Fig Skate Lessons

About

Hi, I’m Alex Figueroa — most people know me as Fig. I offer private skate lessons in NYC, helping beginners build confidence and learn the fundamentals.

I started skateboarding around the age of 10 after seeing kids skating on a suburban street corner. I didn’t fully understand what they were doing, but I knew it looked fun and I wanted to try it. Decades later, I’m still drawn to skateboarding — but for reasons that have grown and evolved over time.

What’s kept me connected to skating is its unique ability to be different things at different points in life. At times it’s been a way to challenge myself, connect with others, be creative, or simply clear my head. Skateboarding has a way of adapting to who you are, and that’s what makes it so powerful.

It also teaches lessons that go far beyond skating — patience, persistence, learning through failure, and making small adjustments over time. Progress doesn’t happen all at once. It comes from falling, getting back up, and slowly building confidence.

⸻

I started skating in 2000 in Westchester County, when skateboarding was much less accessible than it is today. There were fewer skateparks, less guidance, and most learning happened through trial and error.

Like a lot of beginners, I had to figure things out on my own — from basic skills like pushing and balance to more advanced tricks. Without clear guidance, progress could be slow, frustrating, and sometimes led to developing bad habits that were hard to unlearn.

Looking back, having an experienced skater to guide me — someone who could break things down, build confidence, and help me progress step by step — would have made a huge difference.

⸻

At 16, I started teaching kids how to skate through my local skate shop. Over the next 10 years, I taught consistently through after-school programs, summer camps, birthday parties, and private lessons.

That experience showed me that I don’t just love skateboarding — I genuinely enjoy teaching it.

Every student learns differently. Some are more cautious, some are more fearless. Some need technical breakdowns, others need encouragement and confidence. My approach is always to meet each student where they are and help them progress in a way that works for them.

⸻

My Approach

Skateboarding can feel intimidating at first, especially in a busy city like New York.

My goal is to make it approachable, structured, and fun.

Lessons focus on:

• building strong fundamentals

• developing confidence step by step

• learning how to practice effectively

• progressing safely

I help students avoid common mistakes, build good habits early, and understand how to improve — not just what to do.

Whether someone is stepping on a board for the first time or looking to improve their skills, my goal is to make the process clear, enjoyable, and rewarding.