DIVERTsessions is an exciting new outdoor action sports, creative education and entertainment venue that opened June 26 at the MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana. Guests can shred on the 20-foot-high, 100-foot-long ProSlope Snowboard and Ski Hill, learn new tricks in the skatepark area where movable obstacles are constantly changing to keep lines fresh and exciting, race friends to the top of the new 25-foot climbing wall, and participate in a Creative Lab session where they can explore different creative outlets and develop skills such as videography/photography, music production, digital and street art.
On Saturday, July 31 DIVERTsessions pays homage to the addition of skateboarding to the Olympics with its DIVERT Summer Games featuring best trick skate and snowboard/ski contests, a special performance by DJ Cofresi, food and drinks, giveaways and a meet and greet with Pro Skater and etnies Team Rider Aidan Campbell who will also judge the skateboarding best trick contest.
DIVERT provides all the equipment needed – skateboards, snowboards, boots, helmets, pads – at no additional cost and offers instruction from their expert staff who are passionate about helping others learn and progress. With constantly changing features, DIVERT keeps things fresh and fun for all ages, regardless of skill level.
We asked DIVERT Co-Founder David Monhait some questions about DIVERTsessions and their plans for the future.
How did you come up with idea for DIVERTsessions?
Action sports as they currently exist are extremely out of reach because they’re either too far away, too expensive, too intimidating or simply not welcoming to so many people. Even the creative classes we offer don’t or no longer exist in school curriculums. We wanted to change that by creating a place that makes action sports and creative culture safe, affordable, convenient and welcoming to everyone, especially those who have been previously shut out from participation.
How can brands get involved?
We look to brands to get involved by bringing awareness to DIVERT, creating unique experiences on-site, donating products for guests to use, contributing to our non-profit to subsidize sessions for underserved youth and more. We’re always looking to partner with action sports, creative, lifestyle, tech and healthy food and beverage brands.
What types of programming/events do you have coming up?
Coming up is our DIVERT Games event on Saturday (7/31) from 4-8pm. It is an Olympic inspired event with a skate and snowboard contest, live music from Cofresi, athlete meet-n-greets, including one of my favorite pros, Aidan Campbell, plus giveaways, food, drinks and more! We plan to have major events at least every other weekend and guests can attend our regular “Apres Fridays” and “Saturday Sunset Sessions” with live music, food and drinks.
What are your future plans for DIVERT?
We plan to run DIVERTsessions in its current location until at least the end of September and ideally, we’ll extend far beyond that so we can bring new attractions and experiences to our guests. Eventually we would like to transition to a permanent location in Orange County and then expand locations to target metros around the US.
For passes and info, visit www.DIVERTsessions.com.
Pro Snowboarder and ThirtyTwo Team Rider Jordan Small tests out the ProSlope Snowboard Hill at DIVERTsessions
Divert staff member checks out the new, 25-foot tall climbing wall
Young female skateboarder hits the ramp during a Braille Skateboarding session
Pro Skater Aidan Campbell will meet fans and judge the “Best Trick” Contest at Saturday’s DIVERT Summer Games Photo: etnies
