OUR STORY

Skate PNG was created with the aim of empowering the youth of Papua New Guinea through the world of skateboarding.

Skate PNG began as an idea amongst a group of local skaters and surfers who gathered every weekend at Taurama Beach. After many years of building plywood ramps that would eventually fall wayside to the natural elements, support from Victoria Hudson, the McLaughlin family, Surfing PNG, the Pyramid Board Riders Club and the Solien family eventually saw Skate PNG come to life as a registered charity in 2018.

In a project made possible by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, Papua New Guinea’s first concrete skate space was built in November 2023. Our team of local community leaders and global volunteers built and introduced PNG’s first concrete mini ramp, ledge and restroom facilities.

Skate PNG continues to grow, offering free skateboarding lessons to the local community and providing the youth with a place to skate, learn and grow. We’re currently raising funds to keep the boards rolling.

For more information, visit our Projects page.

WHY PAPUA NEW GUINEA?

Australia served as the final colonial power in Papua New Guinea, ultimately transferring authority to the indigenous owners in 1975. For an insightful perspective on the history of the Australian-Papua New Guinean relationship, consider reading "The Embarrassed Colonist" by Sean Dorney. Many of the challenges confronting Papua New Guinea today can be traced back to its colonial history.

Papua New Guinea boasts a population where young individuals represent nearly 60%, yet they face severe limitations in accessing formal education, job opportunities, and the everyday resources and opportunities often taken for granted. Shocking statistics reveal that two-thirds of households have experienced family violence, and the rates of family and sexual violence here rank among some of the highest globally. Disengaged young people often find themselves hanging out in settlements, searching for activities, sometimes resorting to opportunistic crimes and violence.

Skateboarding Papua New Guinea is on a mission to engage and empower the youth. Skateboarding is an enjoyable, stress-relieving pursuit that knows no boundaries, whether of race, class, gender, or background.

Join us in rolling out skateboarding across Papua New Guinea and making a positive change in the lives of its youth.