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Sk8well Kickoff

Try-out skateboarding, community, and creativity at Barken Arena.

Everyone is welcome, no prior experience needed. We have boards to borrow and a limited number of helmets. If you have your own helmet that covers the back of the head – please bring it.

Of course, we offer free fika.

Example of helmet covering the back of the head

The Sk8well board & what comes next

All children and young people can leave their mark on our Sk8well board by writing or drawing on the theme: “What makes you feel good?”

When the colors have dried, the next chapter begins. During the winter we invite members to free indoor activities – a chance to continue developing, make new friends, and grow on the board. Membership costs only 50 SEK per year for kids and also provides safe insurance via the Swedish Skateboard Federation. Read more about membership →

In spring we tie everything together. Then we transform the board into a bank – built together with the kids. The result is not only a new skate obstacle, but also a physical symbol of community, creativity, and voices that have been heard.

Time & place

Date: Sunday 12 October 2025

Time: 12:00–18:00

Place: Barken Arena, Smedjebacken

For whom

The event is aimed at children and young people – all ages are welcome.

  • Boards available to borrow
  • Helmets in limited numbers – bring your own if possible
  • Helmet is mandatory for everyone under 15

Address & directions

Address: Prästavägen 13, 777 30 Smedjebacken

  • Parking available right outside
  • Bus stop within walking distance
  • Toilets and wheelchair accessible hall

Map

Why skating works for well-being

  • Reduces stress – a large majority of skaters say skating helps them manage stress and worry in daily life.
  • Self-esteem & resilience – failures turn into learning, which strengthens persistence and confidence.
  • Community & belonging – the skatepark acts as a meeting place across gender, class, and culture.
  • Creative freedom – you express yourself with your body and board on your own terms, without pressure from traditional sports.

Research comes among others from The Skatepark Project (formerly Tony Hawk Foundation) and USC Pullias Center for Higher Education.

Program

  • Try-out skateboarding all day – beginner area and obstacle area
  • Fingerboard corner open all day
  • Sk8Well board: write or draw “What makes you feel good?” and join the raffle at 17:00
  • Skate walkers for beginners – everyone should get a chance to try
  • Leaders on site at all times for support and encouragement
  • Registration: all participants write their name and personal ID on arrival. This covers you with insurance and you also receive a small gift.

Support & collaborations

Sk8well Kickoff is made possible thanks to support and collaborations from:

  • Smedjebacken Municipality
  • Ludvika Foundation for Mental Health
  • XL Bygg
  • Pling Reklam
  • Swedish Skateboard Federation

Competition schedule

13:00 – Race sitting on board
Everyone throws themselves down and rolls – fastest to the finish wins.
14:00 – Skate curling
Push the board and try to stop closest to the target. A mix of skate and precision play.
15:00 – Slalom with cones
Test your balance as you weave through the cones.
16:00 – Tick-tack race for adults
Who can keep the speed and style using only body movements?
17:00 – Sk8Well raffle
Everyone who wrote on the board “What makes you feel good?” takes part in the draw.

During the day we also hand out prizes and raffle wins – but most of all it’s about trying, having fun, and doing things together.

Creative challenges & prizes

During the day you can try some fun small challenges:

  • Most creative way to pick up the board
  • Longest manual
  • Longest kickturn

Everyone who tries a challenge gets a sticker with the association's logo. The number of stickers is limited, so first come first served.

Gifts & prizes

  • All registered participants get a small gift
  • Creative challenges → stickers
  • Competitions → skateboards, decks, or memberships

Practical & safety

  • 8–10 leaders on site; participants are divided into skill groups
  • Helmet requirement: everyone under 15 must wear a helmet. Older skaters are strongly recommended to wear one
  • Insurance: Valid via the Swedish Skateboard Federation/Folksam – for members and try-out participants registered with name and personal ID on site
  • Parental responsibility: children under 7 should be accompanied by an adult