Young skateboarder shredding his way to Beat the Heat this summer

Seven year old Beckett Young is barely bigger than his skateboard, but already has years of experience. Now, he’s preparing to compete in Beat the Heat for the first time.

“Nervous, but like the first time I do it, its fun, ‘cuz if you mess up you just do it again next year. You don’t win, try again next year,” he says.

When Beckett was just a baby, his dad would take him to watch Beat the Heat. Being surrounded by the sport inspired Beckett to join.

“So my dad is a skateboarder and he’s really good at teaching, so that really helps me a lot,” Beckett says.

Now, he spends every Saturday at Medicine Hat Skateboard Associations Skate Skool, something his dad helped create.

“This program, I was fortunate enough to be one of the people who helped start it as a 17 year old kid. And now 20 years later, my kid gets to be a part of it, it’s just very special,” Stuart mentions.

But Stuart says he wants Beckett to enjoy skating, not feel pressured to compete. He also uses the sport as a way to spend quality time with his son.

“As a father it’s just such an incredible feeling, to be able to skateboard with your son. Like growing up as a kid I could’ve never imagined that, so it’s really cool,” Stuart says.

If Beckett decides competitions aren’t his forte, he may become an instructor one day. He tells us one of his favourite things is teaching others how to skateboard.

“That you can teach other people, and it’s fun to learn tricks. Once you get the hang of it they’re really really fun,” Beckett explains.

Beat the Heat will be held at Kinsmen Skate Plaza in Kin Coulee Park. It attracts over 150 competitive skaters across the country.

by Lisa Parent

Young skateboarder shredding his way to Beat the Heat this summer

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