Show off Your Skateboarding Skills at Summer Series

by Jennifer Pitterle | Jun 2025

Summer Series skaters have three minutes to show off their best tricks. Photos: City of Plymouth

3rd Lair skate shop offers a summer competition for newcomers and longtime boarders alike.

For more than two decades, 3rd Lair skate park and shop has been a part of Minnesota’s skateboarding scene. Now located in Golden Valley, the indoor park offers a 20,000-square-foot space where skateboarders of all ages and skill levels can practice year-round. “Our primary mission as a business is to grow skateboarding participation, and we do that in a number of different ways,” says Mark Rodriguez, owner of 3rd Lair. The shop offers skateboard lessons, instructional day camps, specialty clinics for different demographic groups (girls, boys, younger adults, older adults and more) and special events and contests, both at 3rd Lair and at other parks.

The Summer Series is one of 3rd Lair’s signature events, connecting communities through skateboarding competitions held at public parks in several Metro cities, including Plymouth Creek Playfield’s skate park. “We created [the] Summer Series approximately 20 years ago as an opportunity for folks whose thing is skateboarding,” Rodriguez says. For kids who might not gravitate to other sports, like soccer or hockey, participating in Summer Series events throughout the season can give them a sense of camaraderie, growth and—best of all—fun.

The jam-style format means participants compete in groups of two or three.

The Plymouth series, which is offered in partnership with the City, has divisions for all ages, from beginners to advanced skaters, along with specific categories for boys, girls and adults over 30. “The idea is to create the most comfortable, fun riding experience for the most people we can,” Rodriguez says. “It’s a low-barrier event.” What is one thing that means? The event is free to enter.

On competition day, the atmosphere is lively and family friendly. “It’s much like going to a Little League baseball game,” Rodriguez says. Registration for participants opens an hour before the event. “People show up, pop up their lawn chairs and hang out with coolers. Skaters practice, warm up and meet friends. It’s about learning new tricks, having fun and being part of the community,” he says.

The jam-style format ensures an inclusive environment for competitors. “It’s the least punishing format if you’re not as consistent on your skateboard,” Rodriguez says. Skaters have three minutes to show off their best tricks alongside one or two others. Awards for the top three competitors in each division are presented immediately after their heats in order to offer a shortened day for younger skaters and their families.

For those not quite ready to compete, 3rd Lair also partners with the Plymouth Parks and Recreation Department to offer instructional skateboarding camps at the skate park. “This is for kids who have been thinking about getting into skating and want to try it,” Rodriguez says.