Pune skateboarding scene rolls towards accessibility and visibility

He had learned skateboarding on his own, largely from YouTube channels such as Braille Skateboarding, where the content was always made by foreign nationals in English. As the community grew, he recognised the need for similar videos in Indian languages. Today, he has come full circle and partnered with Braille Skateboarding to create Hindi versions of their tutorials, opening the door for a wider audience.
Surana said, “The skateboarding community in Pune has grown from just a few of us to around 50 skaters. But we still have a long way to go compared to cities like Mumbai and Bangalore.”

Surana’s vision extends beyond online learning. He emphasizes the need for more public skateparks, especially indoor facilities, to combat the monsoon season. He also believes hosting major competitions with prize money would attract more talent and encourage more people to take up skateboarding as a hobby and an occupation. Currently, Surana conducts coaching classes in Bavdhan, catering to a diverse age group ranging from seven to 50-years-old.

Tejas and Sufyan, two skateboarders who have been to Nepal to represent India, draw inspiration from Shubham and are part of the PuneSkateboarding community. The lack of accessibility troubles them as well. “There is a skatepark in Bavdhan, but it is very far; for people coming from different parts of Pune, it’s very costly to commute there and then pay Rs 300 to skate for a day,” said Sufiyan Ahmed.

In October 2021, Dinkar Gojare, an executive engineer with the roads department of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), noticed skateboarders practising on the streets of JM Road and built a dedicated track on a footpath in Pashan, increasing accessibility for the sport. But the skateboarders want more such public infrastructure.

Regarding economic accessibility, Tejas said, “The skateboards used to be expensive but have become cheaper. They are easily available, and Indian brands have also entered the market, so we do not need to pay shipping charges” When asked what he liked about skateboarding, Tejas said, “Skating is freedom. Skating is happiness.”

Shubham Parale (27) runs a skateboarding summer camp but acknowledges the cost barrier as he charges 4,500 per child to cover the cost of the location. “This is just practice,” he says about the skatepark. “Real skateboarding happens on the streets.” One of his students hopes to see more female skaters join the scene, reflecting a desire for greater inclusivity.