Within the bustling heart of our community, the Tech Deck Club has become a focal point for people who are interested in skateboarding or just getting to know people through this hobby. While its name suggests a haven for fingerboarding aficionados, a closer look reveals a different trend: many attendees seem less interested in tech decking and more in just free food.
Founded a year ago, the Tech Deck Club attracted a diverse group of enthusiasts eager to hone their skills and share their passion for fingerboard, which is quite literally known as doing tricks on a small skateboard with your hands.
“The club meets every first and third Wednesday of the month and sometimes meetings on other Wednesdays will happen periodically throughout the year,” confirmed co-founder James Mitchell, sophomore. The meetings are featured with mini skate parks, competitions, and plenty of opportunities to learn from each other and of course, have fun. Meetings are during lunch in room 3205. More information will be posted on their Instagram @swhsteckdeckclub. However, as the months have rolled on, the original spirit of the club appears to have been overshadowed by something unexpected.
“If you show, don’t just be there for the food, give Tech Deck a try,” says one of the co-creators and long-time club members, senior Skylar Klein. “I’ve just noticed people come in and take food and not try it out no matter how ‘skillful’ they are. We are up to teach people with a beginner’s fingerboard.” Klein’s observations are echoed by other members who feel the same disconnect.
The club’s meetings are focused on learning new tricks and enjoying each other’s laughter, competitiveness, and company in general. The spread of pizza and other snacks attracts many who might not even have a tech deck or even try to learn more about it when given the opportunity. While nothing is wrong with enjoying a good meal, it raises questions about the club’s original mission of fostering community through a shared hobby.
“ We are open to everyone but when the cost of food is being taken care of and people are only there for food, it makes it seem like people are taking advantage of the kindness of the leaders of the Tech Deck club,” says Long time member of the Tech Deck Club and now senior, Chase Clark. “But I wish more people would stick around to actually participate in the club and not just take food because they are hungry. We want to fill connections, not just fill bellies.” Clark notes that while new members show interest in learning tricks, they often drift away once they’ve had their fill.
This disconnect has sparked discussion among club leaders about how to revitalize the original mission. Ideas include structured workshops for beginners, team challenges, and even competitions for members to earn new parts for fingerboards or even a donut. The hope is to create a more welcoming environment where attendees are encouraged to interact and support one another.
The need for community connection is especially pertinent in today’s digital age, where social interactions can often feel superficial. The Tech Deck Club has an opportunity to bridge this gap, transforming its identity from a mere food stop into a genuine community space for shared interest and camaraderie.
As the club looks towards its future, the challenge remains: how to balance the appeal of free food with the core mission of fostering a passion for Tech Deck club. It’s a delicate dance between nourishment and nurture, but with a committed leadership team and enthusiastic members, the Tech Deck Club can hopefully reignite the spark that once brought people together.
For now, the club continues to welcome all who come through its doors–snack lovers and fingerboarders alike–hoping that amidst the pizza and camaraderie, deeper connections will flourish.