Simplified: The Siouxer, an indoor skate park and shop on the west side of town, has been offering skateboarding lessons to kids for several years. But now, they're bringing those lessons to even more kids through a new partnership with Terry Redlin Elementary School.
Why it matters
- The skateboarding community in Sioux Falls is having a moment in the last year, especially with the new Barb Iverson Skate Plaza – one of the largest skate parks in the nation – that opened last summer.
- In addition to the partnership with Terry Redlin, the Siouxer last week also announced a new "board-ega" retail space adjacent to the outdoor skate plaza. It'll be a space for skaters to grab food, water, sunscreen and skate supplies without having to drive across town.
- The Siouxer's classes started a few years ago as a way to introduce more girls to the historically male-dominated sport, said Laura Lutz, who owns the facility alongside her partner DJ Paronto. Now, they offer classes to all kids, and have even added a "Skater Tots" option for kids as young as 4.
- Lutz hopes the new weekly skateboarding classes with elementary school kids will help even more students build confidence and find community.
"It's giving kids an outlet," she said. "It's also teaching perseverance and resilience. Falling down is good for you. Getting back up is good for you."
Tell me more about The Siouxer
The business started out of a group of friends who enjoyed getting together and skating, and that sense of camaraderie has been a mainstay as it's grown and expanded.
As classes have expanded, the "chosen family" vibes (as Lutz puts it) have only gotten stronger between both kids and their parents. That's something parent Jade Hanson has experienced firsthand with her two kids.
"It' a really fun little niche that I've never experienced having my kids in different sports," Hanson said. "I feel like community is the word that just continues to come up when I think about The Siouxer."
Tell me more about the new partnership
The Siouxer will be working with the Community Learning Center at Terry Redlin to bring classes once a week.
- Starting at Terry Redlin is a natural fit, Lutz said, because of the school's proximity to the new skate park.
"It's giving kids a chance to be able to go enjoy this beautiful skate park that we worked so hard to get in our city," she said.
How can I learn more about The Siouxer?
The best way to keep up-to-date is by following the business on Instagram.
