Hundreds of skaters unite in Winchester to break world record

A group of skaters in Winchester came together to attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest skateboard lesson. The event was organized by Geoff Else, a professional skateboarder and coach, who gathered 360 pupils from Kings’ School in Winchester. The current record, set in California in 2012, is 311 people in one lesson, but Mr. Else believes they have broken that record. They are now waiting for confirmation from Guinness World Record judges.

Mr. Else, who co-founded Team Rubicon 18 years ago, wanted to do something unique by taking on this world record attempt. He mentioned that it would be exciting for Winchester to be known for something different. The Guinness World Record rules required each skater to have their own board and helmet and to perform at least six different skills during the 30-minute lesson.

Alastair Birch, head of PE at Kings’ School, was thrilled when Mr. Else approached him about the idea. He sees this as a huge achievement for the school community and hopes it will inspire children to take up skateboarding, especially with its upcoming inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite some participants having no skateboarding experience, events like this are seen as opportunities to encourage young people to get involved in the sport and potentially become future Olympians.