West Lothian schools are set to pioneer surfing and skateboarding programs, making them among the first in the country to offer these individual sports. With the recent recognition of Livingston Skatepark as a B-listed site and the development of the state-of-the-art Lost Shore Surf Resort in Ratho, students in West Lothian will have the opportunity to engage in surfing and skateboarding without traveling to the coast. These activities aim to attract children who may not be interested in traditional team sports.
The Education Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel shared that Active Schools, in collaboration with the Scottish Surfing Federation (SSF) and Skateboard Scotland, is working on a ‘School to Surf’ program. The pilot project is funded by the SSF and aims to introduce surfing and skateboarding to students, with a focus on developing pathways into these sports. The Lost Shore Surf Resort, a £60 million facility opening this month, will house the most advanced wave pool in the northern hemisphere, marking a significant investment in Scottish sport since the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Calderwood Primary School in East Calder is one of the schools chosen to participate in the innovative program, which uses ‘surfskate’ to introduce students to the basics of surfing and skateboarding. The Scottish Surfing Federation is thrilled to initiate this program, supported by Active Schools, the Surfskate academy, and the Lost Shore Surf Resort, to inspire and encourage young individuals to engage in surfing in Scotland.
The SSF is covering the costs of the program, which targets 12 primary five pupils who do not participate in traditional sports. Moreover, Edinburgh Napier University is involved in providing support to measure the impact of the program on developing balance, movement skills, confidence, and well-being. There are plans to extend the courses to more schools in West Lothian and potentially include snowsports and cycling in the future.
Snowsport Scotland has shown interest in supporting board sports programs in West Lothian, including a potential pathway to Nordic Skiing using wheeled skates. With the infrastructure of world-class skate parks, pump tracks, and the Lost Shore Surf Resort, West Lothian aims to boost participation in skateboarding and offer opportunities for various board sports. Active Schools will continue to explore skateboarding activities, collaborating with governing bodies to develop an action plan for a comprehensive ‘board’ program.