The Ambush

September 9, 2023 at Woodlands Skatepark in St. Albert

We are thrilled to have you join us for The Ambush, an all-women, girls and/or trans, non-binary, or gender expansive skateboarding event and community day. This event is the first of its kind in Alberta and welcomes participation from individuals from across Canada to engage in community and build support for women in skateboarding.

This fun and inclusive gathering welcomes individuals from across Canada to engage in community, take part in friendly competition and skill development in a safe environment. There will be a variety of activities including a learn-to-skate session, skateboard art making, a number of skate games that will range from fun and informal, plus a jam-format competition showcasing skills. Of note, each registered participant will leave with a swag bag, a t-shirt (if ticket purchased before August 20) and an amazing experience building skills, confidence and community.Read on for more information about each part of the day!

👷‍♀️ Please fill out the following waiver to complete your registration:

Weather Dependent: 
“Rain out” day for this event will be Sunday, September 10, 2023.

❗ Please note: Only registered participants with a wrist band will be permitted to skate the park. Please feel free to warm up and skate once you have been registered!

TimeActivities
9:00Registration (open till 11)
9:30Orientation, Land Acknowledgement and Introduction of Special Guests
10:00 – 12:30Open Skate (till 12:30)
Skate Games and Learning with Tiger Skate Club Mentors
Snacks!!! (10:30-11:30)
11:00 – 4:00BBQ Hot dogs, snacks and drinks provided for skaters (served by The Source)
Please see Food and Refreshments section below for more information about our concession.
12:30 – 1:00Q&A with judges Rosie Archie, Suzy Sangsomsak and Abby Furrer
1:00 – 2:00Contest – 13 and under jam session
2:00 – 2:30Contest – 14 to 18 year jam session
2:30 – 3:30Contest – 19 and over jam session
3:30 – 4:30Contest – Wise Tigers jam session
4:30 – 5:30Awards, Prize Draws and closing words

Registration and Opening Festivities

You are welcome to arrive anytime between 9:00 – 11:00 am to register. Please have your online waiver completed prior to registration and then you will receive your wristband and a brief orientation. Skaters will receive their event t-shirt and swag bag at the registration table.

At 9:30, join us for a welcome to the day, skate etiquette reminders, hellos to special guests and an important acknowledgement of the land we skate upon!

Skate Games and Learning with Tigers Mentors

Tigers Skate Mentors will also be available to help you with skill development during this time; whether you want to learn how to skate, push and carve, drop-in, find lines around the bowl(s), or assist with tricks you are working on. During the Open Skate you will also get a chance to connect with members of the local, provincial and national skate community, along with local skateboarding crews and shops.

Skate mentors will also facilitate skate games that are inclusive for all ages and abilities. This session will be held in the street section and you don’t need to be a pro. Participants will be eligible for fun prizes, so don’t be shy and make sure you participate!

Raffles and Silent Auction 

Many items will be available for raffle and silent auction. Cash or card payment options will be available. Funds go directly toward supporting the Tigers Skate Club.

Tigers Merch Available

There will be stickers, buttons, Tigers X Source skateboards available for purchase ($75). Bring cash for the stickers and buttons. A donation box will also be available

Food and Refreshments

Lunch is provided free of charge for all skaters. We are offering: A hot dog (veggie and meat options available), snacks and a pop or water.

Concession Stand (cash only for non-participants)

  • Hot Dog – $2
  • Chips – $2
  • Pop – $2
  • Water – $1

🐯 Thanks to The Source for kindly running the concession stand and serving lunch!

Jam Sessions

Are you planning to take part in the skate jam? Want to gain some experience with friendly competition? Never thought about it before, but want to give it a try? You’re nervous, but the idea is kind of exciting since it’s a safe environment? Then the Jam Session is for you!

We are offering 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizing in four different categories. Do not miss out!!!

Jam Session Categories

  • 13 and Under Jam Session
  • 14 – 18 Year Session
  • 19 and Over Session
  • Wise Tigers– For those who are wise enough to know not to mess with the cubs!! You know who you are 🙂

Jam Session Format

Skaters of all abilities and skill levels are welcome to participate in this optional session, so whether you are learning to push and turn, can kick-turn, ollie or drop-in on transition, know that you are welcome to take part!

All registered skaters will be divided into heats and will skate in any section of the park that they feel comfortable using (flow bowl, street section and big bowl). Skaters will be judged on the difficulty and variety of performed tricks (obstacle selection, trick selection and creativity; Execution (quality of trick execution, style); Use of course and featured obstacles and flow and consistency. Above all we want to see you showing your creativity, skate progression at your own level and having fun on your board!

Questions and Answers

What should participants bring on the day of the event?

Participants should bring:

  • A helmet and safety gear (Wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads. Helmets are mandatory.)
  • A water bottle
  • A lawn chair
  • A hat and sunscreen
  • $20 (or more) cash to purchase tickets to enter prize draws
  • Weather appropriate outerwear
  • Your positive attitude to try new things and meet new people!

What does registration get me?

For the nominal fee of $25 + service fees you will receive:

  • Free t-shirt and swag bag for all participants
  • Chances to win themed prize giveaways throughout the day
  • Optional entry into a skate jam with a chance to win first, second or third place prize packs
  • Mentor-led skate games and coaching
  • Grip tape art sessions
  • Open skate time at a destination skatepark with a rad crew
  • A chance to connect with members of your local, provincial and national skate community
  • A chance to connect with local skateboarding crews and shops

How should families prepare for the day?

Keep in mind that only registered participants with wristbands are allowed on the course during the event. All other guests and family members can support their skater(s) from the sidelines and cheer them on.

Bring lawn chairs, hats, sunscreen and extra water for your viewing comfort. For entertainment, there will be booths from local skate vendors and community groups to explore! For lunch, there are a variety of options as described below.  Bring extra cash to enter the raffle draws and to purchase Tigers merchandise on a first come first served basis!

Do I need to be good or skilled at skateboarding to participate?

We welcome girls/women and LGBTQ+skaters of all abilities for this event! Tigers Skate Club believes that even if you are just stepping on your board for the first time you are already amazing!  We want to encourage girls, women and the LGBTQ+ community to participate in skateboarding regardless of your skill level.

Do I need to register to take part?

Yes. Only registered participants will be allowed on the park course throughout the day and will receive prizes and giveaways, free lunch, mentor-led skate games and coaching, and more. Don’t miss out!

How do I register?

Register via our Eventbrite link AND complete the online waiver for the skater participating. Pro tips: Register before September 1st to get the early bird rate. Registration closes on September 9th or when tickets are sold out. Day-of registrations will not be accepted, but a waitlist has been enabled via the Eventbrite link.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

It is mandatory for all participants to wear a properly fitting non-damaged helmet during all skateboarding activities throughout the day.

Where can I park?

Parking is available just northeast of the park (and the spraypark) at 175 Sturgeon Rd, St. Albert, AB T8N 3G1.