1,000 Skateboards Project
Skateboarding is a rigorous sport that involves daily practice and the average skater will typically practice several hours in a day. The trucks and bearings will last a pretty long time but in all that practice the skater is wearing down their skateboard deck, grip tape and wheels so much that they will be in need of replacements within a month or two. These items aren't cheap!
At the local skate shop the cost of purchasing a new deck, grip tape and a set of wheels can range from $140-$200 on average. Yikes, that's a lot of money!
That's why we developed the 1,000 Skateboards Project. Havalina Skate Co. is commitment to donating at least 1,000 skateboards to the most disadvantaged families of Los Angeles county. We know times are tough for families and we want to make it a little bit easier. We know parents can't afford to be replacing their kids equipment several times a year, even though they really wish they could. Parents tell us their heartbreaking stories all the time and we hear you loud and clear!
Please join us in making this goal a reality.
Monetary donations as well as donations of skateboards and gear are greatly appreciated.
As an incentive, any individual, business or organization that donates a minimum of 100 skateboard decks to this project will receive a plaque, in recognition of and appreciation for their contribution and commitment to meeting our goal.
The plaque will be presented at a celebration ceremony when we meet our goal!
#1000SkateboardsProject*
*Goal reached as of 7/18/2021 - 613 of 1,000 skateboards
Our History
Havalina Skate Co. was started by Alex and Kelly as a way to share their love of skateboarding with new learners. At the time of its inception the world was contending with the Covid-19 pandemic; playgrounds and parks were closed and stay-at-home orders were enforced. People of all ages found themselves in a strange position having to discover ways of engaging in solo activities that made it possible to maintain social distance while providing a challenge and staying safe; skateboarding provided it all. This motivated the couple to start filming and posting short tutorials called “Skate School” where Alex, now known as coach Alex, taught the basics online until it was safe to coach in person.
As time went on the pandemic forced millions of people into unemployment making it worse for families that were already struggling. Kelly and Alex recognized there was a need greater than skate tutorials that they wanted to fill; one that would make it easier for people to engage in the sport they loved by removing financial barriers and making it accessible to all. From that one revelation their new mission was born.
Kelly and Alex restructured Havalina Skate Co. as a nonprofit organization that collected donations of new and used skateboards and gear for the disadvantaged families of Los Angeles county. They built a makeshift workshop in their back yard and began by refurbishing Alex’s old skateboards. Using social media, they let the community know what they were doing and the response was tremendous. The community loved what they were doing and they showed their support with monetary contributions, donations of new and used skate gear, spreading the word on their social media platforms and volunteering their time and resources.
With the generous support the organization receives, Havalina Skate Co. is able to provide people with the skate gear they need and couldn’t otherwise afford. Thank you for your support.
*Due to insurance exclusions Havalina Skate Co. can no longer accept used skateboards and gear.