A Little Nod to the Skate Shop KWC Calls Theirs x Bright Side Skate Supply

Skateboarding doesn’t exist without skate shops.

They’re more than retail spaces - they’re meeting spots, safe spaces, culture hubs, and the heartbeat of every local scene. For KWC, supporting our local skate community means uplifting the people who have dedicated their lives to keeping it alive.

This Skate Shop Day, we’re proud to highlight Ryan McDonough, owner of Bright Side Skate Supply, located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo.

With roots in the skate and snow industry dating back to the early 90s, Ryan has been shaping skate culture in Ontario for decades. His perspective, passion, and belief in “No Bad Days” reflect exactly what local skateboarding is about: resilience, creativity, and community.

Here’s our conversation with Ryan.

How did you first get into skateboarding?

After watching Back to the Future in the late 80’s I really wanted a skateboard. My older brother skateboarded, so that helped fuel my passion for it. My first board was a Dominion from Zellers; I was so hyped on it.

What’s changed the most in the skate scene since the 90s? What’s stayed the same?

The accessibility. Having skate parks in every city, being able to shop online, YouTube for
instructional and lessons, etc. With that accessibility though, there is now a disconnect between many skateboarders because they don’t cross paths. In the 90’s we would go to our local shop or read magazines to learn about the hot new tricks/gear and to link up with other people. What has remained the same is the influence that skateboarding has over the rest of the world. Art, fashion, music, etc, is touched by skateboarding. The love that skateboarders carry for skateboarding has, and will, always be there

Why was it important for you to open/run a local skate shop?

A skate shop is a hub for the community. Brick and mortar shops are integral to the growth and sustainability of skateboarding. They are the local voice for skateboarders, hosts of events, and a place for people to gather.

What does Skate Day mean to you now?

Skate Shop Day is a nice little day to celebrate the physical shops that work so hard to provide a space for all skateboarders. We like to do some special offers to say thanks to all the wonderful customers that keep our doors open.

Advice for kids just getting into skating today?

Don’t wait! It doesn’t matter the quality of product you are on. Find a board and start pushing. Once you know you want to get into skateboarding, head to your local shop and they will guide you in the right direction to suitable equipment

What keeps you still passionate after all these years?

Watching all the new people discovering skateboarding. I also love seeing people progress and grow as they get more into it. The skate community is so welcoming and it’s amazing to witness people find their passion. I’m grateful to be able to do this, and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

__________________________

 

Skateboarding is built by the people who stay - and by the shops that hold it all together.

Local skate shops aren’t just retail spaces. They’re gathering spots. They’re information centres. They’re where you go to find out what spots are good, what events are happening, and who’s pushing the scene forward.

And if you’re riding somewhere new, you already know your first stop. You find the local skate shop. Every time.

Bright Side Skate Supply is that place in Waterloo Region. For locals. For next gen. For the skaters passing through.

In KWC, we’re proud to call Bright Side our local skate shop and grateful for the decades of experience and heart that Ryan McDonough continues to pour into the community.

This Skate Shop Day, support your local. Step inside. Start a conversation. Buy a deck. Keep skateboarding moving in the right direction.

Tomorrow, we’ll be sharing more about why skate shops are the backbone of skateboarding culture - and why protecting them matters more than ever.

No Bad Days.