MEET THE COACHES

COACH

MAT CHIGWIDDEN

MAT CHIGWIDDEN IS THE PROUD AND PASSIONATE OWNER AND OPERATOR OF CHIGGY’S SKATEBOARDING. HE IS A PROFESSIONAL SKATEBOARD COACH AND HAS BEEN OPERATING CHIGGY’S SKATEBOARDING SINCE 2013

“I started skateboarding in 1999. My family and I grew up on the Central Coast in New South Wales and I began to skate at the local park The Entrance. We moved to Coolum on the Sunshine Coast in 2003 and my parents built a house on the property about 10 minutes from my new local Coolum Skate Park. A couple of years later, I was lucky enough to score a 14ft vert ramp from Billabong, used for demos around Australia. Looking back, I am so grateful; it would be every young skateboarder’s dream to have that wooden masterpiece right in your own backyard. Skateboarding has been my biggest passion for as long as I can remember and I have been lucky enough to have travelled the country and overseas skateboarding for fun and competing with enormous support from my sponsors, fellow skaters, family, partner and friends. Skateboarding has given me the most awesome opportunities to meet the coolest people and have the best time just skateboarding together.”

COACH

LUKE BENSON

Hey, My name is Luke Benson. I was born and grew up in England.

I’ve been skating since I can remember, it’s one of my biggest passions besides surfing and playing music. I feel very lucky to have skating to be a part of my life, it’s taken me all over the world and I’ve got to meet such great people from it.

I’m incredibly excited and blessed to be welcomed into the Chiggy’s Skateboarding family and can’t wait to share my skateboarding knowledge and passion with you. Yewww !

COACH

PEPPER TSCHIERSCHKY

My name is Pepper Tschierschky, I am 17 years old and was born in Melbourne, I now live on the Sunshine Coast and have been here for nearly 5 years. 

I started skating around 3 and a half years ago when Chiggy came and taught lessons at my school, it was such an amazing experience and is the sole reason I skate today. I understand how intimidating it can be stepping into a skatepark, especially as a girl, and I am passionate about helping others feel comfortable, confident, and welcome on their board.

Skating has helped me through many challenges and has always been a safe space where I can be myself and clear my head. 

I am so excited to now be a part of the Chiggy’s Skateboarding team and have the opportunity to share the same passion that was first sparked in me by Chiggy’s lessons. 

COACH

NELSON MARKETO

Hey my name is Nelson Marketo, but you guys can call me Nelo!

I’ve been skating on and off for the past 14 years and was originally introduced to skateboarding by Chiggy when I was a grommet.
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to different parts of the world on skateboarding adventures and have met plenty of legends from different countries along the way.

I love being active and have always been involved in team sports whether I was playing or coaching. But I would say the skateboarding culture is the coolest and most inclusive by far. No matter your age, gender, shape, colour or skill level. If you’re truly a skateboarder you know it’s all about encouraging each other and having a good time!

I’m super keen to be apart of the Chiggy’s Skateboarding family. Looking forward to sharing my 14 years of knowledge with the younger generation and letting the good times roll!