by Josh Carpenter



MOORESVILLE – Skateboarding comes naturally to Jackson Davis.

Jackson, 16, of Mooresville, is not only one of the top young skaters in the area, but he’s also taught the sport for about three years through private lessons and skate camps.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Jackson said. “It’s nice watching kids learn how to do it.”

Jackson will help instruct a series of summer camps in June and July run by his family-owned Embassy Board Shop through the Mooresville Recreation Department.

Steve Davis, a veteran of the skateboarding business for more than 10 years, moved his shop from Broad Street to 127 N. Main St. about a year ago. And it’s paid significant dividends.

“Business has certainly been better,” Davis said. “We’re selling shoes and clothing to kids that don’t even skate, which is a good sign. We’ve seen a lot more foot traffic.”

Last year, more than 200 children attended an Embassy Board Shop camp offered through the Cornelius Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Department.

This year will mark the camp’s return to Mooresville Skate Park. Davis hopes interest in the camp will help demonstrate the need for the town to refurbish the 3 1/2-year-old park.

“I think the money is there for it,” Davis said. “We just have to show the town and the commissioners that the interest is there.”

Most kids start skating at a young age, Davis said. That’s why he set the age limit for the camp between 7 and 14 years old. His two sons, Jackson and Jordan, both started the sport before the age of 6.

Jackson has gone as far as winning a free trip to summer programs at the prestigious Camp Woodward in Woodward, Penn. Jordan, 10, will also attend.

“It’s good for kids to start young because they can learn the fundamentals and not wait until they’re 17 to start,” Davis said.

Along with Jackson, Davis’ Embassy Board Shop team riders will help teach the camps, which will be held at the park, located beside the Mooresville Police Department on West Iredell Avenue.

The five-day camps take place from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays, beginning June 11. Camps cost $75. Children should sign up at least a week before they wish to attend.

Details: 704-660-8399.