By ALLI SCHIEBER
Editor-in-Chief
Alva gained a new business on March 26 when Sk8 Depot, a skate shop located right across the street east of NWOSU, had its grand opening.
Some people may think it is weird for a skate shop to open in Alva, but owner Jeff Garza saw it as filling aa need.
Garza moved here with his family from Los Angeles.
He grew up skateboarding, and it is a hobby he now gets to enjoy with his children.
“We were just excited to come to a small town and kind of create something that doesn’t exist and make friends for our kids and help other kids here,” Garza said.
He said he felt as though there needed to be a skateboard shop here because there are children and adults here who enjoy skateboarding.
The skate shop sells more than just skateboards, however. They also sell clothes, shoes, accessories and skatebord parts.It is a great place to go if you want to become a skater or even if you just want to look around. Sk8 Depot is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
One of the goals for Sk8 Depot is to get people involved in and be more active in a fun and different way. Many people do not do things like simply being outside and riding a bike or going for a walk anymore.
According to Redbull.com, there are 11 benefits to skateboarding, which include relieving stress, strengthening your muscles, being social, it is an inclusive sport, affordable, great way to get around, great workout, help with coordination, it’ll teach you how to safely fall, improves patience and sparks creativity. Skating is a great way for students to get creative with how they interact with working out.
These are several good reasons to get into skating or at least learn more at Sk8 Depot.
Garza said the city is open to the idea of opening a skate park in Alva, and he has been in contact with some people at City Hall about that possibility.
To stay up to date with SK8 Depot you can follow their Instagram where they post some items they have as well as updates on the shop.