Fifth Year of ASF’s Adaptive Skateboard Camps Begin This Weekend

ASF skateboard coach Johnny O'Connor (right) gives a student hand-on training

WINDHAM — The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) will host the first of six adaptive skateboard camps Saturday, June 28.

This summer marks the fifth year the nonprofit has offered adaptive skateboard lessons and the third year they’ll be held at the Tannersville Skatepark. The ASF has brought in local professional skateboarder Johnny O’Connor, professional skateboard coach Frank Cabrera and other pro-level coaches to provide top-tier training for participants of all experience levels.

“Skateboarding encourages self-confidence and life inspiration. Whether it’s on the board or off, the students carry their lessons with them through life,” O’Connor said. “I hope these lessons help the students feel more comfortable with every aspect of interacting with the world.”

In addition to Saturday’s session, the ASF will offer five more camps this summer: July 19; Aug. 2 and 16; and Sept. 6 and 20. Each camp runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a midday barbecue lunch provided by the Elder family.

Participants are encouraged to bring snacks, sunscreen, a sweatshirt or jacket, sturdy footwear, any necessary personal items, and a skateboard with safety gear. The ASF also offers skateboards and protective gear for those who need to borrow equipment.

“The most rewarding part of teaching skateboarding with ASF is seeing the breakthrough moments when students realize they’re more capable than they thought,” O’Connor said. “Watching them skate independently or wanting to keep going and learning is mission accomplished.”

ASF is still accepting students for its adaptive skateboard camps. For more information or to register, visit www.adaptivesportsfoundation.org/summer-programs/.