Skateboarders have a long history of being outsiders at their schools.

This is often because school rules ban the use of skateboards on campus, and riders are often chased off by security and administrators. This situation often creates a negative impression among skateboarders at the schools they attend.

“We are only allowed to skate in specific areas and if we leave the area we get in trouble,” senior Jesse Rios said.

To help combat this problem, costume design teacher Travis Beauchamp decided to create a club just for skateboarders so they would have a safe place that would allow them to enjoy the sport as much as he does.

“(It’s) an environment where skateboarders can skate after school that was safe and inclusive,” Travis Beauchamp said. “We are hoping students will get community from the club.”

Skaters at Akins said there aren’t many places here in South Austin where skateboarders can skate without being hassled.

Their favorite spots are typically in the streets or at a skatepark. The club will allow them to stay closer to home.

“I am excited for a place to skate that is local considering I go downtown to skate,” senior Jose Martinez said.

Beauchamp said skateboarders will have the chance to learn new skills outside of skateboarding but can interpret them into skateboarding. Skateboards will be brought to every club meeting for people who do not have access to one.

The skateboarding club is going to provide lessons to people are inexperienced with skateboarding.

“We will provide lessons to people who do not know how to skate,” Beauchamp said.

The club has built ramps and ledges for members that join the club. Many skaters don’t have many opportunities to skate on these, expanding their skateboarding experiences.

“I will be able to skate ledges and ramps instead of skating flat ground,” Rios said.

The club will provide a place where students can meet people with the same hobby and be around people who share similar interests.

“If people join, it will give me something new to experience,” Martinez said.

Skateboarders have been waiting for this club to open for the majority of their high school careers. Many seniors are upset that it took a long time for someone to finally open a club for skateboarding, but they are still excited to have the chance to join a club that they enjoy doing.

“I’m a senior which sucks because I can only do it this year but it’s about time a skate club started,” Rios said.

Skaters at this school finally feel appreciated and a part of the school’s activities. Skateboarding is a hobby that many students love, and it is no longer an outcast at this school.

“I am happy that they finally opened a club for skateboarders and finally involved skateboarders,” Martinez said.

Although many students are excited for the new skateboarding club to open, some skateboarders believe that skaters should improve on their own.

“Skating is an individual sport for a reason,” junior Sebastian Maisonet said. “It’s mostly about learning, practicing, and growing on your own.”

The club has had multiple meetings and members are already benefiting from the club. The club is still young but the members are optimistic that there are going to be major benefits.

“So far the club has given me a chance to hang out with friends,” Rios said. “Other skaters are getting better already.”