A new pilot project in Stirling is set to introduce primary school pupils to the world of board sports, giving young people the opportunity to try skateboarding, snowboarding and wakeboarding as part of a fully funded six-week programme.

The “Get On Board” initiative, led by Snowsport Scotland in partnership with Stirling Active Schools and Waterski & Wakeboard Scotland, will run throughout May, June and early July 2026. The project will engage Primary 5 and 6 pupils from across the Stirling school cluster, with 16 participants taking part.

Designed to build confidence and physical literacy, the programme introduces young people to the shared fundamentals of board sports, including balance, coordination and riding sideways, skills that transfer across multiple disciplines.

THREE SPORTS, ONE PATHWAY

Participants will progress through three phases:

Skateboarding (May): Developing core skills such as balance, pushing, and turning at a school in Stirling
Snowboarding (June): Learning to slide, control edges and attempt basic freestyle at Polmonthill Snowsports Centre
Wakeboarding (June–July): Transitioning to water-based riding at Town Loch, including wake crossing and introductory tricks

The programme is fully funded, with all equipment and coaching provided, removing barriers to entry and making board sports more accessible to young people.

Alastair Nasymth, Snowboard Lead for Snowsport Scotland, said:

“Get On Board is about giving young people the opportunity to try something new in a supportive environment. By introducing multiple board sports, we’re helping participants build confidence, develop transferable skills, and discover a lifelong passion for being active.”

By combining multiple disciplines into one pathway, the initiative aims to create lasting engagement in sport while supporting progression across activities such as snowboarding, skateboarding and wakeboarding.

While interest in snowsports remains strong in the UK, barriers such as cost, travel and limited access to natural snow can make it difficult for young people to get involved. Programmes like “Get On Board” aim to address this by providing accessible, local opportunities that build skills, confidence and long-term participation.