OUR STORY

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

Skate PNG was born from a shared passion for skateboarding and surfing among a tight-knit group of local riders who gathered every weekend at Taurama Beach. For years, they built and rebuilt plywood ramps, only to watch them succumb to the elements. But with the support of Victoria Hudson, the McLaughlin family, Surfing PNG, the Pyramid Board Riders Club, and the Solien family, their vision took shape. In 2018, Skate PNG officially became a registered charity, dedicated to growing the local skate scene and empowering the next generation.

In November 2023, thanks to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, we made history by building Papua New Guinea’s first concrete skate space. With the help of local community leaders and global volunteers, we constructed the country’s first concrete mini ramp, ledge, and restroom facilities—creating a lasting space for skaters to ride, learn, and connect.

Since then, Skate PNG continues to thrive, offering regular free skateboarding lessons to the local community and giving young people a safe and supportive place to develop their skills. But we’re just getting started. To keep the momentum going, we’re actively raising funds to ensure the boards keep rolling and the stoke stays alive.

Want to be part of the movement? Visit our Projects page to learn more.

WHY PAPUA NEW GUINEA?

Australia was the last colonial power to govern Papua New Guinea before the nation gained independence in 1975. To better understand the complex history of the Australian-Papua New Guinean relationship, we recommend The Embarrassed Colonist by Sean Dorney. Many of the challenges facing Papua New Guinea today are deeply rooted in its colonial past.

With nearly 60% of the population under the age of 25, Papua New Guinea is a country of young people full of potential. However, access to formal education, employment, and essential resources remains severely limited. Alarming statistics show that two-thirds of households have experienced family violence, with rates of family and sexual violence among the highest in the world. Without access to positive outlets, many disengaged youth spend their time in settlements, often vulnerable to crime and violence.

At Skateboarding Papua New Guinea, we believe in the power of skateboarding to inspire, engage, and uplift. More than just a sport, skateboarding is a universal language—breaking barriers of race, class, and gender while providing an outlet for creativity, resilience, and self-expression.

Together, we can roll out skateboarding across Papua New Guinea and create a lasting impact on the lives of its youth. Join us in making a difference.