There was a Skaters Club, They Said See Ya Later Club: Warren Wilson Gets Rid of Skate Club Equipment
Becca Boynton | September 13, 2023
Warren Wilson College’s (WWC) Skate Club has been a small, but mighty part of the WWC campus. However, WWC removed all ramps and skate equipment over the summer, leaving the club with no gear to practice with.
The skate club is currently in the midst of a revitalization. Members are having to revise gatherings since all ramps were thrown out over the summer due to unknown reasons. Junior Lander Sartin, one of the present leaders of the club, discussed the demolition of club equipment.
“There was nothing we could do to save it,” Sartin said. “It is upsetting that there was no communication or a way to replace it.”
WWC campus threw away two primary obstacles of skate club: a foot-tall box for ollying and tricks and a quarter pipe. Members claim there was no communication between club members and the school beforehand regarding their supplies.
Ruby Jane Moser
Junior Phebe Finch skateboarding during skate club.
“We have no other obstacles, really,” Sartin said.
While their equipment is gone, the club has no plans to stop meeting. Currently, the skate club intends to meet every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Devries parking lot, commonly known as Dustbowl.
A skateboard is not required upon arrival at a skate club meeting. In fact, members encourage non-skaters to come. The club aims to be as inclusive as possible.
“People can show up if they don’t have a board or if they want to learn,” Sartin said. “We are trying to foster a space where people who are learning how to skate or want to skate but don’t have a board can come and have a community that’s not judging them”
The club has gradually shrunk in members since Sartin initially joined, with 20-25 members during their freshman year. However, it still holds importance to many different individuals on campus.
“Skate club was created to bring people together on campus, whether they skate or have never touched a board in their life,” Sartin said. “Skate club is about building community more than anything.”
Anyone who wants to join can, according to Sartin, no matter past experiences with skating. They are also attempting to step away from the “normal skater archetype” some people imagine.
“We are trying to make a space that is queer-friendly and also Wilson-friendly,” Sartin said.
WWC skate club is not planning on ending anytime soon despite their lack of tools. The club has future plans for off-campus trips to local skate parks and will continue to be an official club at WWC while striving for a safe and accessible community for skaters on campus.
To receive updates on skate club or inquire about joining, follow WWC_skateclub on Instagram.