The Uganda Skateboard Society: Building a Skate Scene From the Ground Up

The Uganda Skateboard Society is making waves in the skateboarding world, demonstrating the power of community and passion in the most unexpected of places. They are not only building skateparks but also nurturing a thriving skateboarding scene in Uganda, one of the world’s poorest countries. This article delves into their story, challenges, and aspirations, as shared by Gerald Gose, the driving force behind the organization.

A group of skateboarders are skating at a concrete skatepark in UgandaA group of skateboarders are skating at a concrete skatepark in Uganda

From Inspiration to Action: The Birth of USS

Gerald Gose’s first encounter with skateboarding came in 2005 when he met a Canadian volunteer named Bran Lye. Inspired by the tricks he saw, Gerald received his first skateboard. Initially seeing it as just a leisure activity, he soon discovered the seriousness and global community of skateboarding through the internet and social media. This sparked the idea of starting the Uganda Skateboard Society (USS) in 2011 with his brother. Their main goal was to foster the skateboarding culture in Uganda by constructing skateparks. They also aimed to bring young people together, providing a constructive alternative to negative influences and illegal activities.

Overcoming Challenges: Building a Skate Scene

Establishing a skateboarding scene in Uganda was not without its hurdles. One of the primary challenges was the heavy taxation on donated skate equipment. Gerald often had to use his own income to cover these costs. Despite reaching out to various organizations for support, they initially found little response, leading them to adopt a DIY approach. Gerald turned to the internet, studying documentaries and online tutorials to learn how to build skateparks. With the help of local skaters, they started building their own skateparks in 2016, refining their skills over time to create more professional ramps and features.

Gerald Gose, the founder of the Uganda Skateboard Society, posing for a portraitGerald Gose, the founder of the Uganda Skateboard Society, posing for a portrait

While some skate companies have offered support, the lack of local support and skate shops has been another issue. The reliance on donations from abroad highlights the economic challenges they face. The cost of buying skateboards online, due to shipping and taxation fees, makes it hard for many young people to access the sport.

Community and Impact: More Than Just Skateboarding

The impact of skateboarding in Uganda extends beyond the sport itself. For kids in the ghettos, where economic opportunities are scarce, skateboarding offers a positive outlet. Education is also a challenge, with many families unable to afford school fees. Gerald and the USS have also begun a program to support kids in their education. They plan to raise funds each year to help send children to school, as well as selling branded t-shirts to support their efforts. The rising poverty in Uganda has made the work of USS all the more important, proving that skateboarding is an impactful tool for community growth.

An animated gif showing a skateboarder performing tricks at the Uganda skateparkAn animated gif showing a skateboarder performing tricks at the Uganda skatepark

The skatepark itself was initially built in 2016 but needed reconstruction due to wear and tear. They opted for terrazzo for longer-lasting features and have invested around $25,000 into their current project. Gerald, inspired by skaters like Danny Way and Bob Burnquist, designed the park with a mini mega ramp, reflecting their love of vert skateboarding. This demonstrates the USS’s ingenuity and resourcefulness in creating a unique skate environment.

Family and Future: A Legacy of Skateboarding

Gerald’s family is deeply involved in skateboarding. His brother is a sponsored pro skater, and Gerald himself has been sponsored by Mountain Dew for eight years. Even his younger brother, Moses, has gained attention for his skateboarding skills. The family’s passion for skateboarding is evident, and it is shaping their lives and community.

A skateboarder performs a trick at the Uganda SkateparkA skateboarder performs a trick at the Uganda Skatepark

The dream of having a Ugandan skateboarder at the Olympics is still alive. While they missed the qualifiers due to lack of funding, Gerald believes that with the right support, they can achieve this goal. The unique style and talent being displayed by Ugandan skaters has been noticed by many, even skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, who shared one of their videos online.

Looking ahead, the Uganda Skateboard Society remains committed to expanding the sport across the country. They hope to see more skateparks built and that local companies will begin to invest in skateboarding, much like they do with football and basketball. The support of international skateboarding communities remains crucial, particularly in the donation of skate decks and trucks.

A group of skateboarders from Uganda skate at their local skateparkA group of skateboarders from Uganda skate at their local skatepark

Conclusion

The story of the Uganda Skateboard Society is one of resilience, community spirit, and the transformative power of skateboarding. Through their DIY approach, they have overcome many obstacles and created a thriving skateboarding scene, providing hope and opportunities for the youth in Uganda. They are a testament to the idea that skateboarding can transcend borders and change lives, one skateboard at a time. The USS inspires the global skateboarding community with their passion and dedication to building a better future. They continue to welcome support through donations and by raising awareness of their mission, aiming to keep growing and sharing their unique skateboarding experience.

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LongboardsGuide Team

Hi guys! We are LongboardsGuide team, welcome to our blog. We are here to help you choose the right gear to ride safely, together with Tom creating helpful tutorials and guides for beginners. Everyday I try to share my knowledge about it with all of you.