Skate Australia *, which calls itself "the governing body for roller sports in Australia", has developed a national sports development program for Skateboarding in Australia.

The program's StreetWise skateboard clinics will be heading to Australia's Redlands for the first time this summer school holidays. As Australia is in the southern hemisphere, summer there is in December. Despite being considered a national sports development program, each clinic costs $40 in Australian * dollars for five hours of coaching.

Reports indicate that Australia is the only country in the world with an official national development program for skateboarding.

The StreetWise coaching sessions * are designed to help young Australians be active, stay healthy and enjoy freestyle * sports in a fun and safe environment. The classes are open to girls and boys from 6 to 16 years old, and encourages the youth of Australia to pursue their sport of choice on a regular basis.

Reportedly, just under a 1000 young people experienced the skateboarding sessions in 2005 *.

"It's great to see local councils supporting grassroots skateboarding and providing young skaters the opportunities to progress in a nationally recognised pathway," Skate Australia CEO Susan Currell said.

Participants are grouped in the coaching sessions according to their ability, these sessions cater for beginner to intermediate levels.

All StreetWise participants are required to wear a helmet at all times.

The StreetWise interactive coaching sessions are led by some of Australia's best freestyle sporting athletes and nationally recognised accredited coaches over five hours.

StreetWise will be dropping in at both Thornlands and Victoria * Point Skate Parks.

"Thanks to Redland Shire Council, we are able to offer all places for $40," Susan said. "But please note that places are strictly on a first in best dressed basis for the five hours of coaching workshops." (First-in best dressed? Huh?)

"New StreetWise participants will also receive 2006 membership with Skate Australia, personal accident insurance coverage, k-zone magazine, stickers and more."

To register for one of the StreetWise sessions visit one of the Redland Shire Council Customer Service Centres located at either Cleveland or Capalaba. For any additional information on StreetWise contact Redland Shire Council on 3829 8751. StreetWise is supported by Kewday Skateboard, K-zone magazine and Redland Shire Council.

Details about the program:

Classes take place at the Thornlands Skate Park at the Intermediate (Red) level, with 2 Skate Australia accredited coaches per session and a maximum of 15 participants per session.

Tuesday & Wednesday, January 17 & 18, 8am-10am; Thursday, January 19, 8-9am.

Victoria Point Skate Park

Maximum 15 participants per session

2 Skate Australia accredited coaches per session

Beginner Skate (Blue1):

2-4pm Tuesday & Wednesday, January 17 & 18; 3-4pm Friday, January 19

Beginner Skate (Blue2):

4-6pm Tuesday & Wednesday, January 17 & 18; 4-5pm Friday, January 19

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