them comfortable
standing on the board, and teach the three things that come before everything
else: push, glide, and stop. Once a rider can push, coast, and stop under
control while looking where they are going, they are ready for Level 1.
Level 1: Park Ready
The rider learns to move through the skatepark with control and awareness:
carving turns, stopping safely, board handling, and how to fall without getting
hurt. Level 1 ends with a milestone every skater remembers, their first drop-in
at the Taco, signed off by a senior instructor.
LEVEL 2 - PARK CONFIDENT
Now the rider has a line. They are not just surviving the park, they are moving
with intent: pumping for speed, kick turns, rolling over obstacles, and early
manuals. Level 2 is about linking skills together into a smooth, connected run.
LEVEL 3 - TRICK FOUNDATION
The rider starts building real tricks with repeatable technique: ollies,
shuv-its, bigger drop-ins, and combining moves into a line. This is where a
skater goes from riding the park to making it their own.
Safety comes first
Learning to fall is part of Level 1, before any rider is asked to commit to a
drop.
Pads are expected, and the two biggest milestones (the first drop-in at the Taco and the larger drop-in in Level 3) are always verified in person by a senior instructor.
Nothing is rushed. The park is not going anywhere.
Pads are expected, and the two biggest milestones (the first drop-in at the Taco and the larger drop-in in Level 3) are always verified in person by a senior instructor.
Nothing is rushed. The park is not going anywhere.
What to bring
– A skateboard if you have one (we have loaner boards if you do not)
– A helmet (required) and pads
– Closed-toe shoes, flat soled if possible
– Water and weather-appropriate clothing
– A helmet (required) and pads
– Closed-toe shoes, flat soled if possible
– Water and weather-appropriate clothing
Where We Skate
All sessions run at Queens Park Skatepark in Barrie.
RECAP VIdeos
2025
2024
Free skateboard lessons in Barrie, Ontario. 2026 schedule coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
How old does my child need to be?
Learn to Skate is designed for kids ages 6 to 12, though younger and older beginners are welcome.
Does my child need their own skateboard?
No. Loaner boards are available, but a helmet is required for every session.
Where are the lessons held?
All sessions take place at Queens Park Skatepark in Barrie, Ontario.
Do they need any experience?
No experience is needed. Every new skater starts in Session Zero, where they learn to push, glide, and stop.