A Guided Journey on Four Wheels
We’ve all dreamt of being skaters: watching those cool guys and girls flying around the skatepark, landing incredible flips and jumps, and making it all look effortless.
It is easy to think they might be born with this talent. But behind the cool confidence and every successful trick are hours of practice, plenty of falls, and someone willing to teach. Inspiration and guidance can come from YouTube or other online resources, but face-to-face interactions always mean more and deliver better outcomes.
Sean Reilly has been a skateboarder since the age of six and doesn’t intend to stop any time soon.
After working as a teacher, Sean combined his passion for education with his love of skateboarding to establish Whitianga Skate School as a business in 2023. Over the next two years, he introduced young people to the sport while creating a fun, welcoming environment for skaters of all abilities.
After taking a year away with his family to travel around New Zealand, Sean saw community-run skate schools thriving in small towns across the country. Inspired by what he experienced, he returned with a new vision. Together with his partner, Sharon, he established the Guided Journey Charitable Trust in 2025, creating opportunities for even more young people to access skateboarding and other programmes that build confidence, connection, and well-being.
“In a world where many young people are spending increasing amounts of time indoors and behind screens, we see real value in getting outside, being active, connecting with others, and experiencing the well-being that comes from movement, friendship and community,” Sean says.
“It’s not so much about being the best; it’s more about getting out there and being brave while learning from mistakes.”
The response from the community was huge, and by 2026 more than 94 children were taking part in weekly lessons outside of school. School-based programmes have introduced even more students to the sport.
The impact has reached far beyond skateboarding.
In Term 2 this year, Sean and Isaiah visited Whenuakite School to deliver a programme to more than 150 students from Years 1–8. It was a great opportunity for students to develop new skills or polish their existing ones in a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Mr Veysi, the school principal, was very impressed with the programme. “The skate sessions have given our students much more than just skateboarding skills. We’ve seen increased confidence, resilience, perseverance and teamwork. Students have been willing to step outside their comfort zones, celebrate each other’s successes, and keep trying even when a skill has been challenging.”
And the impact of the visits didn’t stop there. The programme stimulated learning after the sessions: ākonga explored measurement and data activities, created artwork and descriptive writing inspired by movement, balance and action, and discussed well-being, resilience and personal goal setting.
With more people joining regularly, shared responsibility is what makes this fresh new opportunity viable.
“Everyone working together means great things can be achieved. We have an amazing community, and we want to develop programmes that help young people grow and succeed,” Sean explains.
To expand opportunities across the Coromandel Peninsula, Sean and Sharon established the Guided Journey Charitable Trust in 2025. While skateboarding remains its flagship programme, the Trust also aims to provide a range of experiences that help young people grow, connect and thrive.
So next time you’re about to sit down, take a moment. Perhaps there’s something else you could be up to.
Facebook: Whitianga Skate School
Instagram: @whitianga.skate.school
Thea Dozell Year 8, Whenuakite School
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