A Note From Max
Hi, my name is Max Suarez. I’m the owner of Maxled Youth. I created Maxled Youth after discovering skateboarding when I was 39 years old. Today I’m 47, and it’s been an incredible 8 years.
After a severe injury at work, I was very limited in the physical activities I could do. I had always been extremely active, playing basketball every day and running on the weekends. But after the injury, I couldn’t even walk for more than 15 minutes without discomfort.
One day, a client gave me a skateboard for my kids. I went to show them how to use it and remembered watching videos where people not only rode the board but made it jump. I got on the board and tried to explain, then gave it a shot myself. I landed my very first ollie at 39 years old. From that moment on, I was hooked.
As an adult learning how to skate, I quickly realized how many life lessons came from it. I had to face failure, push through frustration, and find joy in the process instead of just the outcome. I saw how these lessons could help kids too.
As a father of two very different children, I began using skateboarding to teach real values like confidence, focus, and dealing with emotions. While skating at local parks, I found myself constantly helping kids — teaching them how to drop in, how to stay on the board, and how to overcome fear. My friends saw this and eventually encouraged me to turn it into something more. They told me I had a gift for connecting with kids. That’s how Maxled Youth began.
Skateboarding is unique. It creates space for self-expression and personal growth. It teaches kids to get back up after falling and to cheer others on even when they are struggling. It shows them how to try, even when something seems scary. These are lessons that stick with them for life.
Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with kids from all backgrounds. Some have autism and are not used to eye contact or physical touch. But through skateboarding, they’ve learned to trust and connect. I’ve worked with a young boy with a below-the-knee amputation who ran up to me at Flushing Meadows Park and wanted to learn. I treated him like any other student, and his father lit up when he saw how supported his son felt.
These are the kinds of moments that remind me why this matters. I believe every child deserves to be seen, supported, and understood. Skateboarding is just the tool, the real work is helping kids believe in themselves.
How We Teach
Here at Maxled Youth, we understand that every child is different. Through patience, support, and love, we help kids face fears and build confidence.
Skateboarding offers countless real-life teaching moments in a single day. We use those moments to focus on each child’s personal growth through play. If your child is shy or struggles to speak up, we help them find their voice. If they deal with frustration or anger, we teach the importance of supporting others and controlling your emotions. For children living with physical, mental, or emotional challenges, we provide a safe and encouraging space where they feel seen and supported. We also offer personalized private lessons for kids who feel more comfortable outside of group settings.
We work with families and schools throughout Queens and Brooklyn. Personal lessons are available with flexible scheduling and location options to accommodate each family’s needs. Skateboarding is a powerful outlet for self-expression and growth. Our kids feel proud knowing they’re doing something uniquely cool that not everyone can do. The beauty of skateboarding is that age and size don’t limit success, and every small win builds confidence they carry with them for the rest of their lives. Our goal is to give every child a space where they feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves.
What We Offer/Our Services
Maxled Youth provides skateboarding lessons and mentorship to kids of all skill levels — from complete beginners to intermediate riders. We offer:
- Private Lessons for focused, one-on-one support
- Small Group Sessions for kids who thrive in social environments
- DOE-Certified After-School Programs in partnership with NYC schools
Our sessions take place at local parks across Queens and Brooklyn, including Maloof Skatepark in Flushing Meadows and Astoria Skatepark. We work with kids of all ages and specialize in supporting children with diverse needs, including students with autism, physical challenges, or social anxiety. Our flexible scheduling and personalized instruction allow families to choose the format that works best for them.