Members of the skateboarding community in Chennai
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Jacob Dan Paul may not have walked into a skating rink and learnt the ollie (a skating trick that involves flipping the skateboard) on his very first try back in 2016. But he is keen on creating an atmosphere for novices to try their hand at the sport. If you are good enough, you could even participate in their trick-off on May 24.Chennai Skateboarding Community began with the simple intention of being part of a crew, a community that is open to all levels of skateboarding prowess. “Many young people who skateboard tend to take on the pressure that a sense of competition imposes. Our group that meets every Sunday hopes to be inclusive, practice, have fun, and indulge in a new hobby,” says Jacob.On Sundays every week at the park below the Thiruvanmiyur train station, around 20 skateboarders, usually between the ages 18 and 25, come by to try their hand. There is a good composition of women who also text him and ask if they could swing by. Members of the community watch tons of YouTube videos. The intention is to arrive with their boards on Sunday and try their luck at tricks and hone their skills. “About 90% of the people who board are Gen-Z college kids,” he says.
