Z Sifuentes

Kentfield, CA

I have been teaching in the classroom for nearly 20 years, and the first lesson my daughter had with Marko was like watching a master class in pedagogy. He broke skating down into the smallest skills, and then helped my daughter piece them together. It also felt like he was teaching life lessons at every turn, from focusing one one move at a time to learning how to fall. In her third lesson, he had her skate into a small ramp a couple of times, so she could learn what it feels like. These sorts of small steps, so thoughtfully planned out, has my kid on a board after three lessons.

Vivian O.

San Francisco Bay Area

Marko is a great coach, very patient, supportive and encouraging. My son (6) enjoys his lessons very much, and looks forward to the next one. I highly recommend Marko!

Meridith O.

Delray Beach, FL

During Marko's visit to Florida he gave our son and daughter both skateboard lessons. It was their first skate lesson and they absolutely loved it. Marko was very patient and sensitive to their individual needs. He continuously encouraged them and built up their confidence using fun games to learn new skills. Our kids still talk about the lesson and can't wait to see him again and get more lessons!!! Thanks Marko for bringing skating into our kids lives.

J A.

San Francisco Bay Area

Both of my sons were reluctant to try skateboarding at first but when we signed them up for skateboard lessons with Marko, all that changed. He has a natural talent for teaching and making kids feel comfortable, confident and safe. Our boys have grown to trust Marko as he takes them slightly out of their comfort zone and it shows in the skills they have learned on a skateboard. I absolutely recommend SK8 GYM to anyone who wants to learn to skate.

Mare L.

San Francisco Bay Area

My son's newfound interest in skateboarding was ignited into pure obsession after meeting Marko and the SK8 team. I have never seen my kid so passionate about diving into a new activity, perfecting his skills and honing his technique. After just a few private lessons with Marko--whose patience, compassion and love of the sport are incredibly inspiring--my son is already moving on that board like he owns it. For him, a two-hour lesson feels like 10 minutes because he is having so much fun, and by the end of it, he's sweaty, exhausted and thrilled that he learned something new, doing something he loves. During these longer lessons, Marko is usually accompanied by another instructor, so there are two pros showing him the ropes, and afterward Marko usually texts us a beautifully edited video showcasing the new moves my son has learned. Personally, I had no idea that skateboarding would be so effective at teaching my child the all-important life lesson that hard work and sheer determination are requirements for success in anything you set your mind to. Thank you, SK8!

Phoebe Schilla

Kentfield, CA

Marko is a terrific instructor, patient, observant and kind! My two younger kids and I (mom) have taken lessons from him, so I have experienced class as an onlooker as well as a student. The kids picked it up more quickly than I have, but learning has been really fun. Marko is great at teaching beginners tricks safely and making learning technique fun.

N J

Kentfield, CA

My son enjoys his skateboarding classes with Marko every time! His teachings are very thorough & professional! We HIGHLY recommend this company.

Marek Andrzejewski

Kentfield, CA

Marko is a really nice guy and a great skater. I've had over 6 lessons with him and he even referred me to another skater for lessons. I am 21 years old and each lesson I learn something new that gives me more confidence to continue skating.

Frank Dreissen

Kentfield, CA

Out 8 year old son started taking skateboarding lessons wit Marko. He is amazing. He is a very good skateboarder, but then he is also a great teacher that connects with the kids. He really gets the best out of them, at a pace that works for the kid. Great guy, big thumbs up!

Whitney Jordan Cohen

Kentfield, CA

Think skateboarding is just a boy's domain -- think again! Girls are catching up fast, finding skateboarding a great sport to raise their self esteem and all around physical skills. My seven year old daughter and I are thrilled to have found a Bay Area skateboard instructor, Marko Kosta who specializes in teaching girls the art of skateboarding. Marko has the talent, patience and compassion to help your child excel and become a skateboard superstar!

Rati Sahi Levesque

San Francisco Bay Area

My kids leaned so much through SK* Gym. Not only are they better at skateboarding but the classes have helped with balance for all sports. Highly recommend!

Jeff Yasuda

San Francisco Bay Area

Marko and his team are absolutely awesome. My whole family has been working with Marko since he started his amazing business. Both my sons have taken lessons AND so have I (as I attempt to re-live my youth now that I'm in my 40s). Marko is incredibly patient but also technical enough to help you nail more advanced tricks. He is that rare combination of a sick skater AND a great teacher. Most importantly, he's just a kind human being and great guy. I'm lucky to have him as a coach and friend! Marko and his team are absolutely awesome. My whole family has been working with Marko since he started his amazing business. Both my sons have taken lessons AND so have I (as I attempt to re-live my youth now that I'm in my 40s). Marko is incredibly patient but also technical enough to help you nail more advanced tricks. He is that rare combination of a sick skater AND a great teacher. Most importantly, he's just a kind human being and great guy. I'm lucky to have him as a coach and friend!

Michael Endelman

San Francisco Bay Area

Our daughter has been taking lessons with Sk8 for a few months now and she just loves it -- she started without much experience at all, but now she's doing ramps, grinding on curbs and a lot more. Really great instructors.

Hope Rosenberg

San Francisco Bay Area

I can not say enough wonderful things about SK8 Gym Skateboarding lessons and what they do for my children. We first tried lessons with another skateboarding company which I thought was fine at the time. Once with started with SK8, I was shocked by the difference. The instructors, especially Marko, are kind and patient and add to each lesson in creative ways that keeps the lessons interesting and my kids progressing with each lesson they take. Marko has such a way of meeting children where they are at, balancing sincere specific praise with pushing them out of their comfort zones. He has really raised their confidence levels which, for me, goes even beyond the great skateboarding skills they are learning. My two children have very different natures and they both love their time with Marko and SK8 Gym, and it is so rewarding for me as a parent to watch them grow in this way. As an experienced educator myself, I really value when you find teachers with a strong work ethic who are natural with children. This has been our experience with Sk8. They are always quick to get back to us with communications as well and have made several recommendations that have helped my kids improve their skateboards and skateboarding. I highly recommend SK8 Gym for skateboarding lessons at all levels.

Gita Jacobson

San Francisco Bay Area

My daughter has been taking lessons with Sk8 Gym and loves it. She has learned so much and is able to skateboard with confidence. She enjoys the lessons and learning new tricks.

R Lin

San Francisco Bay Area

Marko is an amazing teacher—experienced, knowledgeable, patient, and kind. He clearly knows how to make the skateboarder novice feel comfortable on the board, and then lead him/her to more and more facility with the skateboard. He even has my very cautious child going down the slopes he was too afraid to tackle originally. I highly recommend Marko teach your child how to skateboard!

Jackie Tellez

San Francisco Bay Area

My son loves these sk8 lessons. Marko is on time, professional and teaches age appropriate skating tricks. The lessons are well worth the price . We took a break because we were out of town for the holidays . But can’t wait to book our next session.

Odessa Cooper

San Francisco Bay Area

My son recently started SK8 Gym’s skateboarding classes and he enjoys them very much. He has learned a lot in a short amount of time with Marko and Andres’ support. The entire SK8 Gym team is very professional and committed to providing great service and a fun experience.

Diane Shapiro Sommerfield

San Francisco Bay Area

Marko is amazing! He is such a gifted teacher. My son has gotten so much out of private skateboarding lessons with Marko. I highly recommend him!

A.M.

Oakland, CA

I've had about 6 sessions or so with Jessica and they have all been so much fun! She encourages us that it's ok to make mistakes and not to fear falling cause it's a part of learning and getting better (and she teaches how to stay low and fall safely!) . My skating has improved, I've learned proper terminology, built a better foundation for skating and have developed a few new techniques as well. My only complaint, which is actually no fault of hers cause she doesn't set the price, is that the classes are pricey considering people are giving lessons for free or by donation all around town now. I do appreciate the consistent personal attention we can get from her and would like to continue with her but it's hitting my pocket book harder than I'd like it to! But Jessica has been a fab instructor! And as a plus, my class/skatemates are all super encouraging. If someone does a skilll or attempts something they were nervous about, even if not executed properly, there are claps and cheers. We definitely push each other to try!!

Moriah D.

Concord, CA

We did a group lesson for my son's 13th birthday and the kids, both boys and girls, had so much fun! It was incredible to see how much they learned over the course of two hours as well. Marko had two guys helping him which worked out great because the kids were all at different skill levels and abilities. They were all patient, engaging, and thorough but also knew how to keep a bunch of 13-year-olds in line (and safe). They supplied the boards and pads and the kids simply had to bring their helmets. Overall, great experience and I'm so happy to have found something that could be socially distanced, outdoors and safe. I would totally do this for my son again, even for a private lesson.

R L.

San Francisco

I love Marko and Sk8 Gym. Marko made it so easy for my child to learn skateboarding. For those who are afraid of commitment, you can rent the equipment (board, pads, helmet) from him and he brings it to the lesson. He was so great with my physically cautious child. He starts from the very foundational basics, even more basic than I would have thought skateboarding needed. Because of that, though, my child enjoyed the classes from the very start. He is very patient and kind, and explains everything. Thank you so much, Marko.

Gabriel F.

Lafayette

The experience could not have been better. Marco was flexible and accommodating in terms of our schedule. The class was super well structured. It was the first time our 9-year-old girl and our 6-year-old boy rode. Marco created a safe and challenging environment for them. They went through several different exercises that both built up their skills and confidence and at the same time got them excited about the sport. That's so challenging to do. In my experience classes are either to methodical and boring or over-challenge the kids and make them uncomfortable. Marco achieved a perfect balance and my kids are super eager to continue their riding. Thank you Marco, you contributed to a great day for our family!

Brian D.

San Francisco, CA

On my last visit to SF , my son was introduced to skating by his cousin, who had just started also. He was already taking classes with Marko and his team for a few months now, so my son signed up for a class along with cousin. Myself being a (old) skate rat from the east coast. I was curious to see how this was going to go down. All I have to say is, AWESOME! Marko was able to get my son comfortable on a board real fast. He used balence techniques that I have never thought of, that gave my son the confidence to "get after it"! My son was hooked after that and went back for a second class before our trip back home to NY. The Sk8 Gym team provided positive reinforcement, knowledge, and most of all fun when introducing skateboarding to my son and I couldn't have been more impressed. They should definitely try to bring Sk8 Gym out to the east coast. The experience is well worth it!

Caroline S.

London, UK

My son has had both private and group lessons with SK8Gym. His skateboarding has improved dramatically in the last 6 months because of the close attention all the instructors pay to him. These lessons have given him confidence both on and off his skateboard. The group lessons are really great value for money compared to others. They are also fun. SK8Gym also do skate parties, supplying all the equipment. My son said these are also really fun and very well organised. I would highly recommend Marko and his SK8GYM team, they are skilled, responsible, encouraging and great value.

Sally K.

Westminister, CO

Written by my wonderful wife Celia who does not have a Yelp! account. She is too busy skating and mountain biking to spend time online. "Marko is an amazing skateboard instructor. He customizes his teaching methods to the skill level of his students. When he asks you to work on a new drill or move, you know you are ready for it. Marko never under or over challenges you thus his classes are safe. Besides, safety and protection are his priority. He is very encouraging and I love all the different probes (railings, balancing boards, ramps, etc) he brings to the lessons to practice techniques. I never thought I was going to skateboard on a railing! I recommend him to teach anyone at any age!"

David B.

San Rafael, CA

My daughter has been working with Marko for about a month now... Not only has her skateboarding skills improved dramatically but Marko is one of the most positive supportive and encouraging coaches I have experienced. What I really appreciate about Marko is his professionalism and the seriousness with which he takes his craft... And make no doubt about it, skateboarding is a craft and his attention to detail, safety while making it fun and enjoyable at the same time is a joy to witness. My daughter's confidence level has skyrocketed and she has way more tricks, literally, in her bag now. I recommend Marko without hesitation and I look forward to continuing to watch him work with my daughter.