Summer Skate Camps create a shared Skateboarding experience and sets you up safely for life!
Summer is coming up, and for parents in Pocatello, that usually means looking for ways to keep kids active and outdoors. This year, Deckadence Board Shoppe is partnering with the City of Pocatello to host the 2026 City Skate Camps at Optimist Skatepark.
If your rider has been interested in hitting the ramps but isn’t sure where to start, or if they’ve been stuck on the driveway and want to finally move into the park, these sessions are built for them.
Why This Matters to Me
I didn’t have a skateboard instructor when I was growing up. Like most of us back then, I learned everything the hard way—through trial, error, and plenty of avoidable slams. Looking back, I realize how much it would have meant to me to have the proper guidance. Having someone to show me the right way to move wouldn’t have just made me a better skater faster; it would have set me up for success much earlier, both on the board and in life.
Skateboarding has given me so much joy and focus over the years, and I feel a responsibility to pass that on. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a kid gain confidence on a board and start to excel. Our youth are the future of this community, and they deserve a safe, supportive environment where they can be themselves.
I know how important it is for kids to have positive, healthy outdoor activities. Skateboarding isn’t just a sport; it’s a tool for healthy outcomes and building resilience. By providing the structured instruction I wish I’d had, I’m hoping to give these riders a head start on a lifelong passion that has meant the world to me.
Why we focus on certified instruction
Most kids learn to skate through trial and error, which often leads to a few preventable slams and then the board sits in the garage. As the area’s only certified professional instructor, I use a structured curriculum that puts safety and technical basics first. We aren’t just “hanging out” at the park; we’re teaching students how to control their equipment and navigate the park environment correctly.
Which session fits your rider?
Deciding between beginner and intermediate can be tricky. Here is a quick breakdown of how we split the sessions:
🟢 Beginner Fundamentals: This is for ages 8 and up who are “never-evers” or still feel wobbly. We cover the absolute basics: finding the right stance, pushing for power, steering, and—most importantly—how to stop safely.
🟡 Intermediate Progression: This is for riders who can already roll and steer comfortably but feel stuck on flat ground. We move onto the ramps to teach kick-turns, how to ride transitions, and “park flow” so they can safely share the park with others.
Beyond the Board: Balance, Strength, and History
We don’t just teach kids how to stand on a piece of wood. Our curriculum is built around an approach that improves balance, core strength, and functional mobility—skills that carry over into every other sport they play.
We also believe that understanding the “why” is just as important as the “how.” During the week, we dive into:
The History: Where skateboarding terminology actually comes from (and why we call things what we do).
Trick Identification: We teach riders how to identify tricks based on our specific technical approach, helping them understand the mechanics of what they see in the park or on TV.
No Gear? No Problem.
One of the biggest hurdles for families is the cost of a good setup. We want to make sure everyone has a chance to try the sport on quality equipment.
Loaner Gear: We provide professional-grade boards and pads for all campers to use during the week.
The Shop Discount: Every camper is eligible for a special discount on a pro-grade complete skateboard at Deckadence after they sign up. This lets them start on our gear and then get their own proper setup to keep practicing after camp ends.
How to Register
Spots at Optimist Skatepark are limited and usually fill up fast once the weather stays warm.
Location: Optimist Skatepark, Pocatello Ages: 8 and UP
The Deckadence Method: Why Technical Coaching is the Ultimate Shortcut
In skateboarding, “hype” is a dangerous substitute for skill. We’ve all seen it: someone being pressured to “just send it” before they’re ready. My approach is different. I believe that confidence is a byproduct of board control. By building a systematic foundation, I ensure every student understands the skills they possess versus the skills needed for the next level. We don’t guess; we know. When you understand the mechanics, “fear” turns into a calculated challenge you are actually prepared to beat.
The Physics of Health & Longevity Skateboarding is an attitude of personal progress, but that progress is exponentially faster when supported by a healthy approach. It’s not just about “skating”; it’s about muscle memory and proprioceptor training. Teaching your body how to move—and how to fall—creates a level of physical resilience that protects you long-term. Whether you’re a young athlete or an adult getting back on the board, this isn’t just a workout; it’s functional training that sets you up for future progress and injury resistance.
The Expert Filter: Why Video Isn’t Enough YouTube and “park tips” from strangers only go so far. Skateboarding is a series of small, timed events that complete a maneuver. You can’t get that level of detail from a screen.
As a certified instructor, I evaluate your performance at every step, course-correcting in real-time. If a timing issue or a weight-distribution error is holding you back, we find it instantly. We take things back a step to perfect the mechanic before moving forward, ensuring you never build bad habits that lead to slams later.
Choose Your Path to Mastery:
Private Coaching: The gold standard for 1-on-1 technical evaluation and fast-track progression.
Accelerator Series: High-intensity group training for those who thrive in a team setting.
City Skate Camps: Official summer sessions at Optimist Park for all skill levels.
Ready to level up? Don’t just practice—progress. Let’s get to work.
Don't "just send it!"
“Confidence is a byproduct of board control.”
Private 1-on-1 Coaching
Professional Technical Evaluation
The most effective way to fast-track your progression. I provide real-time course correction and a systematic breakdown of the physics of movement. Whether you’re overcoming fear or refining advanced flow, these sessions are tailored entirely to your personal goals and health.
Built for skaters who thrive in a high-intensity team environment. This series focuses on our 20-point performance matrix, moving students through a tiered curriculum. We bridge the gap between basic board control and technical ramp mechanics with a focus on proprioceptor training.
On July 25th, 2025, Pocatello celebrated the official opening of the Optimist Skatepark — the culmination of over a decade of tireless advocacy, vision, and community collaboration.
For many, it was a celebration. For me, it was something more: a deeply personal milestone. This project has been at the heart of my work for over ten years — as a skateboarder, a community advocate, and the founder of Deckadence Board Shoppe, Pocatello’s home for skateboard and snowboard culture.
Behind the Scenes: How the Park Came to Be
When I first started pushing for a new skatepark, I had no real roadmap — just a deep love for skateboarding and a belief that this community deserved better. So I looked for ways to get involved in local government. That led me to apply for a volunteer seat on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, where I hoped to channel my energy into real advocacy for the skaters of Pocatello.
Over the years, and through two different Parks & Rec superintendents, I watched as other community projects moved forward while ours stayed stalled. I met with Mayor Blad repeatedly, explaining what a modern skatepark would mean for youth, families, and the future of this city. And still — nothing.
I sat through year after year of meetings, watching other groups advocate for their passions and see their visions come to life. Story walks, disc golf courses — even more disc golf courses — all found their way into City Parks, often with those communities fundraising to make it happen.
But a concrete skatepark is cost-prohibitive in a way most park amenities aren’t. It typically requires major grants or municipal investment. Yet, the skate community was repeatedly asked to raise the money ourselves.
Funding and Strategic Leadership
The real turning point came when the City allocated $500,000 to pickleball courts — without youth input or a broader discussion of equity. I spoke up: if there was $500K for pickleball, there needed to be $500K for a new skatepark. Councilmember Brent Nichols (no relation to the Chevy Nichols family) then identified unused money from a separate project that could be applied to the skatepark, fast-tracking the city’s support.
Shortly afterward, federal AARPA funds — originally allocated for another purpose but required to be spent by the end of 2025 — provided the bulk of the remaining funding. Combined with generous community donations in memory of Chevy Nichols and additional funds raised through a local nonprofit I helped promote, we finally had the resources to make the skatepark a reality. We are also deeply grateful to Anne Butler, Parks Director, for her guidance and support throughout this process.
Supporting this effort, a local nonprofit formed in 2014 following discussions I initiated provided a formal mechanism to channel community energy into fundraising. Years prior, I had been hosting skate events, donating prizes, and MCing contests — building community engagement while keeping the focus on the long-term goal of a new skatepark. When a formal nonprofit became necessary to secure donations and grants, I asked Mr. Van Etten to take on the public role, ensuring a clear separation from my business. He has since managed and operated the organization, while these events continued to serve as community-building and fundraising opportunities aligned with the park’s mission.
Breaking Ground
With funding, community support, and organizational structure in place, the pieces finally came together. After years of advocacy, planning, and persistence — we broke ground.
“D’Beau” Darin Black, City Leaders, community volunteers and the Chevy Nichols family Brandon and Stacey breaking ground at Optimist Skatepark in Pocatello, March 21st, 2025.
“D’Beau” Darin Black using a skateboard deck to ceremonially break ground at Optimist Skatepark, Pocatello, March 21st, 2025.
“D’Beau” Darin Black and Mr. Van Etten holding shovels at the groundbreaking for the Optimist Skatepark in Pocatello.
Ribbon Cutting & Reflections
On July 25th, the moment became reality. Watching the community gather — families, friends, longtime skaters, and newcomers alike — I felt the culmination of years of work. It was a proud, humbling moment to be part of a project that will serve generations of skaters in Pocatello.
The crowd was brimming with excitement; many faces I recognized, and so many more inspired by the endless possibilities a new skatepark creates. I knew it was real the moment I made my first drop-in to the bowl — stoked to be the first of many who will enjoy this space.
Below are highlights from the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including videos and photos that capture this milestone moment for the skate community
Celebrating a milestone: “D’Beau” Darin Black, Councilmember Brent Nichols, parents of Chevy Nichols and community members at the Optimist Skatepark opening.
Ribbon Cutting Coverage
KPVI News
Local News 8
My Ribbon-Cutting Speech
Full text of “D’Beau” Darin Black’s speech at the Optimist Skatepark ribbon-cutting ceremony, Pocatello, July 25, 2025.
Full text of page 2 of “D’Beau” Darin Black’s speech at the Optimist Skatepark ribbon-cutting ceremony, Pocatello, July 25, 2025.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy for the Community
Seeing the Optimist Skatepark come to life is a deeply meaningful milestone, not just for me but for the entire Pocatello skate community. This project represents years of dedication, advocacy, and collaboration — from countless community events and volunteer efforts to city leadership, council support, and nonprofit fundraising. I’m proud to have played a role in nurturing these partnerships and helping keep the vision alive, and I’m equally grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and resources. Together, we’ve created a lasting space that will inspire and serve future generations of skaters, strengthen our community, and celebrate the joy and creativity of skateboarding in Pocatello.
Seeing this park come to life has been an honor and a privilege. It will leave a lasting legacy for Pocatello’s youth, a space for creativity, athleticism, and community — and a reminder that tenacity, foresight, and collaboration can turn vision into reality. -DB
Optimist Skatepark Grand Opening – July 25 in Pocatello
The wait is over! Pocatello’s Optimist Skatepark Grand Opening is officially happening on Friday, July 25 2025 at 12:15 PM, located at 972 N. 7th Ave.
This brand-new public skatepark represents more than just a fresh slab of concrete. It’s the result of over a decade of community effort, vision, and local advocacy—due in part to “D’Beau” Darin Black of Deckadence Board Shoppe, who pushed for this project tirelessly, even taking the idea to Mayor Blad years ago.
🎶 Deckadence will be on-site running the sound system and DJing the event, keeping the energy up as the City of Pocatello leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside “D’Beau” Darin Black (Deckadence), the Nichols family, and other community supporters. Skating kicks off immediately after.
🛹 A Unique Park Built for Our Town
This is the first bowl-style skate feature ever built in Pocatello, and it’s already earning attention. One standout feature is the Chevy Memorial Ledge, honoring a local skater and funded by the Nichols family. The “IDAHO” over-vert section and diamond grind coping partially funded by the local nonprofit supporting this build, bringing a unique and authentic touch to the park. The design idea for the Idaho feature was contributed by D’Beau, made possible by community donations to the local nonprofit supporting this build.
“It’s not just concrete and coping—it’s the foundation of the next generation of skaters.” — “D’Beau” Darin Black, Certified Skateboard Instructor & Owner of Deckadence
Optimist Skatepark is a public space, built to last and grow with our skate community. Let’s show the city we know how to treat it right and keep it solid for future riders.
🎓 Private Skateboard Lessons Now Available
Whether you’re just starting out or want to level up, Deckadence offers private one-on-one skateboard lessons, taught by the area’s only certified skateboard instructor. Lessons take place in our indoor training facility, and all gear is provided.
✅ We also accept Idaho Empowering Parents Grant funds. 📞 Call 208-220-6750 or click here to learn more.
📍 Grand Opening Event Details
📅 Friday, July 25
🕛 Ribbon Cutting at 12:15 PM
📍 Optimist Skatepark – 972 N. 7th Ave (Ross Park)
🎶 Music by Deckadence Board Shoppe
🛹 Community Skating After Ceremony
This is a huge milestone for the Pocatello skate scene. Bring your board, bring your friends, and bring the hype. Let’s kick this off right—and help keep Optimist a space we can be proud of for years to come. 💪
Official City of Pocatello flyer promoting the Optimist Skatepark Grand Opening on July 25 at 12:15 PM.
June’s heating up, and the skate energy in Pocatello is real. Here’s everything you need to know about Pocatello Skatepark Updates, upcoming events and opportunities to ride.
🛹 Go Skate Day Celebration – June 21 at Ross Park
Mark your calendar for Friday, June 21st from 4–7PM at the old Ross Park skatepark.
Hosted by Deckadence Board Shoppe and S.E.I.S.A., this year’s Go Skate Day celebration brings the community together for:
🎤 Sound System & MC’ing by Deckadence
🍕 Food by @BraizenPizza
🎁 Raffles & giveaways
🕵️♂️ Scavenger hunt for the kids
🔥 Skate comps and fun for all ages
Pull up, get hyped, and help us celebrate the future of skateboarding in Pocatello!
🏗 Pocatello Skatepark Updates – July 4th Opening Projected – Check back for grand opening date
The new Pocatello skatepark is taking shape. The bowl has been poured, transitions are sculpted, and flatground is laid. The crew from Artisan Skateparks went full throttle to get us to this stage.
Next steps include drainage and irrigation work to be completed by the City of Pocatello. While the park may look finished, it’s not ready to ride just yet. We’re asking the community to be patient and respectful—riding before it’s officially opened could cause damage or delays.
📅 If all goes according to plan, the skatepark will officially open the weekend of July 4th.
💬 “Let the concrete cure!” We’re working closely with the City, Skate Idaho, and Artisan to make sure the park opens safely and on time.
Special thanks to:
The City of Pocatello for funding this long-overdue project
The Nichols family, whose generous donation in memory of their son Chevy added some incredible features in his honor
S.E.I.S.A. for their relentless efforts
🚫 This park took a long time to make happen—don’t mess it up by skating it early. If we take care of it and show our gratitude, we increase the chances of a Phase Two in the future.
Our Wizard Stix Sessions are relaxed, all-level group rides to keep you pushing, rolling, and connecting.
🛹 All skateboard types welcome—longboards, cruisers, and standard setups 📍 Location changes weekly – check our Instagram Stories or Facebook page every Tuesday or Wednesday or call 208-220-6750 to get the latest meetup spot.
These rides are all about confidence, community, and good vibes. No pressure—just pull up and ride.
📚 Private Skateboard Lessons in Pocatello – Now Booking
Skate lessons are back and open for booking! We offer private, one-on-one coaching in our indoor facility with all safety gear and boards provided.
✅ Taught by the only certified skateboard instructor in the Pocatello area ✅ Nearly a decade of experience teaching youth ✅ Safe, supportive environment ✅ Discounts on complete skateboard setups for students ✅ We accept Idaho Empowering Parents Grant money – call for details
Whether you’re a beginner or ready to step up your game, Deckadence Board Shoppe is the home of proper setups and proper progression.
