Help Gavin Compete at Longboard Worlds!

Meet Gavin Rutherford, one of 6 men who has qualified to represent Canada on the world stage in 2024 in Downhill Skateboarding (Longboarding).

After a long-fought battle, attending qualifying races in Kelowna, Washington, and Ohio, he has made the Canadian team!

This qualifies him to represent Canada at the World Downhill Championships in Tagaytay, Philippines, February 22-25, 2024 and the World Skate Games in Rome, Italy in September 2024!

Gavin has been downhill skateboarding for 15 years, starting with a small group of friends in Calgary, just trying to figure it all out. Over time, he got more connected with the local skate community and started working at the local skate shop (Royal Board Shop) while attending University. He took over coordinating the weekly “Royal Clinics” teaching folks of all ages how to go down hills safely. He taught longboard camps through the University of Calgary and introduced lots of ‘groms’ to the sport!

Eventually, he moved to Vernon, BC where he currently lives. The pathways of Calgary gave him the basics and the Okanagan hardened him into the formidable racer he is today.

He says he attributes everything he knows to the gnarly skaters he has had the privilege of riding alongside, as well as the wide diversity of hills that have served as his training ground.

When he isn’t working or training, Gavin volunteers his time as one of the organizers of Knox Mountain Downhill and Giants Head Freeride, internationally renowned downhill skateboard events.

Downhill skateboarding and sharing it with the world truly is his passion.

Unfortunately, there is no government funding for the team to attend either event. So, although it is a dream come true for Gavin to represent Canada internationally, it is difficult to afford without external support.

Gavin has never asked for financial support to race – he works hard and pays his own way.

But he is representing our country, so we feel OK reaching out to ask you to cheer him on in any way you can.

The estimated bare minimum costs of both events are:

World Championships Philippines (Feb. 22 – 25, 2024)

Transportation: $2,000

Accommodation: $500

Event Registration: $500

World Skate Games Italy (Sept. 2024)

Transportation: $2,000

Accommodation: $1,000

Event Registration: $500

Additional Costs

Safety Equipment: $1,500

Total Goal: $8000

Please do not feel any pressure, but if you would like to support Gavin’s dream of showing the world what he's got, any donation amount would be greatly appreciated!

Any extra funds raised would be used for additional training costs (e.g. attending more racing events before Italy).

Thanks for your interest!