Having any birthday is a big occasion in our family, but once you’ve gone past 40 it’s usually not as much fun as it used to be.
However, this year my awesome wife got me a “Don’t Rain – Family Skateboarding Lesson” and to say i was excited was an understatement!

I used to skate when i was a lot younger, and had started skating again a few years ago, but i was mainly just long-boarding or cruising around whilst my kids were playing. I wanted to get back into riding ramps and doing tricks so started taking the kids to the local skate-park. However, getting old and running my own business had turned me into a bit of a wuss and I just couldn’t do what i used to!

So, the day of our lesson arrived, we had arranged to meet Hamish at Romsey skate park at 9am on a Saturday morning (when most kids would still be in bed). We had my nephew with us to watch, however, Hamish very kindly let him join in – top man!

Straight away all of us were dressed in protective gear and given our boards for the lesson, all of which was provided! Hamish then went through all the safety info to make sure no-one would get hurt, and we then made our way to the flat area to start.

As a result of some brilliant teaching both my girls and my wife were up and riding their boards within the space of 10 minutes! He also had them pumping on the ramp later in the lesson. I was asking for pointers on lots of different things, that I used to be able to do, and Hamish helped me out with anything i needed, it was awesome!

I would recommend Don’t Rain and Hamish to anyone who wants to learn skateboarding from scratch or have some help to re-live their youth!

Deon Tucker (loving skating even more now!)

Matt and Hamish from Don’t Rain are full time dudes. Their true passion for skateboarding and teaching skateboarding shines through when you see them doing their thing. Essentially, everyone wants to make a living from doing something they love and Matt and Hamish are working very hard to do this. Their enthusiasm when a student progresses is off the scale and they make skateboard classes appealing, safe and super fun. We’ve witnessed them in action a number of times and are blown away by their professionalism and style.

To be a teacher , it requires great patience and a passion for what you teach , to pass that passion onto others, to make them want to excel and share the passion you have . Today you guys made me smile from ear to ear , to see the young people learn from you and listen to you , take on board your teaching and to progress so much in one day has left me thinking that today was the very best day I have had at the skatepark in the five years I have been there . I honestly cannot thank you enough for the difference you made those kids day today , I hope they are hooked on skateboarding … I will let you know when they return next week !

You recently did a workshop at the holiday club in a school, and the feedback from parents is so positive.  All the children raved about your session. They all asked for you the next day and asked if you were coming back. Since coming 3 of the children went out or ordered a skateboard, and purchased pads and helmets.
Not only was the session great but your relaxed approach made the experience outstanding, you provided the children with the confidence they needed to try this new skill.
Thank you for your time, and energy it was the most enjoyable day for the staff and children.
Many thanks

Don’t rain provided our children with an amazing opportunity to build confidence, develop a growth mindset as well as the exciting opportunity to give skateboarding a try! Hamish and Matt are friendly and professional and without a doubt put the children first. Their small group sessions enable a personalised approach and every child came away with a buzz about skateboarding! I would highly recommend their sessions and hope they come back soon!

Ali Wright Muscliff Primary School

Dear Hamish,

I am writing to pass on my gratitude for your assistance in ‘The Big Skate’ community event that took place in Bournemouth on Saturday 27th June 2015.

The event was a community event to raise awareness of this sport in the area.

From the inception of the event your willingness to take part and assist led to you being a key partner in the running of the event.

In the build-up to the event you assisted with ideas for the running of the event. You kindly supplied ramps and equipment and on the day of the event you were coaching people of all ages and abilities.

The coaching on the day was extremely successful and very pleasing to see. You were constantly in demand, and throughout the day you were teaching all ages from 4 year old boys and girls to adults. It is your patience and calm manner which made this aspect the most successful part of the day.

The event was a great success and no doubt because of your passion and willingness to take part and assist the community in this event.

Once again Hamish, Many Thanks for your dedication and extremely hard work in the build up and running of the event.

Yours Sincerely,

PC Joel Brooks 2361

Bournemouth Police Station

…Hamish has worked in all three of our units in Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Swaffham.

The age range of our young people is 12-16. All of our young people are hard to reach and difficult to engage.

While working with these groups I was particularly impressed with Hamish’s adaptability. Rather than sit back and observe he is able to get involved and is proactive and able to head off confrontation.

Hamish is able to help with planning and offer suggestions; he gets on well with everyone who works here.

To summarise Hamish, in my opinion, is fantastic to work with on a daily basis … He is able to communicate and build relationships with all age ranges, young people and adults. He is able to forward think and plan and has a great love of sports which is infective and takes everyone along with it.

July 1 2014