Allan Minter’s daughter, Stella, is the reason SkateATL exists. After being gifted an epic skateboard by one of Allan’s buddies, complete with custom graffiti, her interest slowly grew. By the time she was 6 years old, the same age that Allan began skating in Miami, her curiosity was fully piqued. Allan searched everywhere for an in-person skateboarding lesson for his young daughter. "I was shocked that I couldn't find a real person who offered skateboarding lessons in Atlanta," Allan shares.
Atlanta has a dense skating community, and Allan was surprised by this gap in the market. SkateATL started as a mobile lesson academy, meeting students of all ages across the city at their nearest skate park. Now, less than four years later, their brick-and-mortar is open in Chamblee. Allan invested his own capital into the venture and hired fellow skaters to build and design the indoor park in a fully collaborative process. “It really was a built-from-the-ground-up kind of concept," he says. It is the only pure indoor skatepark in the city. Skateboards only, to preserve the masonite, and to maintain that special focus on the sport.
Although skateboarding is now an Olympic sport, there’s still a counter-culture essence to the scene, which Allan especially loves. It's fully in sync with his unwavering conviction to never sell to big business, retain as many local and small business suppliers as possible, and create a safe space for everyone to learn; he knows firsthand the value of skateboarding, especially in youth, as it serves as an excellent emotional outlet. "It's a healthy outlet. There's an expression that takes place when they're skateboarding,” Allan explains. All five senses are necessary to engage in the sport, learn a new trick, and stay safe. It’s heady, exhilarating, and demands discipline.
Many adult students also come to SkateATL, whether through private individual lessons, group lessons, or free skate. Skating was something many of them loved throughout their youth. It served as an identifier, a passion, and a place to go every day after school. Now, reconnecting with the magic of adrenaline on wheels brings them a truly pure experience. "We've had people from all walks of life. Doctors and lawyers and artists, who are in their thirties or forties or even fifties,” Allan says excitedly. “All of a sudden, they want to learn how to skate." It’s physically and mentally taxing, in the best of ways, and interest is growing at a rapid pace.
SkateATL’s offerings include various levels of involvement and an in-house skate shop. Private and group lessons are available and expanding. Coming soon will be beginner adult classes, female-only sessions led by instructor Noelani, and an “Old Man’s Skate Crew” for their skaters over 40 led by instructor Mike. It's the ideal spot for casual skaters, too, with $15 day passes available. For those most dedicated, a standard membership with unlimited access is offered for $60 per month, and there’s also an unlimited weekday-only membership for $40 per month. Their retail space sells SkateATL-branded skateboards, wheels, and apparel.
“I'm a huge advocate of shopping local,” Allan says. “I feel like we are truly the epitome of a small business, and that makes me really proud.” They prioritize local and regional suppliers whenever possible, leaning into Allan’s forthright dedication to supporting small businesses and ethical practices. "We have no interest in ever selling out,” he emphasizes. “We want to keep this local. We're called SkateATL for a reason."
The trajectory of SkateATL was aptly speedy. As soon as the idea sparked in September of 2022, Allan purchased the domain, with the website launching only one month later. Their captivating Instagram page drew attention at a rapid pace, helping them find footing in the private lesson space. It didn’t take long for people to assume they had a physical location, and while that wasn’t the initial vision, the demand couldn’t be ignored. Their grand opening, on March 21st this year, solidified SkateATL as one of Chamblee’s coolest assets.
Allan, alongside head pros Christian Drizzy Hanna and Mike Manion, worked closely with builder Pat McLain on developing the plans. Pat, known for the McKoy skate park, was the perfect partner for the job. Construction was completed in a stunning 60 days after a fairly straightforward development and rendering phase. Designed solely for skateboarders, by skateboarders, the ramps and street art epitomize the best of the Atlanta skating scene. Allan doesn’t view skateATL as merely a recreational space. It’s a place where people of all ages can enjoy self-expression, present-moment focus, and tangible progress. He’s found their lessons are especially beneficial for neurodivergent students, and he knows the benefits of skating are beyond what even he can fully comprehend. The growth speaks for itself, and SkateATL is on a roll.
For anyone who's ever been itching to learn how to skate or get back on the board, in the words of Allan, “You don't have to just do it on your own.” Find your newest passion and our city’s coolest community at SkateATL.
All five senses are necessary to engage in the sport, learn a new trick, and stay safe.
I'm a huge advocate of shopping local. I feel like we are truly the epitome of a small business, and that makes me really proud.