Avril Lavigne Goes on Skate Play Date with Country Singer Nate Smith

10:15 AM PT — A source with direct knowledge tells TMZ that Avril Lavigne doesn’t have a new love interest here in Nate Smith — instead, they’re just good pals … skate buddies, it seems.

In terms of why they were even together in the first place … we’re told it was to just discuss future music projects, and nothing more.

Avril Lavigne is getting back to her roots — and by that, we mean she’s hopping on a board and hanging out with skater boys again … like this fella, who seems to have caught her eye.

The punk rock singer enjoyed a date night Monday with TikTok country star Nate Smith … with the both of them hitting dinner together at Catch in WeHo — and then hitting the streets right after for a little truck ride around L.A., where they boozing in the back.

Their post-meal palling around is definitely the opposite vibe of their fancy meal … which is one of the nicer restaurants in L.A. If anything, this is the sorta thing you do in a small town — along some backroads and whatnot — and yet … here’s AL letting it all hang out!

At one point in their drive, they stopped at a gas station … where she and Nate hopped out with skateboards in hand, which they mounted and tried riding. Emphasis on “tried.” 😅

Take a look for yourself … they both seem to struggle a bit, but did end up rolling around for a little bit — and in the end, it looks like Avril might’ve been the one who had a tad bit more skating experience. Go figure, right?

Props to Nate, though … he definitely puts his best foot forward, no he’s just gotta kick and push. Like we said — this is like a scene straight out of Avril’s 2002 song/music video.

Also, from the looks of it … she’s pretty into NS here — signaling that she’s officially over Tyga and ready to explore new pastures in the dating scene. BTW, in case you didn’t know … Avril’s had a lot of famous exes over the years — with big names you’d certainly recognize.

Just to name a few … Brody Jenner, Mod Sun, Pete Jonas, Deryck Whibley, Wilmer Valderrama, Chad Kroeger, Jesse Colburn, Brandon Davis, Phillip Sarofim and a couple others.

At the moment, Nate’s got her attention … and he’s already leaving a good impression. The dude definitely knows how to hang — he just might need to work on his board skills a bit.