In an era where schools are making tough decisions about their curriculums, critical classes in trades like Woodshop are often the first to go. Yet, amidst these cuts, there's a beacon of hope shining brightly: Surf Skate Science x Create-A-Skate program.
Origins of Create-A-Skate
Created by the visionary Paul Schmitt, Create-A-Skate is more than just a program—it's a movement aimed at bridging the gap in education where hands-on skills are often undervalued.
Paul Schmitt's journey into skateboarding began with a $3 swap meet find in 1973, sparked by the inspiration of a woodshop teacher. His passion ignited, Paul crafted his first skateboards, using his mom's car in their home driveway as a makeshift press. By the late '70s, as skateparks emerged, Paul's entrepreneurial spirit led him to create his own skateboard rails, dubbed "Schmitt Stix," which quickly gained popularity across Florida and beyond. His knack for innovation and craftsmanship propelled him into skateboard manufacturing, culminating in the establishment of a groundbreaking factory in California in the mid-'80s.
Throughout the tumultuous '80s skateboarding scene, Paul remained dedicated to quality and innovation, with Schmitt Stix boards becoming a global phenomenon. Yet, amidst his success, Paul's commitment to education and empowering young minds never wavered. In 2007, he launched CreateASkate, a nonprofit organization aimed at introducing children to skateboard making—a testament to his enduring passion for both skateboarding and education.
Today, Paul Schmitt's legacy lives on through CreateASkate, inspiring the next generation of skaters and innovators. From humble beginnings to the Skateboarding Hall of Fame, Paul's journey exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and creativity.
With over 30 years of experience in skateboard manufacturing, Schmitt recognized the importance of practical learning experiences in shaping young minds. Thus, Create-A-Skate was born—a program that merges the art of skateboard design with the technical knowledge of woodworking and STEM education. We met Paul over 15 years ago at Surf Expo and fell in love with his program. We have been sharing it ever since, incorporating Create-A-Skate into our curriculum for Skate Science.
Filling the Gap
In today's fast-paced world, woodworking and shop classes are often sidelined in favor of more academic pursuits. However, the benefits of these hands-on skills are immeasurable. Woodworking teaches technical abilities like machinery operation and blueprint reading—skills that are essential in today's job market. Moreover, it fosters confidence, creativity, and pride in tangible creations, empowering students to turn ideas into reality.
Empowering Students for the Future
At Surf Skate Science, we believe in providing students with practical skills that shape their futures. With trade and technical jobs in high demand, programs like Skate 4 Concrete, Skateparkiecture and Create-A-Skate prepare students for lucrative careers and help bridge the skills gap. By reintroducing shop classes into our curriculum, we can align educational priorities with the needs of employers, benefiting both students and the economy.
Together, let's empower future creators and fill the gap in education one skateboard at a time. #CreateASkate #Woodworking #SkillsForLife 🛠️📚