It’s your average dark, rainy Monday night in the Comox Valley. You walk into the LINC Youth Centre and hear loud punk rock music mixed with ’90s hip-hop blaring behind the big sliding doors. Grinding and slapping sounds meld with voices hooting and yelling. As you open the large doors, the scent of old Vans and Tiger Balm fills the air. For a second, you wonder if you’ve walked in on a secret Comox Valley fight club, but quickly realize it’s a bunch of adults skateboarding.
“There is no dress code, no judgment, no attitude—simply a bunch of grownups enjoying what some refer to as a sport and others call an art form.”
The LINC is a community youth centre, but on Monday nights from 7 to 9 p.m., it comes alive with older skate rats ranging in age from 18 to people in their 60s. You’ll find skilled veterans mixing with first-timers, all clapping and encouraging each other. There is no dress code, no judgment, no attitude—simply a bunch of grownups enjoying what some refer to as a sport and others call an art form. Many people are attracted to it because there are no coaches and no teams—you build your skill level on your own.
Why the space matters
“I’m currently training hard to compete in Olympic qualifying events all over the world. During the warmer months, I have access to a variety of outdoor skateparks. However, once the weather turns cold and wet, it becomes a challenge to maintain my momentum. There’s no other facility like this on the Island,” comments Zoe Zollinger, an 18-year-old training for a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in the skateboarding park discipline. “Even though I have to drive from Nanaimo, I’m extremely grateful it’s an option for me,” she continues.
Building the space
In 2006, the City of Courtenay built the LINC. The project was spearheaded by Jim Stevenson, then Courtenay’s Recreation Manager, who envisioned a low-cost drop-in centre where youth could safely engage in an array of activities. The skateboard ramp was designed and built by longtime locals Graham Mclean and Jeff Reynolds. They quickly realized the beam support system would propose challenges, but worked around it to create a unique, well-rounded bowl and a smaller street area.
Mclean, who’s still a regular at the Monday sessions, says: “I’ve been skating for close to 50 years in various capacities. Now, more than ever, people know you can’t put an age limit on having fun.”
Skateboarding grows up
Skateboarding began in the 1950s, but really began growing in popularity through the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s. Now that skateboarding is pushing 70 years old, it stands to reason that its participants are getting older, too. Hats off to the LINC for recognizing this and carving out one night a week where adults can skate together.
“Monday-night sessions are where I found my people. They were an important step in getting me back in touch with skateboarding after five years of navigating life with young children.”
–- Daniel Opden
Finding your people
LINC also offers weekly programs and classes for youth in many pursuits, including skateboarding. “Both my kids have done lessons there, and sometimes I skate the park with my 11-year-old son,” says Daniel Opden Dries, a 42-year-old software developer based in Comox.
“Monday-night sessions are where I found my people,” Daniel continues. “They were an important step in getting me back in touch with skateboarding after five years of navigating life with young children.”
The health benefits
To be clear, we are not suggesting you all go out and pick up a new skateboard, but don’t ever let your age dictate what you choose to do with your life. The health benefits of skateboarding are vast, including cardio, strength building, balance and coordination, and even stress relief.
A recent study from the UK’s University of Exeter found that skateboarding can help middle-aged individuals navigate a midlife crisis by alleviating stress and depression, providing a creative outlet, and offering a sense of “spiritual meaning.” Research indicates that the sport provides mental and emotional benefits such as increased focus, self-determination, and freedom from routine, while also creating opportunities for social connection and intergenerational bonding.
Come skate with us
Maybe you used to skate, maybe you’re new in town, maybe you don’t want to hit the Cumberland park alone at 8 a.m. on Sundays, or maybe you’re a first-timer and looking for an inclusive space to figure out your skill level and meet like-minded people. Whatever your reason, we encourage you to come skate, or just hang out and watch. At the price of $4 per session it can’t be beat. And don’t be surprised if you get invited to Gladstone’s for an après beer.
