I first met Shawn at a skate park in San Rafael in May of '08. We had been looking for an instructor for our son who was 6. It was nearly impossible to find someone who would work with him because he was so young. Well, Shawn was working with a kid who was smaller than mine and this kid was dropping in, doing kickturns and rock fakies (mind you at the time I had no idea what these things were called - they just looked mighty impressive being executed by such a little kid!) When they had finished up I asked Shawn if he'd be willing to take us on as clients. We talked a bit about our background and what we wanted out of skateboarding. Our first lesson was the following week and we've been meeting every Sunday since! We did have to take a break in the summer so that Shawn could run his camp. I was a bit concerned that my boy would lose interest but as soon as Shawn contacted us when camp was over - he had his helmet on and was ready to continue.
We have gotten to know Shawn ant Thuy very well. They continue to impress us every time we talk to them. They are patient, caring, and above all really believe in what they do. They understand each child to be individual and encourage unique learning for all. Shawn learned early on that my son gets easily frustrated and wants to be "done." Shawn never forces him to go beyond his comfort zone. That doesn't mean that it doesn't happen - quite the opposite! He encourages him and always sets it up so that he's successful. My son has developed a crush on Thuy and idolizes Shawn! Not that he argues too much about anything, but when it's time for skateboarding he's ready and waiting in the car before I can even get my shoes on! I so admire Shawn's style and know that I'd be hard pressed to find it anywhere else!
I could go on and on (in fact I did!) but there really is not enough positive that I can say about Shawn, Thuy or their program. We look forward to seeing them each week and love what they have given to our son!