Surf City, Turns Skate City

Pro skater Pamela Brodowski, 40, of Fallbrook, helps Hailey Hernandez, 7, of Huntington Beach, over a ramp during a free “Learn to Skate” program in Huntington Beach on Saturday, August 24, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Huntington Beach isn’t just about the waves and surf. The coastal town has a rich skate culture — it’s where many pro skaters have launched their careers.

And who knows what kid might become the next big name in the sport.

A young skater rides his board across the parking lot during a free “Learn to Skate” program in Huntington Beach on Saturday, August 24, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

“Learn to Skate” started as a way to bring the community together, to encourage youths to continue skating. These days, it draws people ages 3 to 50, said event director Sarah Long.

“There’s so much talent in Huntington Beach, not only surfing but skating as well,” Long said. “The talent is unreal.”

Luke Thompson, 13, of Santa Clarita, skates over a ramp during a free “Learn to Skate” program in Huntington Beach on Saturday, August 24, 2019. (Photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)

After the free lessons, some attendees participated in a contest with the California Amateur Skate League.

“For a lot of the pros and well-known skateboarders, that was their first contest,” Long said. “We just want to keep (skating) alive.”

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