s. SOLID Foundation Youth Outreach

Paterson
Skateboard
Lessons.

Learn to skate, build confidence, and connect with your community — right here in Paterson.

Skate. Create. Connect.

More than tricks.

Skateboarding has the power to transform lives. Our small-group lessons welcome every ability level — from a first-time drop-in to a skater chasing their first kickflip. Every session is taught by vetted, experienced instructors who lead with safety, patience, and a Mind – Body – Board approach.

SOLID Foundation ignites the potential of young people in Paterson, empowering them to become leaders and peacemakers through the transformative power of skateboarding, art, and education. Lessons are one of the many ways we invite young people in.

"To me, when I think of SOLID, I think of a place of peace."

— R.S., age 13, SOLID Minds After-School Club

The Basics

Lesson info.

Where
Paterson, NJ
SOLID Foundation
39 Governor St, Paterson, NJ 07501
Who
All Levels
Small-group lessons by age and ability. Beginners welcome — no experience needed.
When & How Much
Weekends
Single lessons and multi-week packages available. Dates, times, and pricing are listed on the registration form below.
What We Teach Beyond the Board

Our S.K.A.T.E.R. Code.

Every program at SOLID is built on our S.K.A.T.E.R. Code — the values that help young people become PeaceMakers, on and off the board.

S
Share
We share skills, knowledge, experiences and meals — life, together.
K
Keep Pushing
We fail a trick hundreds of times before we land it. So we keep pushing — in skating and in life.
A
Appreciate
We find peace by grounding ourselves in gratitude and thankfulness.
T
Take Action
Beliefs matter most when we do something with them. We act.
E
Encourage
You got this. We cheer each other on — at the park and everywhere else.
R
Respect
Respect is a two-way street. We offer it first, especially to those different from us.
Why Skate With Us

Falling down,
getting back up.

The impact reaches far beyond kickflips. Skateboarding, like life, is full of obstacles — and every attempt, fall, and success teaches that resilience is how you reach a goal.

Confidence

Skaters set goals, push past limits, and discover what they're capable of — one trick at a time.

Resilience

We celebrate getting back up after a fall, literally and figuratively. That spirit carries into school, home, and beyond.

Community

Lessons connect young people with mentors, peers, and a network of leaders who believe in them.

Safety First

Built around your skater.

Safety is our top priority. Skaters work on flat ground and small obstacles, helmets are required, and our team is prepared if the occasion arises.

All staff are criminally background checked
1:6
Low instructor-to-skater ratio
+
First-aid certified lead instructors
2
Minimum two adults present at all times

What to bring: a skateboard, a helmet, and closed-toe shoes. Knee/elbow pads and a water bottle are recommended. Don't have gear? We have boards, helmets, and pads available on request.

A Typical Lesson

Sample itinerary.

Every session is structured so skaters know what to expect and leave with a win.

:00
Meet & GreetCheck in, gear up, say what's up.
:05
HuddleReview the S.K.A.T.E.R. Code and set a goal for the day.
:15
Instruction & SkatingHands-on coaching at each skater's level.
:55
Progress CheckCelebrate the wins, name the next goal.
:60
Wrap & Pick-UpLesson ends — see you next time.
Good to Know

Questions.

Do I need my own board and gear?

It's ideal to use your own board so your body gets comfortable with what you'll skate regularly — but it's not required. We have helmets, pads, and boards available for your lesson on request. Helmets and closed-toe shoes are required.

Do parents need to stay during the lesson?

No — please drop off your skater and return at the designated pick-up time. We just ask that you're on time for pick-up.

What happens if it rains?

Weather can affect outdoor lessons. If a session is impacted, we'll reach out about rescheduling or crediting your lesson to another date.

What if my skater is sick or can't make it?

Please don't send a sick or injured skater to a lesson. While we can't offer refunds, we can credit a missed lesson toward another date.

What happens if my skater gets hurt?

Serious injury is very unlikely in an instructional setting, and helmets are required. For minor scrapes and bruises, registration grants permission for staff to give basic first aid. In the rare case of a more serious injury, we'll contact you immediately.

What if my child is younger or older than the listed ages?

Our age groupings are recommendations. If you think your child would still benefit, reach out and we'll help you find the right fit. For adult lessons, contact us directly to set something up.

Sign Up

Register for lessons.

We use AfterSchool HQ to manage programs and registration. Pick a lesson below to reserve your skater's spot.

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SOLID.

A place to skate, create and connect. SOLID Foundation ignites the potential of young people in Paterson through skateboarding, art, and education.

Donate

Visit / Mail

39 Governor St
Paterson, NJ 07501

Mailing:
PO Box 1166
Paterson, NJ 07509

SOLID Foundation Youth Outreach is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 77-0617835.