The Skateboard GB Cruiser Award: your first six skills

• What it is: Skateboard GB's first award for brand-new skaters, young people and adults.
• What you need first: Nothing. It starts from the first time you step on a board.
• What you'll learn: Six basics: stance, balance, pushing, turning, stopping and safety.
• How long it takes: Two to four shorter sessions, or one full-day lesson.
• Cost: Skateboard GB doesn't publish a price for learners. A one-hour private lesson with a board and pads is usually £32 to £60. Park entry on its own isn't a lesson.
• What's next: Riding track: skatepark sessions, local jams and then competitions. Coaching track: once you can ollie and drop in, the Get Rolling coaching course.

What it is

The Cruiser Award is the first stage of a wider Progression Awards programme. Skateboard GB says later stages will let you pick a route based on the skating you like and the spaces you have: flat ground and street, skatepark obstacles, mini-ramp and bowls. Those stages are still being developed, so they're not covered here.

Where it runs

It's built for any suitable space, indoors or out. That includes places with no skatepark at all, such as multi-use games areas and school or leisure centre sports halls. The skills are meant to be mastered in the taught sessions, with no practice needed in between.

What you get

• A progress card at each of the six stages, with tips for practising that skill.
• A sticker for your board or helmet at each stage.
• A certificate once all six are done.

Who teaches it

Skateboard GB qualified coaches who are DBS checked and have safeguarding training. Its lessons page lists skate schools and indoor parks that run lessons.

How it was built

Skateboard GB says it borrowed ideas from Bikeability and Learn to Swim, plus award systems already tried at skateparks such as Projekts MCR, Graystone and Mount Hawke. Eleven coaches, parks and skate schools gave feedback on early versions.

Kit

Most skate schools include a board, helmet and pads, so ask first. If you're buying, Skateboard GB's buying guide says to go to a specialist skate shop rather than a toy shop.

Source: Cruiser Award, Skateboard lessons, Learn to skate guide and Skateboard buying guide, Skateboard GB; Head injury and concussion, NHS; FAQ, Skateboard GB; checked October 2026.

Governing body: Skateboard GB runs the national coaching awards and competitions in England, and Skateboard Scotland is the recognised governing body in Scotland. Both are the official places to find out more.

Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.

The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.