Frequently asked questions

Give Matty a call anytime, or send a message — bookings are managed by email so we've got everything in writing. skatemateaussie@gmail.com

Yes. Every participant (or their parent/guardian if under 18) needs to sign our waiver before their first lesson. It takes about 2 minutes. Sign the waiver

Bank transfer or cash. Lessons and lesson packs are paid in advance so your spot is locked in.

Private lessons are open to ages 4 and up. Adults are absolutely welcome — plenty of first-time adults have kicked off with us.

It depends on the child. If your little one is keen but not quite 4, get in touch and we'll have a quick chat about whether they're ready to roll.

We run private lessons at skateparks across the Port Stephens area. Regular spots include:

• Stockton Skate Park — Stockton, NSW
• Anna Bay Skate Park — Robinson Reserve, Fitzroy St, Anna Bay
• Bulahdelah Skate Park — 9 Scott St, Bulahdelah
• Tanilba Skate Park — Tanilba Bay, NSW
• Mallabula Skate and BMX Park — Mallabula, NSW
• Medowie Skate Park — Boyd Oval, Grey Gum St, Medowie
• Raymond Terrace (Boomerang Skate Park) — Irrawang St, Raymond Terrace
• Karuah Skate Park — Aliceton Reserve, Engel Ave, Karuah

Got a preferred park not on the list? Get in touch and we'll do our best to make it work.

Usually, yes — if it's within the Port Stephens area. Send through the location and we'll let you know if it works for the lesson. Travel outside the area may include a small travel fee.

Comfortable clothes you can move in. Bring a water bottle, and sunscreen and a hat for outdoor sessions.

Closed-toe sports shoes or skate shoes are ideal. Please skip Crocs, sandals, thongs, Uggs or high heels — they don't give the grip or protection you need on a board.

Not for your first lesson — we can bring a board, helmet and pads for you to use. Just let us know when you book and we'll pack the right gear. Longer-term, we do recommend getting your own kit so you can practise between lessons — it makes a huge difference.

Helmets are mandatory for every participant, every session, regardless of age or ability. Wrist guards are strongly recommended, and knee/elbow pads are a good idea while you're learning new tricks.

Private lessons are booked in 1-hour blocks.

Absolutely — it's a big part of what we do. Private lessons are $80/hr for one participant, and each additional participant is just $40 (half rate), up to a total of 4 people in the one lesson.

Lesson packs are a way to buy in bulk at a discount. A 6-pack is $432 ($72 per lesson, ~10% saving) and a 10-pack is $680 ($68 per lesson, ~15% saving). Packs are valid for 6 months from purchase and don't need to be used in consecutive weeks. Additional participants in a pack lesson stay at $40 each.

Unused pack lessons are not refundable, but they can be transferred to a sibling or friend. Just let us know who'll be using them and we'll update our records.

It really varies. Most kids aged 5+ can push and do tic tacs on their own within 1–3 lessons. From there, kids who come regularly build skills and confidence much faster — weekly is where the real progress happens.

For kids under 5, yes — we'd like a parent or guardian on-site for the full session. For older kids, please stay for the first 5 minutes at least. You're welcome to grab a coffee, but hang around nearby so you're easy to find if we need you.

Wet or unsafe weather means we'll reschedule — no penalty. Matty makes the call on the morning of the lesson and will message you as early as possible so you're not left guessing.

Life happens — just let us know as early as you can and we'll find another time. Please try to give us at least 24 hours' notice for non-weather cancellations so the spot can go to someone on the waitlist.

For single bookings, get in touch and we'll reschedule you into the next available slot. For pack lessons, the missed session is usually forfeited unless we've been given reasonable notice — we'll always try to be fair.

Yes. Skatemate is fully insured, and Matty holds current First Aid, WWCC and Police Check clearances. You're in safe hands.

Sometimes — progress shots and short clips are great for feedback and celebrating wins. We only share them with your permission, which is covered in the waiver.

Try us. 🛹

No worries — the fastest way is to email skatemateaussie@gmail.com and Matty will get back to you.