Ziyaad Skate School

Who is Ziyaad and what is the ZSS:

Ziyaad Davis has been skateboarding for 17 years, becoming fully immersed in the Cape Town skate scene.

During the COVID 19 lockdown Ziyaad lost his job as a tour guide, In this time of reckoning he volunteered teaching skateboarding to the youth of Hout Bay. 

Finding immense reward in uplifting the community, Ziyaad decided to dedicate himself full time to running the Ziyaad Skate school (ZSS). He now splits his time between, 20 paying clients and running a free after school program with the Eyethu Skatepark. 

Growing up in Hangberg, Hout Bay, Ziyaad says that skateboarding was the thing that kept him out of trouble and knows it will do the same for generations to come. 

Although he acknowledges that most people won't make it as professional skaters he does say that there are plenty of opportunities to make a living in the industry. 

The future of the ZSS: 

Once considered to be a fringe sport, there are now over 11 million active skateboarders in the world. Skateboarding has just made its olympic debut and related industries are marketing it’s healthy, progressive lifestyle more than ever before. 

Ziyaad has noticed that his client base is growing daily, he believes this is due to the perception of the skate industry changing for the better. He sees massive growth potential for his business and has plans to create a social enterprise committed to helping people through skateboarding. 

Ziyaad plans to expand his business by creating a system where young skaters who aspire to become skate coaches are provided with a client base within their demographic. 

Teaching skateboarding is at the centre of the ZSS, but Ziyaad approaches each student with a more holistic approach, doing what he can to make a positive difference to each one of their lives. Ziyaad wants future ZSS coaches to take the same approach to their students - He says that in order to become a teacher of any kind you must master communication skills and have great perseverance, this is especially important at the ZSS because coaches will teach students from all different backgrounds. 

The ZSS app:

The ZSS app will be a new and exciting way of learning how to skateboard. Coaches will go directly to peoples homes, with everything needed for the session being provided for by the ZSS team. Students and coaches will work on a rewards system, the more lessons done will allow them access to new and exciting equipment to skate on. All that clients will need to do is book a training session and fill in details regarding their skill level and related personal preferences. 

In order to launch this project the Ziyaad Skate School needs R40000 to build the app. Any donations no matter the size will be hugely appreciated! 

Thanks for your help!