Kurt Skates NI

02/05/2023

28/04/2023

For any Causeway Coast & Glens Councillors scrolling... check out this shining endorsement from the world's most famous skateboarding pro to ! Massive congratulations to , Dr Jim Donaghey & Portrush skaters involved.

One of the world's most famous skateboarders says a north coast park would be in constant use.

18/04/2023

If you're on Instagram & haven't already, give a follow! This is the project I mentioned that's repurposing Slaine's footage from over the years. Some of these vids will be presented at the conference in San Diego. Jim, the researcher behind the project, is really excited about it. We reckon Tony Hawk should join .

16/04/2023

We were at Station Square yesterday where I was chatting to Slaine. A couple of months ago we were surprised to see each other at Ulster Uni Coleraine campus. He's been doing some work with one of my colleagues and had provided a whole load of footage of the Portrush skate scene over the years. As a result, Slaine's off to The Stoke Sessions conference in San Diego! The key note speakers are none other than Tony and Steve Hawk! So excited for him and what this represents within our wee skate community. Safe travels Slaine! Have a blast!

Link to conference info for anyone wanting to find out more:

Join us for our conference that aims to bring together scholars from all backgrounds and disciplines – humanities, social and natural sciences, cultural studies, ethnic studies, Indigenous studies, sports studies, etc. in a comprehensive examination of surfing and skateboarding. We also welcome gr...

15/04/2023

Wee session at the Bridges the other day. I finally remembered the big camera 📷 🙌 ❤

20/09/2022

Come down and find out more!!
Portrush town hall this thursday!

20/09/2022

🛹People’s Park Skate Jam🛹
In association with Rawee skate school

🗣Saturday 24 September

10:45am - 11:45am Rawee Skate School Taster Sessions
11am - 12:30pm Registration for Skate Jams (Pavilion Building)
11:45am - 12:30pm Open Skate – bring your wheels and get involved
12:30pm - 12:45pm Skate Demo – Be amazed by the talent
12:45pm - 1:30pm Open Skate
1:30pm - 2:10pm Under 16 Skate Jam
2:10pm - 3pm Open skate
3pm - 3:30pm Hippe Jump
3:30pm - 4pm Open skate
4pm - 5pm Over 16s Skate Jam
5pm Prize Giving

The new Skate Park at People's Park is designed to cater for all of the main disciplines of wheeled sport such as skateboard, BMX, scooter and inline, along with disabled access requirements.

The facility is suitable for all age and skill levels, featuring a mix of street and transition elements with suitable flow between areas.

Please note: Due to the nature of this activity, in the case of wet weather the event may be cancelled.

14/09/2022

This is not the ideal solution, neither is it a permanent one. It actually gives us less space. However, it is a very positive step in the right direction.

A report will be presented to Councillors on the Leisure & Development Committee next week with a proposal for a temporary designated space in Station Square, Portrush to create a safe, controlled and inviting environment for skateboarders, whilst maintaining public access to the surrounding bus...

04/09/2022

Well done to Danielle (the Murphy Skaters) who arranged a meeting on the Square with Councillor McAuley today. John took the time out of his Sunday morning to come and listen to Skaters and Skate Parents. Kurt gave a lend of his board and helmet to John's wee son, who had a blast learning some of the basics with me. There's an incredibly long way to go, but we were all grateful that Cllr McAuley spent some time with us.

If any other Causeway Coast and Glens Councillors, local MLAs, etc. would like to come down, you are all more than welcome. You can even borrow mine and Kurt's boards and try out the skate scene if you'd like!

29/08/2022

As some of you know, I've been pushing for a skatepark at Ulster University on the Coleraine Campus. This isn't to detract from the local campaign, but rather to get them behind it. The University has funding streams that are unmatched by Causeway Coast and Glens Council and a lot of sway. I've been using my former role as a Student Rep of over 20,000 students to advocate need. Recently the Uni has started to recruit for a degree in Outdoor Adventure. This is mostly for watersports but includes climbing. The University does not have a climbing wall. I'm being told by the Student Union that scope for development will probably not extend to urban sports. However, if they're offering a degree at the Coleraine Campus that includes climbing, they may as well build a skatepark. There's plenty of unused land and the Uni prides itself on its community contributions.

Keep fighting. Let's get the University on-board.