Hidden down a path next to Mojo Cafe on Divisadero lies The San Francisco Skate Club. Maybe you've walked by and spotted the colorful skateboards in the window, but have never actually gone inside? Trust us - it's worth a visit.
Although it opened its physical doors in June of this year, SF Skate Club has been around since 2007. Founded by Shawn Connolly and his wife Thuy Nguyen, the club was started to provide a supportive and positive skateboarding community for youth. Shawn has 20 years of skateboarding under his belt, and has been featured in Slap, Thrasher and Transworld magazines. Thuy has a master’s degree in education. Their combined skillset makes for the most popular youth skate group in the city. The ethos of SF Skate Club is to “to provide a safe, positive, and fun environment for youth of diverse backgrounds to pursue their passion or desire to skateboard, meet and form friendships with other young skaters, and learn from experienced skateboarders who are role models in the community.” Offering everything from one-on-one lessons with Shawn to a thriving Saturday Skateboard Program for kids ages 8 - 13, they work hard to create a supportive safe space for skaters from any background to improve their skills. So why brick and mortar? Expanding beyond their white van - which they use to transport skate camp kids to different parks - as of last summer the duo now owns a full-service skateshop, creative arts workshop, and gallery space. All of which were put to use at the recent Divisadero Art Walk, which featured artwork from kids using grip tape, paint, and even coffee filters under the theme "Skate Aquatic".
Follow them on Facebook for updates and check out their (really) awesome videos on Vimeo. Or, just drop in to 325A Divisadero next time you're walking by and say hello.
Although it opened its physical doors in June of this year, SF Skate Club has been around since 2007. Founded by Shawn Connolly and his wife Thuy Nguyen, the club was started to provide a supportive and positive skateboarding community for youth. Shawn has 20 years of skateboarding under his belt, and has been featured in Slap, Thrasher and Transworld magazines. Thuy has a master’s degree in education. Their combined skillset makes for the most popular youth skate group in the city. The ethos of SF Skate Club is to “to provide a safe, positive, and fun environment for youth of diverse backgrounds to pursue their passion or desire to skateboard, meet and form friendships with other young skaters, and learn from experienced skateboarders who are role models in the community.” Offering everything from one-on-one lessons with Shawn to a thriving Saturday Skateboard Program for kids ages 8 - 13, they work hard to create a supportive safe space for skaters from any background to improve their skills. So why brick and mortar? Expanding beyond their white van - which they use to transport skate camp kids to different parks - as of last summer the duo now owns a full-service skateshop, creative arts workshop, and gallery space. All of which were put to use at the recent Divisadero Art Walk, which featured artwork from kids using grip tape, paint, and even coffee filters under the theme "Skate Aquatic".
