We’re working with the Province of NS and the CBRM Recreation Department to redesign and rebuild the park that launched so many skaters into the sport.
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Island Skateboard Association is a volunteer-run society formed to support the culture and community of skateboarding on Cape Breton Island. Our board is built up of skateboarders and non-skateboarders alike from diverse backgrounds. We are business-owners, tradespeople, artists, parents, neighbours, and community leaders.
We all share one common goal: advocating for skateboarding and other small-wheeled sports on Cape Breton Island.
Join our mailing list and get the latest news, event information and updates.
Skateboarders have been rolling through the streets of downtown Sydney, Glace Bay, New Waterford and beyond since at least the late 1970s. However, the sport’s strong roots in community have not been backed up by consistent public investment. Because of this, many existing amenities on the Island are in poor condition, and are often located in undesirable, disconnected locations where land was readily available and inexpensive. This had led to the demand for a skateboard strategy to provide a cohesive, holistic plan on how to move forward and give skateboarding and other small-wheeled sports the attention they deserve.
In early 2025, we published a Skateboard Amenities Strategy. This document looks at the current state of skateparks and the skate scene, and provides a road map on how + where to develop more infastructure, and why we should be investing in these spaces as a community. This project was supported by CBRM Recreation Dept. and the Nova Scotia Dept. of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Hertiage. This do will be used to advocate for the community, to guide skateboarding in the coming years, and to leverage funding opportunities.
During the summer months, we run free learn to skate programs. It’s entirely volunteer run, where boards and equipment are available to those of all ages who’d like to try skateboarding for the first time, or develop their skills. We also collaborate often with local organizations to run one-off sessions (eg. SchoolsPlus, GirlBoss etc).
For event info and dates, please check our socials:
In 2021, we completed a community build at Andrew MacKinnon Memorial Skatepark in Sydney. We built 3 new concrete ramp features and completed extensive repair work. In 2023, we completed another build of a large bank to curb feature. In 2024, we completed another DIY build at an undisclosed location within the CBRM.
We worked closely with Eltuek Arts Centre to design a skateable piece of landscaping on the grounds. The installation is now open as a concrete performance area which doubles as a skate spot.
We’ve had the chance to co-host some great events with our friends at the Sport and Social Club CBRM over the last year. We have held Trivia Nights at the Black Diamond in Sydney, and have also held a learn to skate on the grounds of Eltuek. This event brought together the ISA, SSCC and the Cape Breton Regional Library who brought along their new skateboard kits which can be rented from any CBRL branch!
We partnered with the Cape Breton Regional Library to add skateboards, helmets, and pads to their roster of rental equipment. They are now available at any CBRL branch!
If you need to get a hold of us, you can use the email below or our socials: