Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Lesson

Every lesson is built around your level and goals. Beginners start with stance, balance, pushing, turning and stopping safely; more experienced skaters work on ramps, dropping in and tricks. Safety habits are woven into every session.

Lessons are one or two hours. One hour suits younger children; for teenagers and adults I recommend two hours, which gives enough time to warm up, learn something new and practise it. Lesson packages let you spread your hours across as many sessions as you like.

Yes. Private one-to-one lessons are available for all ages and levels, booked at a time that suits you.

Yes. Semi-private sessions are for two skaters, ideal for siblings, friends or partners, and small group sessions are a fun, social way to learn. Groups are kept to a maximum of five skaters so that everyone still gets individual attention.

I teach at skateparks with concrete and asphalt surfaces, and I choose the spot within the park to suit your level: flat ground for first steps, then banks, ramps and the bowl as you progress.

Most people are rolling, pushing and turning by the end of their first lesson. With a lesson a week and some practice in between, expect to be riding around a skatepark comfortably within a couple of months and landing your first tricks, such as ollies and small drop-ins, within three to six months. Everyone learns at a different pace, and I never rush anyone; the aim is steady, safe progress that you can feel every session.

Practise little and often. Twenty minutes a few times a week does more than one long session. Work on the basics I give you between lessons, film yourself now and then so you can see what your feet are doing, keep your safety gear on so you feel free to fall, and be patient with yourself. Book lessons regularly so that mistakes get corrected before they become habits.

No. Bring your own board if you have one, or tell me when you book and I will bring one you can hire for the lesson.

A helmet, knee and elbow pads and wrist guards are required for every lesson, for every age. If you do not have protective gear yet, let me know when you book and I will help you get sorted.

Comfortable clothing that lets you move freely, and closed-toe shoes with a flat, grippy sole. Skate shoes are ideal, but any flat trainers will do. Avoid sandals, slip-ons and loose laces.

No, One2Flip is not a shop. If you are a student of mine and need a board, I am happy to advise you on what to buy, help you find one at a fair price, or sort out a small repair such as a loose truck or worn bearings. Just ask at your lesson.

Yes. I hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC), the NSW clearance for people who work with under-18s. Parents are welcome to ask to see it, and are always welcome to stay and watch the lesson.

All ages. I teach young children, teenagers and adults, and my oldest student is 65. There is no upper age limit, and there are no silly questions.

The first steps are easier than most people expect. Standing on the board, pushing and turning come quickly once you know how to place your feet and where to put your weight. What makes skateboarding feel hard is trying to work it out alone. In a lesson you learn in the right order, at the right pace, with someone beside you, so each step feels manageable.

That is completely normal, and it is exactly what I am there for. We start on flat ground, at walking pace, and I stay beside you, holding the board or your hand if you want me to, until you feel steady. You wear a helmet and pads, so falling is nothing to fear, and I show you how to fall safely early on. Nobody is ever pushed to try something before they are ready, and a lot of my proudest students are the ones who arrived terrified.

No. Complete beginners are very welcome, and so are intermediate and advanced riders who want to progress. Every lesson is tailored to your current level and what you want to achieve.

Private lessons are one-to-one. Semi-private sessions are for two skaters, and small group sessions are kept to a maximum of five skaters so that everyone gets plenty of individual attention.

I have been skateboarding for 26 years and teaching for over 16 years, and I teach every lesson myself. There are no other instructors at One2Flip.

Send a message through the booking form on the Contact page with the skater’s age, level and the days that suit you, and I will reply to arrange a time. Please book at least two days ahead.

At North Sydney, Meadowbank and Sydney Park (Newtown/Erskineville) skateparks, 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm. In the longer summer evenings a session can run a little later; I never teach after dark. Book any day that suits you.

Private lessons are $85 an hour, semi-private sessions for two skaters are $110 an hour for both of you ($55 each), and lesson packages bring the hourly rate down. Prices include everything, with no booking fees or extras. Full details are on the Pricing page.

Please give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or move a lesson. Cancellations made later than that may incur a fee.

Lessons that have been paid for but not attended are not refunded, but I will always do my best to reschedule where possible. Just let me know as early as you can.