On a Roll: The Changing Face of Skateboarding in Singapore<\/b><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”off” custom_margin=”-194px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ min_height=”84px” custom_margin=”-80px|auto||auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-145px|auto|-100px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ text_font=”Montserrat|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” min_height=”112.8px” custom_margin=”5px||-48px||false|false” custom_padding=”31px||0px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”About Us” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”off” min_height=”1396px” custom_margin=”-136px||-433px|||” custom_padding=”107px||44px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”-55px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-35px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”2px|0|0px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|0px||0px||true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Raleway|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_5_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ header_5_font_size=”14px” header_5_line_height=”0.5em” header_6_font=”Raleway|700||on|||||” header_6_font_size=”16px” header_6_letter_spacing=”5px” header_6_line_height=”1.8em” max_width=”659px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|79px|104px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-40px|79px|0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|0px||||” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”35px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]
<\/p>\n
BY
CHONG XIN YING<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Producer<\/b><\/p>\n
Hype Issue #91<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Feb 13<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n CHONG XIN YING<\/i><\/b>\u00a0 tracks the evolution of Singapore\u2019s skateboarding scene, from its alternative roots to its rise as a mainstream competitive sport<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] In the 70s and 80s, the clack of a skateboard hitting a void deck floor was often followed by a stern lecture or a call to the police. Skateboarding in Singapore was once viewed as an alternative subculture, associated with punk culture, anti-establishment attitudes, and rebellious youths. To many, it was less of a sport and more of a statement. Skaters, who took to the streets to express themselves with their skateboards, were often labelled troublemakers.<\/span><\/p>\n Today, that image has shifted. Since skateboarding\u2019s debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and its inclusion in the Thailand 2025 Southeast Asian Games, the activity has gained global recognition as a legitimate sport. In Singapore, skateparks now dot the island, and skaters range from children wobbling on their first boards to retirees cruising for leisure.<\/span><\/p>\n Yet, as skateboarding becomes more mainstream, questions arise about what may be lost when a sport about self-expression and individuality becomes structured and regulated.<\/span><\/p>\n Assistant Professor Ying-kit Chan from the National University of Singapore (NUS), who wrote an academic article about skateboarding in Singapore viewed through a historical lens, traces back to a time when it was just a marginalised pastime.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIn the past, skateboarding was seen as a national nuisance,\u201d Professor Chan explained. With little to no designated space to skateboard, skaters practised urban skateboarding, turning staircases, rails, and ledges into obstacles, which many viewed as a safety hazard. This perception shaped public hostility towards skaters in the early decades.<\/span><\/p>\n Eddie Goh, who has been supporting the skateboarding scene with his skate shop since the 80s, recalls those early days when skaters were treated as outcasts.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cPeople saw [them] as rebels, maybe even gangsters,\u201d Mr Goh said. \u201cI wouldn’t say they want to go against the law, but [they wanted] freedom to do what [they] want \u2026 without having to comply with rules and regulations.\u201d <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-13-at-5.39.17-PM.png” alt=”Pet Sitter” title_text=”Screenshot 2026-02-13 at 5.39.17\u202fPM” force_fullwidth=”on” src_last_edited=”off|desktop” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”220.2px” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” src__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Eddie Goh looking through a shelf of skateboards. (Photo credit: Toh Shiya) <\/span><\/i><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ inline_fonts=”Montreal Medium” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Despite being viewed by the public as nuisances, longtime skater Khairul Azree, just took the heat and rolled with it, under the influence of his elder brother. He described skateboarding as a culture built on community and inclusiveness. \u201cWe don\u2019t care where you come from, skateboarding unites everyone. It\u2019s a form of networking,\u201d he emphasised. \u201cWe connect with people, [and we are] more than what people [see].\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He shared a moment that captured this spirit during his time as a commercial director for skateboarding at Decathlon. On a work trip to France, he met his boss in person for the first time. \u201cHe was so welcoming,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was like he knew me long ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n For Mr Khairul, the experience reflects the global nature of skateboarding, where skaters from different walks of life instantly bond over this shared passion. \u201c[Wherever you go], they still treat you like family in skateboarding.\u201d <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-13-at-5.39.31-PM.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2026-02-13 at 5.39.31\u202fPM” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Khairul Azree (standing row, third from the right) with a group of skaters. (Photo credit: Khairul Azree)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Attitudes began to shift in the 90s, when skateboarding started rising to fame due to increases in global events, and authorities having adopted a less punitive stance towards it. The turning point for public acceptance came with international recognition. As Singaporean skaters began competing and performing well in regional and global events, skateboarding was reframed as a source of national pride.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWith more and more accomplishments being seen at such global events or competitions, you actually see Singaporeans becoming more receptive, even welcoming [it] as one of the niche sports Singaporean athletes can do well in,\u201d Professor Chan said.<\/span><\/p>\n This shift has had tangible effects. Skateparks such as Somerset and East Coast Park are now popular gathering spots, and skateboarding has become more organised, with lessons, competitions and structured training pathways.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-13-at-5.39.41-PM.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2026-02-13 at 5.39.41\u202fPM” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″] Somerset Skatepark. (Photo credit: Sarah Adriana) <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n At the same time, rules and competition formats were introduced to the sport, contributing to what Professor Chan described as the \u201cinstitutionalisation\u201d of skateboarding.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhen skateboarders are trying to compete in sporting events, naturally they will gravitate towards a certain way to perform this sport. And so it becomes more performative, and to some sceptics, it becomes very artificial.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Mr Goh agreed with that sentiment, believing skateboarding has lost its edge now that it is mainstream. It is much easier to get into the sport, as it was no longer seen as an alternative activity. \u201cYou can skateboard, you can do football, it’s all open, easy for everybody.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Despite its growing status as a mainstream sport, skater culture has not disappeared. Far from it. It has diversified.<\/span><\/p>\n Professor Chan believes it has effectively split into two distinct groups. One group trains seriously, focusing on technique and consistency, with the aim of winning medals. The other group continues to skateboard purely for enjoyment, creativity and self-expression.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis second group still forms the majority,\u201d he said, noting that many skaters are not interested in competitions or rankings. Instead, they skateboard for leisure, the community, and the freedom that first drew people to the sport.<\/span><\/p>\n Mr Goh shared a similar perspective. While he acknowledged that greater regulation and structured competitions have \u201ctaken a bit of the fun out of it,\u201d, he believes the essence of skateboarding ultimately lies within the individual.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYou can be yourself,\u201d he said. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to follow the mainstream.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Going mainstream has not erased skateboarding\u2019s roots. Instead, it has opened up new pathways, allowing the culture to change while the heart of skateboarding stays intact.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Khairul Azree (left) talking to a friend after skateboarding. (Photo credit: Khairul Azree) <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Looking ahead, Mr Goh expressed optimism about skateboarding\u2019s future in Singapore. \u201cTo all the skateboarders, just keep on skating and be happy. Enjoy yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n For Mr Khairul, the future of skateboarding lies in its community. He hopes to see more people picking up the sport, from youngsters to older adults looking for a new form of exercise. \u201cJust do it, and have fun,\u201d he said, adding that stepping on a skateboard for the first time can make people feel alive, even if they fall along the way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From void decks to international podiums, skateboarding in Singapore has come a long way. While it continues to evolve, its community, built on a shared love for the sport and inclusivity, remains firmly intact.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_sidebar _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_sidebar][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" CHONG XIN YING tracks the evolution of Singapore\u2019s skateboarding scene, from its alternative roots to its rise as a mainstream competitive sport<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15826,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"2880","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[211,1159,768,47,120],"class_list":["post-15823","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-happenings","tag-hype","tag-hype-singapore","tag-ngee-ann-polytechnic","tag-singapore","tag-youths"],"yoast_head":"\nPublished on:<\/h5>\n
<\/h5>\n
2026<\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Raleway|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_5_font=”Montserrat||||||||” header_5_text_color=”#b3b3b3″ header_5_font_size=”14px” header_5_line_height=”0.5em” header_6_font=”Raleway|700||on|||||” header_6_font_size=”16px” header_6_letter_spacing=”5px” header_6_line_height=”1.8em” max_width=”659px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”0px|79px|104px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-40px|79px|0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|0px||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”15px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”35px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]
<\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” inline_fonts=”Montreal Medium” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]
<\/b><\/h3>\n
How Skateboarding Began<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Importance of Community<\/b><\/h3>\n
.<\/span><\/i><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” custom_padding=”0px||2px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ inline_fonts=”Montreal Medium” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Becoming Mainstream<\/b><\/h3>\n
.<\/span><\/i><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” custom_padding=”0px||2px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” inline_fonts=”Montreal Medium” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]The True Essence of Skateboarding<\/b><\/h3>\n
Skating Into the Future<\/b><\/h3>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/hypesingapore.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-13-at-5.39.52-PM.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2026-02-13 at 5.39.52\u202fPM” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-22px” transform_translate_tablet=”” transform_translate_phone=”” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”31px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”14px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]
.<\/span><\/i><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montreal Medium||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” custom_padding=”0px||2px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” inline_fonts=”Montreal Medium” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]