New courses pick up speed

By MATT LAWREY / NELSON MAIL

Nelson's Centre for Fine Woodworking wants to help you make your own skateboard. 

The Wakapuaka centre is launching a range of new short courses to run alongisde its existing programme next year, including one for people with a taste for handcrafted skateboards. 

Other new courses will teach people how to make their own electric guitar, outdoor furniture, tool box, or rocking horse head.

"It's a big, exciting move for us," principal tutor John Shaw said of the new courses.

"They'll give more people an opportunity to get involved."

The first skateboard-making course will be held on January 6 and 7, led by tutors NIgel Whitton and Lou Fuller.

Nigel said, having already bought trucks from course supporter Cheapskates, students will learn how to make their own board from European beech, ash or oak veneer.

"It'll be a good summer project for kids and parents to do together," Nigel said.

Lou said people will be able to make both short and long boards.

There will be 12 places in the class.

The cost will depend on numbers and sponsorship.