"...Let skateboarding take you places..."
Indigo Skate Camp is located on the banks of the Umgeni River in the Valley of 1000 Hills. Nestled between the skate spots of Durban & Pietermaritzburg. Our youth camps are a catalyst to continually build skate terrain and share in the adventure of discovering new places to ride.
The Indigo Skate Camp has managed to harnesses the bond created through common interest in sports, to unite people from different backgrounds. Over the past eight years the youths of Isithumba village in the Valley of 1000 Hills have been awarded skateboards, protective gear and with their assistance skateboarding ramps have been built in their backyard. Our skateboarding development initiative is supported by Element Skateboards and The Laureus Sport For Good Foundation.
The idea of introducing skateboarding to a rural Zulu community has proved to be a stepping stone to the opportunities tourism and a skate camp can provide. Skateboarding to our expanding group of youths is more than a fun activity, it is a way to meet friends from far away places, develop social skills and learn firsthand about the hospitality industry.
There is tremendous synergy in this environment as visitors / campers experience African culture and in return the Amazulu skaters are inspired by visiting skateboarders. The camp is providing employment, skills development and education for the community. The Isithumba residents realize their responsibility in developing tourism in their area and the youths now feel empowered by their direct interaction with the young campers and international sports stars which visit.
Mission
Uniting people through skateboarding
Vision
To provide a meeting place where we can join in our common passion and be presented opportunities to develop and discover our skills.
Values
To experience good times with friends in a healthy environment, encouraging one to make the most of their abilities. Skate camp is a time to cultivate and perfect your art. Awareness and knowledge of self is stimulated through physical activities like skateboarding.
History
Dallas Oberholzer, the founder was inspired to build a skate camp while traveling overland from Canada to Argentina. Through experiencing warm hospitality and friendship from fellow board riders, Dallas set out to build a village for skateboarders. A place where one could always be sure to meet like minded people who live to ride. The Valley of 1000 Hills is rich in culture and natural beauty. All the elements were there for the location of a permanent skate camp.
Where to?
The local Zulu chiefs in the valley have given their blessings to our project and have given us further land to build a concrete skate park and further accommodation. We have begun our organic farming project as we would like to have a low impact effect on the natural environment. We intend to live in balance with nature and respect the ancient knowledge and customs of the Zulu nation.
Productivity
The camp will be a productive farm and skills development complex for the community. It will be a learning center for all, employing and empowering locals and dedicated skateboarders. It will be a training facility for skate teams from overseas and a home for South African skaters.
Anticipate
A skate camp program to accommodate your individual needs. We provide volunteer opportunities for people who wish to lend their skills to the vulnerable children we welcome each day.
Not just skateboarding
For the enthusiastic board riders, we will introduce other adrenaline pumping activities like surfing and flowboarding. We aim to stimulate the mind through art classes, song and dance. Body awareness and relaxation techniques are a few lessons we wish to pass on as skateboarding is about calming the mind and then the body will follow.
Learn about
- Nature Survival Skillls
- Stretching and toning your body
- Relaxation
- Injury rehabilitation
- Nutrition
- Creative visualisation techniques
- Discovering your rhythm through music and dance
- Expressing yourself through fine arts
- Agriculture and gardening
- Nature and ecology
- Traditional African living.
