Side Hustles in Skateboarding: Skateboard Lessons

Teaching skateboarding is a great way to share your passion for skateboarding, help others gain confidence, and earn extra income with minimal initial investment.

How to start offering skateboard lessons?

1. Self-Assessment– First, assess your skateboarding skills to determine your teaching capabilities—whether basic, intermediate, or advanced tricks. 
2. Certification – Skateboarding itself is very different from teaching skateboarding. A certification equips you with knowledge you might not have otherwise, which you will run into. This includes working with children & different personalities, first-aid, communication with parents, and even upselling techniques.
   A certification is also great for marketing your services. Parents, and eventually other organizations like schools, will be impressed by your credentials. Definitely include it in your marketing materials. To get started, simply search for “skateboard instructor certification” on Google.
3. Where to Get Started – Explore local skate shops or online platforms like GoSkate.com to see where you can fit in. Identify the age and skill levels you’re most comfortable teaching, from basic maneuvers to more complex skateboard tricks, tailoring your skateboard lessons to meet these needs, and list them in your marketing materials.
4. Lesson Plans – Develop a structured skateboard lesson plan, ensuring a solid foundation in the basics before advancing to more complex skills. This approach aids in your students’ progression and confidence.
   * My personal tip as an instructor for eight years: Have two plans and a backup plan. This is in case a skatepark might be crowded. Stick to your plans! Additionally, have a list of simple maneuvers that you can do anywhere, even without ramps.
   Never feel rushed or pressured to teach more. Repetition is key. There have been times when I’ve given lessons and only worked on pushing the entire time.
   * Note, if you’re teaching more than three tricks or maneuvers during a lesson, it’s a sign you might be inexperienced and overwhelmed.
5. Extra Equipment – Having an extra skateboard and protective gear on hand is a huge bonus, and your students and parents will thank you for it.  Most of your students may not have their own skateboards or safety equipment.  More often than not, they’ll arrive with a penny board, longboard, or even a rip-stick! I’ve seen it happen countless times.  These boards are completely unsuitable for learning proper skateboarding technique, especially when using ramps. They can be unsafe and lead to a frustrating lesson for both you and your student.
   Additionally, having the necessary tools like cones, chalk, and a skate tool is a good idea. Check out my video at the end of this blog for the “top 10 tools to have as a skate instructor!”
6. Marketing  – Use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to promote your skateboarding lessons. Facebook is a great platform to advertise lessons because of its user demographics. Most users are millennial parents with children between 5-12, which is your perfect target market. Also, join community groups and share your services within them.
   * Bonus Tip: My favorite Facebook groups to advertise in are “Rants & Raves.” You can say something like: “Rave! I’m excited to bring skateboarding lessons for children to our community. If you’ve ever been interested in learning to skateboard, consider taking a lesson with me! We’ll learn everything from standing and balancing to cruising on ramps.“
   Also, create engaging content on other social media platforms to showcase your offerings and connect with potential students. Regularly posting updates, tips, and success stories can attract a broader audience. The algorithms will reward you by showing your content to even more people.
   * Another bonus tip: Take photos and videos of every lesson! Focus on capturing smiles, high-fives, and celebrations, not the tricks. This is what will resonate most with people.
7. Pricing Strategies – Research the skateboard lessons market to determine competitive rates for your lessons. Consider offering package deals to provide more value and encourage longer-term commitments from your students. Consider offering promotions like a discounted first lesson. However, avoid steep discounts like 50% off, as they might attract customers who aren’t a good fit for your services.
8. Build a Community – Engage your students and their parents/guardians by forming social media groups, organizing events, and encouraging feedback. This not only fosters a sense of community but also aids in word-of-mouth marketing about your skateboard lessons.
9. Patience – Remember, teaching skateboarding requires patience. Your students will have varied skill levels, and your understanding and encouragement are vital to their success. Keep in mind that you went through this process when you started skating, so you understand how to help them slowly overcome challenges.

Potential Earnings as a Part-Time Skateboard Instructor

The earnings from teaching skateboarding can vary, with part-time instructors averaging around $500 per month based on the number of students and lessons. For those considering a full-time career, rates can go as high as $95 per hour, depending on skill level, experience working with children, and demand.
In my experience, you can expect to earn around $100 in your first month as a side hustle with minimal effort. This can be achieved by simply visiting skate shops and leaving fliers. 

In conclusion, turning skateboarding into a side hustle is a viable and potentially lucrative option.  By strategically planning and implementing my tips from above, you can make a significant impact on your students’ lives while supplementing your side-hustle income. Who knows you might be teaching the next Ryan Sheckler or Nyjah Huston. 

Need Our Assistance? We’re here for you! Just drop us an email with any questions or if you need any assistance in becoming a certified skateboard instructor, and we’ll help you get started on how to begin.