MANSFIELD — Gunnar Crist began skateboarding when he was 11 years old.
Two years later, Crist, 13, had the opportunity to help educate local skaters Thursday evening during a “Build Your Own Board” workshop hosted by Brasshouse Boardroom.
Skaters ranging from ages three to 14 filled Idea Works in downtown Mansfield and learned how to build their own skateboard piece-by-piece.
Class members also received instruction regarding safety measures and protective equipment to wear while skateboarding.
“I love it (teaching others) because skateboarding is my passion,” Crist said. “It was cool for me to see all the kids that came out here and were building skateboards — getting into it.”
“It’s just so fun to teach people and show people how to do stuff on their own, without having someone else do it.”
In January, Crist was announced as the first Mansfield Skater of the Year by Skate Mansfield.
Series of stations helps skaters build a board
Those who attended Thursday’s workshop constructed their own skateboard with help from Brasshouse Boardroom volunteers, as well as local skaters.
A variety of stations guided class members through the stages of building their board — including wheels, bearings, trucks, grip tape and decorations.
Skaters were also sent home with skateboard wax, a board tool and freeze-dried candy.
Libby Robinson, Brasshouse Boardroom co-owner, said her own knowledge of skateboarding was a source of inspiration for the class.
“When we started this adventure, I knew as much about skateboarding as any random person,” she said. “I was a mom to skateboarders, so I knew what they needed — but their dad handled the nitty-gritty of it.”
Robinson and her husband, Brennan, co-own Mansfield’s downtown skate shop. Their children, Carter and Beau, are both passionate about the sport.
When Brasshouse Boardroom opened in January, Libby said she was using Google and YouTube to learn more about the ins and outs of skateboarding equipment.
“I thought an event for older kids would really help them understand their board before we get into spring and summer — when they’re actually out riding them,” she said.
Several local businesses helped fund the event and lower costs for class members, Libby said, including Elliott’s Lawn Care and Snow Removal, Liberty DIY, Lemon and Bean, Two Cousins Pizza, Brennan’s Barber Shop and Richland Source.
‘Opportunities are endless’ for local skaters
Class members at Thursday’s workshop consisted of local skaters from Mansfield and surrounding communities.
Brennan, who’s also the owner of Brennan’s Barbershop on Park Avenue West, said it was great to see such a large turnout.
“It’s great seeing all these kids come out here and being able to learn about the different pieces and parts of a skateboard,” he said.
“I’m thankful for being here and just being able to bring alternative activities to the kids in our community.”
Brennan said it’s exciting to see local youth take interest in the sport at early ages.
“Skateboarding teaches kids to be resilient,” he said. “Watching these kids be excited about building skateboards and learning how to skateboard is super exciting to me.”
@sourcemediaprops Local skaters had a chance to build their own board Thursday at Idea Works in downtown Mansfield. Brasshouse Boardroom, co-owned by Brennan and Libby Robinson, hosted an educational workshop which guided class members to build their board piece-by-piece — while also learning about skateboard safety and equipment. #fyp #foryoupage #skateboarding #skate #brasshouseboardroom #mansfield ♬ original sound – Source Media Properties
“Their (kids) opportunities are endless. They’re going to find a place and a belonging in the skateboard community. They’re going to find new friends and meet new people, so we’re excited to see these young people coming out.”
He added a “Kid’s Skate Day” is currently planned for Saturday, May 18 at Liberty DIY Skatepark, 577 Grace St.
Free skate lessons will be available for skaters ages three to 14 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Brasshouse Boardroom is located at 34 W. 4th St. and sells skateboards, decks, wheels, clothing, helmets and more.
The shop is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays.
(Below are photos from Brasshouse Boardroom’s “Build Your Own Board” workshop hosted at Idea Works Thursday evening in downtown Mansfield.)
