Pocatello Skate Camps at Optimist Park
Pocatello Skate Camps at Optimist Park
Official Youth & Adult Summer Sessions hosted by Deckadence Board Shoppe.
Join the area’s only Certified Skateboard Instructor, “D’Beau” Darin Black, for the ultimate summer experience. Our Pocatello Skate Camps are designed for beginners and intermediate riders (Ages 8 to Adult) to learn the fundamentals in a safe, high-energy environment. In coordination with the City of Pocatello, we provide expert instruction at Optimist Skatepark. Our goal is to give every student a lifelong foundation for the sport, ensuring they have the mechanics and the park awareness to keep progressing long after camp ends.
June 2026 Session Schedule
Camps run Monday through Friday. Each session is limited to 12 skaters to ensure a high coach-to-student ratio and individualized guidance. While we are currently launching our June block, stay tuned to our newsletter for potential mid-summer additions.
-
Session 1 (Beginner): June 8th – June 12th (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
-
Session 2 (Intermediate Progression): June 15th – June 19th (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
-
Location: Optimist Skatepark, Pocatello, ID.
Ensuring the Right Fit: The Performance Matrix
To ensure every student receives the best instruction possible, we categorize our camps by skill level. Furthermore, we require a screening process for our advanced sessions:
-
Beginner Sessions: No experience required! We focus on the “Core Six” foundations.
-
Intermediate Progression: This session is reserved for graduates of the Beginner camp or those who pass a Pre-Screening “Meet & Greet” evaluation.
-
The Evaluation: If you are unsure which camp fits your skill level, please call the shop to schedule a 5-minute assessment or read the FAQ’s below. This ensures students aren’t placed in a class that is either too basic or too advanced for their current abilities.
The Foundation: Beginner Sessions.
Master the “Core Six”
Perfect for new riders or those looking to solidify their fundamentals. We focus on building total board control through our proprietary “Core Six” syllabus. No experience is required—just a willingness to learn.
- Focus: Pushing, Carving, and Safe Stopping.
- Ages: 8 to Adult.
- Includes: 15% OFF Shop Coupon & Pro Loaner Gear.
The Level Up: Intermediate Progression
Technical Park Flow
Designed for graduates of our Beginner camp or riders who pass the “Meet & Greet” evaluation. We move beyond the basics into advanced force management, transition riding, and technical park architecture.
-
Focus: Pumping, Kickturns, and Technical Foundations.
-
Requirement: Proficiency in the “Core Six.”
-
Includes: 15% OFF Shop Coupon & Pro Loaner Gear
FAQ: Which camp is right for me or my student?
Q: I have skated before. Should I skip the Beginner session?
A: Not necessarily. Our Beginner sessions focus on the “Core Six” foundations (Push, Coast, Carve, Stop, Tic-Tac, Flatground Kickturns). If a rider cannot execute all six with 100% control, the Beginner session is the fastest way to build the muscle memory needed to safely navigate a public skatepark.
Q: What are the specific requirements for the Intermediate Progression camp?
A: To ensure a high-intensity learning environment and proper technical flow, Intermediate riders must demonstrate mastery of our “Core Six” Proficiency Matrix before Day 1.
If your skater can confidently perform these six fundamental mechanics, they are ready for the Intermediate Progression track:
- The Power Push: Can generate and maintain speed with proper foot positioning.
- The Coast: Can maintain a stable, balanced stance while rolling for extended distances.
- The Carve: Can steer the board in both directions using weight distribution (heelside and toeside).
- The Controlled Stop: Can perform a clean, stable foot-brake to a complete stop from moderate speed.
- The Tic-Tac: Can move the nose of the board back and forth to generate momentum or adjust direction.
- Flatground Kickturns: Can perform a controlled 180-degree pivot on flat ground without stepping off the board.
PRO TIP: If your skater is proficient in these Core Six skills, please register for the Intermediate Progression camp. This helps us ensure the Beginner sessions remain available for those who truly need to master the first push.
STILL UNDECIDED? > Visit Deckadence Board Shoppe at 326 W Center St. for a free 5-minute technical evaluation. We will verify their proficiency and ensure they are placed in the session that guarantees the fastest progression.
Q: I can do tricks (like a Kickflip), but haven’t been to a camp. Where do I go?
A: Usually, if a rider can land technical flat-ground tricks, they are ready for the Intermediate level. However, park riding requires “Force Management” that driveway skating does not. If you have the tricks but lack the “Core Six” foundations, we will spend the first session “Fine-Tuning” those basics to ensure you can use your tricks safely on park features.
Q: We are still not sure. Can you help us decide?
A: Absolutely. We want every student to be in the class that challenges them without overwhelming them. Consequently, we offer a Pre-Screening “Meet & Greet” at Deckadence Board Shoppe. Bring your student into the shop 3 days prior to camp, and D’Beau will perform a 5-minute evaluation to ensure they are placed in the perfect session. Call the shop at (208) 220-6750 to schedule your visit.
No Gear? No Problem.
Don’t have a board or pads yet? We’ve got you covered. We provide professional-grade loaner equipment for all campers at no additional cost, including:
-
Pro-Grade Shop Skateboards
-
Safety Helmets
-
Full Pad Sets (Knee, Elbow, and Wrist Guards)
Register Today & Gear Up with 15% OFF
We want every camper to start on the right foot—and the right board. As soon as you register for a 2026 Pocatello Skate Camp, you will receive an exclusive 15% OFF coupon for any professional complete skateboard at Deckadence Board Shoppe.
-
Professional Setup: Most “big-box” store boards actually hinder learning. Conversely, a pro-grade board from Deckadence is safer and significantly easier to control.
-
Custom Fit: Bring your registration email into the shop. We will personally fit your skater to the perfect board size before Day 1. You will also receive an email with a code for use on our website with instructions.
-
Practice Ready: Use your discount early so you can get comfortable on your new board at home. This ensures you are ready to shred the moment you hit the park!
Student Checklist: What to Bring to Camp
To ensure you or your skater has the best experience, please arrive with the following:
- Proper Footwear (Critical): Do: Flat-bottom sneakers or dedicated skate shoes. (If you need a pair, we stock a full range of
Skate Shoes - Don’t: No Crocs, flip-flops, sandals, shoes with a thick sole or heavy boots.
- A Reusable Water Bottle: Skating is a workout! Please, bring a water bottle with the student’s name on it.
- Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen before drop-off. We will be outdoors at Optimist Skatepark for the duration of the session.
- Comfortable Athletic Clothing: Wear clothes that allow for a full range of motion. We recommend pants or shorts. Bulky sweatpants and loose clothing are not recommended.
- Your Gear (If not borrowing from the Shop):
- If you are bringing your own board or pads, please ensure they are in safe, working condition.
Inclement Weather & The “Shop-Backup” Plan
Skateboarding requires a dry surface for safety. However, a rainy day doesn’t mean a canceled day of learning.
-
The Pivot to Deckadence: If weather conditions make Optimist Park unsafe, we move the session to the shop. We utilize our shop’s flat-ground area and quarter pipes to keep the sessions active and physical.
-
The technical side: We cover how to clean bearings, rotate wheels, apply grip tape, and perform safety inspections. Understanding how the gear works is just as critical as knowing how to ride it.
-
Notification: If we pivot to the shop, you will receive an SMS and Email alert at least 45 minutes prior to the start time with drop-off instructions for the shop location downtown.
-
Location: Deckadence Board Shoppe — 326 W Center St, Pocatello, ID.
Camp Policies & Disclaimers
-
Fixed Schedule & Logistics: Camp dates and times are secured by contract with the City of Pocatello. For logistical and safety reasons, these sessions cannot be changed, rescheduled, or moved to a later date.
-
The Weather Pivot: In the event of inclement weather, we will make every effort to utilize our private indoor technical facility at Deckadence Board Shoppe to accommodate student learning through gear maintenance and mechanics workshops.
-
No-Refund Policy: Because spots are strictly limited to 12 skaters per session to maintain our certified coach-to-student ratio, all registrations are final. No refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations, missed days, or weather-related pivots to the shop.
-
Equipment Safety: If a student brings their own gear, it must pass a safety inspection by the instructor before use. If the gear is deemed unsafe, the student will be required to use our professional shop loaners.
