Skateboarding Camp Reaches its Fifth Year

Not all Hermosa Beach children are spending their summer days at the beach. The popular E.T. Skateboarding camp is back in session for its fifth year, alluring many local youth to the skateboard park on Pier Avenue for banks and drop-ins.

"I could barely drop-in (which is to roll down steep ramps on a skateboard), and now I'm dropping in every time and making it," said August Hromadka who has been attending the camp this month.

Shawn Perez, the camp instructor, said that he couldn't ask for a better job than to teach local youth how to skate. 

"For me, it's the kids too," added Derek Chapin, who helps Perez in the summertime when business picks up. Campers meet Perez and Chapin at the skatepark weekday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the summer. 

Parents at the skateboarding camp have applauded Perez and Chapin for being patient with their children, and organizing a successful program. "They really make it fun," said local parent Jan Pogue.

Jeff Hromadka, another local parent, felt similarly. "The instructors are fabulous," he said.  "They have a lot of respect and really support the kids in getting better."