WOODWARD SKATEPARK

Skateboarders Bucket List; Woodward PA.

By Neil Korn

Bend skaters Nate Quinn and Finn Hesiak fulfilled their dream high on any skateboards bucket list. Traveling three thousand miles to Pennsylvania to attend a summer skate session at the original Woodward Camp. Woodward was founded in 1970 by Ed Isabelle, who was an All-American gymnast and coach at Penn State University.

In 1970, Woodward opened as a gymnastic camp in where else, Woodward, Pennsylvania. In the 80’s BMX was added as the first action sport to bump up camp attendance as the US boycotted the Moscow Olympics effecting the gymnastic numbers. Next was skateboarding, as the sport exploited worldwide in the 80’s on TV, in magazine, on film, and in competition. As a sport (some people will never consider it a sport) was everywhere driven by the California lifestyle. When Inline skating was hot in the in the late 80’s through 90’s, it was also added to the menu but a decade later as the sport fizzled out, it was dropped from the program. Cheer was added in the 2000’s to the skateboarders delight, and Scooter was the newest activity to be added to all Woodwards in the last decade.

The reason skaters from all over the world flock to Woodward PA is the set-up. There is vert, park, and street. The facility with indoor and outdoor parks combined is the biggest skate park in the world. Woodward has always stayed on the cutting edge in building the newest, and most fun parks anywhere.

Skating industry veteran, Gary Ream eventually purchased Woodward from Isabelle, and took the GM role. Then 2011 after 25 years at the helm, Powdr (owner of Mt Bachelor) the worlds leader in youth action sports development, purchased a majority of Woodward, and have since added four more Woodward’s including Mexico located at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya.

This was Nate and Finn’s first time to Woodward, PA and were blown away by the massiveness and variety of 24 park sections dotting the huge campus. On arrival each camper was assigned a dorm, group, and

coach. The dorms were neat, clean, and with AC so they were able to get some sleep even with some skater shenanigans taking place. Nate and Finn got first hand experience what it was like to live, and skate in a humid Pennsylvania day. Luckley the wakeboarding pond was good enough for a swim after sweaty skate sessions.

Coach Tom, doubled as cabin counselor and skate coach who helped them progress by being very enthusiastic about the campers learning new tricks, and becoming better skaters. Finn, was hyped that he learned a 50/50 on around rail. Nate, laned many of his best trick but on the biggest features he’s ever tried.

Skate legend Ryan Scheckler, who recently inked a deal with Woodward Skate Camps to become park designer, and embasotor was on hand in PA part of the summer to meet the campers. Ryan was on campus to skate with campers, looking around for possible new park designs, and as his main role to inspire the skate scene throughout Woodward’s worldwide.

During their time at Woodward, Finn injured his heal on the third day hitting a four block. For the rest of his time at Woodard he ended up just “cheering” on his camp buddies including and travel companion Nate.

At camp there wern’t many Covid restriction, although campers need to arrive negative tested. The trip to Woodward, PA was highlight summer 2021 for Nate and Finn. As young skaters this experience will hold lifetime memories as not ever skater gets to enjoy.

Next summer the pair are considering Woodward West for summer 2022 in Tehachapi, California.