by The Barbados Olympic Association Inc.
Our beautiful island is known globally for its stunning beaches, numerous festivals, Kensington Oval (the mecca of cricket in the Caribbean) and, since 2019, because of the growing number of skateboard enthusiasts, as the island home to one of the best skateparks in the Caribbean – Kaitif Skatepark.
Skateboarding may not be among the most popular sports or recreational activities in Barbados; however, it is gaining momentum among the young and the young at heart.
It is safe to say skateboarding contributes to the diversification of sports in Barbados, offering opportunities for local talent development and community engagement and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Skateboarding’s debut at the 2020 Summer Olympics has expanded the sport’s horizons, creating development and professional opportunities for athletes and boosting its popularity among potential fans.
A new skate of mind.
The opening of the purpose-built state-of-the-art skatepark, the recognition by the Olympic Movement and the inclusion of the Skateboarding Association of Barbados (SAB) as a member of Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA) have been pivotal in developing the sport on the island. These watershed events have helped change public perception about skateboarding.
According to President Adrian Bowen, to help further advance the sport, athletes need ready access to skateboards, which can be expensive because of the duty they attract – being classified as toys and not sporting goods. The SAB is keen to connect local retailers with the best manufacturers and distributors of skateboards globally.
Like all sporting activity, COVID-19 negatively impacted skateboarding, but the SAB is reporting a positive rebound, with several new skaters joining their ranks. Earlier this year, over 25 young people learned how to skateboard when the United States Embassy in Bridgetown hosted a free skateboarding clinic in collaboration with the BOA and the Skateboarding Association. With increasing opportunities to use Kaitif Skatepark, skateboarders at all levels are now honing their skills. SAB President Bowen describes it as iron sharpening iron.
‘As skaters, we have built strong camaraderie and support. We all understand the challenges we face in our sport, and witnessing someone perform at their best inspires us to push ourselves even further. Innovations and new techniques demonstrated by others spark our creativity, motivate us to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what is possible.
It feels like we are constantly sharpening each other’s skills to become better. The GromFest competition, designed for the under-19s, embodies this spirit of mutual encouragement and growth’.
Greater appeal International recognition of skateboarding is helping develop the sport and open doors for local athletes through tournaments and scholarships, and the SAB is committed to identifying overseas opportunities for the local skateboarding community. Indeed, the SAB was proud when Barbadian skateboarders debuted at an international games meet in November 2022. The opened their eyes to the world of possibilities, and they are looking forward to getting more exposure to higher levels of competition.
The One Movement Invitational Skateboard Festival held in Barbados every August is one such opportunity and benefits tourism, bringing other skaters to our shores. The festival returned this August after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, and the plan is for an even bigger festival in 2024.
With the sport’s growth, there is a need for additional spaces for athletes to practise their tricks and manoeuvres. The skateboarding community was fortunate to have the Maria Holder Memorial Trust partner with the Ministry of Sports to construct Kaitif. However, more efforts are needed to take the sport to the next level. An additional style of skatepark, used in international competitions, would be a great addition to the local landscape. This would enable athletes to practise with different obstacles and park sizes before entering other competitions.
It’s all about having fun.
For the SAB, community engagement is a priority. Recognising that not everybody who skates has the potential to be an Olympic athlete or is even remotely interested in competing, they are looking to construct DIY skateparks across the island, with temporary or even mobile ramps, for people interested in skating to practise and just have fun. Anyone at any age can learn to skate and have fun doing it.