Team

York Skateboarding Academy is a family affair. We started it because as we spent almost every day of Spring/Summer 2020 at skateparks, where people would often ask whether Yumi provided lessons. Well, here we are now!

Watch this documentary about Yumi

Yumi

Co-Founder, Co-Director, Co-Head Coach

Yumi just graduated from high school and is looking forward to her studies in Kinesiology and Education at York University. She is a young woman of many passions, but currently skateboarding comes first. It's played a huge part in maintaining confidence and self-belief during the challenging times of being a teen during a pandemic.

When she was her little sister Lucy's (below) age, Yumi got a lot of experience as an entrepreneur running her baking business called Yumi's Dozen. She is now leveling up her skills to this endeavour.

Yumi has experience working in several part time jobs, the most pertinent being as a Camp Counselor at the York Region District School Board's Summer Institute. There, she has gained great experience planning instruction, collaborating with peers and educators, and delivering great Summer Camp programs for elementary aged youth.

You can follow her on Instagram @yumisakuralee.

Royan

Co-Founder, Co-Director, Co-Head Coach, Media and Communications

Royan is Yumi and Lucy's dad. He is an educator in the York Region District School Board. Royan started skateboarding because he was so inspired by his daughters. Though his skills have a long way to go and pale in comparison to his own daughters', he loves skateboarding nonetheless.

You can follow him on Instagram @royanlee.

Davina

Senior Coach

Davina is a high school student with some of the sickest no complies around. She has a background in soccer and it really shows in her footwork. When she's not skating, you might find Davina eating her fave Korean chicken stew called samgyetang. She hopes to someday work in the behavioural sciences with animals.

Izzy

Senior Coach

Izzy lights up every room (and skatepark) she steps into. She loves eating her nonna's amazing focaccia bread, listening to 90s indie and grunge music, and playing volleyball. Her biggest pet peeve is when people get in the way when she's trying to cook in the kitchen.

Siwan

Senior Coach

Siwan is one of our most beloved instructors. Caring, nurturing, and empathetic beyond belief, she makes our learners feel like they can do anything. We are so thankful she makes time for us in her incredibly busy schedule.

Ethan

Junior Coach

Ethan brings artistry and a youthful exuberance to our lessons. We have known our beloved guy since he was a camper in our program himself. We are so proud of what a great mentor he has become for our community.

Lucy

Junior Coach

Lucy is a multi-sport athlete who attends Bill Crothers Secondary School. Lucy loves anime, art, and Korean seaweed soup.

Sofia

Junior Coach

If it involves the outdoors and physical activity, Sofia is always ready to be a great teammate. She loves Asian food, playing volleyball, and teachers who give less homework.