A clear, honest guide to skateboarding safety gear for adults and kids. What helmet to buy, which pads you actually need, budget options that still protect you, and how to stay safe while learning longboarding or surfskating. Practical advice from an experienced coach.

Wow. What a day. The Soulful Skate Co. Spring Festival on 17 May 2025 transformed SPARKS Bristol and brought 157 of you together under one roof to roll, laugh, learn, connect, and celebrate the joy of movement. Complete beginners and skaters of ages ranging from 6 to over 60 bought so much energy and the day reminded us just how powerful community is. But beyond the good vibes, we also gathered some amazing data that helps us understand what matters most to you —and how we can grow from here....

Bigger, Bolder, and More Inclusive Than Ever! Jack and Rebecca teaching the beginner sliding class On Sunday 11 May, we returned to Bridge Valley Road for our second-ever Bristol Slide Day , and what a day it was! With the road closed to traffic thanks to the marathon along the portway, skaters from across the UK joined for sliding lessons and pure good vibes. This year saw a broader age range, stronger female representation, and a growing sense that downhill and freeride is opening up to a...