Robson Forensic skateboarding expert, and master trainer for Nike Skateboarding, Ben Wixon authored one of the leading texts on skateboarding instruction. In Skateboarding: Instruction, Programming,…
Ben Wixon is a skateboarding expert, recreation professional, and certified teacher with more than twenty years of experience providing guidance, instruction, and support to skateboarders, recreation programs, facility operators, and school students. He applies his expertise to forensic investigations involving skateboarding incidents, educational-related disputes, as well as recreational and camp settings.
Ben Wixon is the master trainer for Nike Skateboarding, a recreation leader with Portland Parks and Recreation, director of development for Skaters for Portland Skateparks, a published author, and middle school teacher in Portland Oregon.
Ben earned his Master of Education degree in 2002 and has been working professionally as a public school teacher since 1999. Specializing in English as a Second Language for grades k-12, Ben has had the opportunity to work with students at all levels of academic achievement and socioeconomic status. In addition to instruction, supervision and program development, Ben has experience in and has completed training specific to a broad range of specialized topics, such as risk management, child abuse, sexual misconduct, bullying, and crisis management.
Ben has also worked extensively with afterschool programs and camps beginning in 1990 as a camp counselor for the YWCA USA. Since then he has supervised, instructed, and managed recreational camps and programs in a variety of settings and formats including; afterschool programs, day camps, instructional camps, and traditional overnight camps. During his work with camps his responsibilities included instructing and organizing sports activities, assessing and treating minor injuries, supervising and hiring staff, chaperoning field trips and offsite activities, and facilitating special events.
Ben provides investigations, reports, and testimony in matters involving skateboarder actions; skatepark design and management; and the administration of skate events, camps, and competitions. His background in both skateboarding and education makes him a uniquely qualified expert in the skateboarding industry.
An avid skater for more than thirty years, Ben has competed in numerous World Cup events and qualified for the Van's World Amateur Championships in 2002, the same year he completed his Masters of Education at Arizona State University. He has built skateparks, taught and managed both public and private skateboarding camps, judged competitions, and helped numerous organizations develop skateboarding curricula and programs including Nike Skateboarding; Skaters for Public Skateparks; Portland Parks and Recreation; the cities of Chandler, Tempe, and Phoenix, Arizona; YMCA of the USA; Portland Public Schools; Cartwright School District; Windell's Snowboard Camp; and Site Design Group Skateparks.
Associate
2013 to presentProvide technical investigations, analysis, reports, and testimony toward the resolution of commercial and personal injury litigation involving:
Certified Teacher, ESL/Social Studies
2003 to presentMaster Trainer
2011 to presentRecreation Leader and Skatepark Consultant
2003 to presentDirector of Development, Programming and Instruction
2010 to presentSkatepark Advisor
2011Skate Camp Manager and Head Coach (Summers)
2002 to 2004Skatepark Manager and Builder
2001 to 2003Public School Teacher
1999 to 2001Skate Camp Manager/Park Builder/Grounds Supervisor
1997 to 2000Snowboard Instructor/Terrain Park Crew
1996 to 1998Taught group and private snowboard lessons to all levels of ability. Maintained terrain park. Collaborated to hire staff and conduct staff training.
M.A.ED, Curriculum and Instruction, Arizona State University, 2002
B.A., Secondary Education/History Ed., Northern Arizona University, 1998
v. 06/1/21
Robson Forensic skateboarding expert, and master trainer for Nike Skateboarding, Ben Wixon authored one of the leading texts on skateboarding instruction. In Skateboarding: Instruction, Programming,…
In this article, skateboarding expert, Ben Wixon, discusses various aspects of skatepark design and construction, as well as strategies for incorporating skateparks into the design of a community.…
The requirements for student safety and supervision in after-school programs such as clubs, sports teams, and intramural activities are often more nuanced than with traditional classroom activities.…