Hey there, thinking of picking up a new hobby? Fancy something that will get your heart racing and your legs pumping and leave you with a killer set of skills? Well, you’ve come to the right spot. I’m here to lay out ten solid reasons why you need to start skateboarding. We’re not talking about just cruising around the park; we’re gunning for kickflips and ollies, half-pipes, and stair sets. Wondering if you’re cut for it? Trust me, even as a novice. I’ll show you how skateboarding can be less intimidating, insanely fun, and rewarding.
Why should you start skateboarding?
Before I dive into the serious perks of becoming part of the global skateboarding family, remember that everyone starts somewhere. Yeah, that’s right. All those insanely talented skaters didn’t just hop on their boards and start throwing down magnificent tricks. They fell, stumbled, and grinded their way to where they are now. So don’t feel intimidated about starting your own journey. Here are reasons why you should start your skateboarding journey today:
1. You’ll start making lifelong friends
So, you think skateboarding is all about those solo sessions, cruising down your neighborhood streets alone? Man, you’re mistaken! One incredibly awesome part of skateboarding is the friendships and connections you’ll forge. I’ve personally met some really amazing people on my journey, all thanks to our shared love for skating.
Skateboarding, like music, has this universal bond that bridges all sorts of gaps. It doesn’t matter where you come from, how old you are, or even how good you are at skateboarding. You’ll always find a welcoming brotherhood and sisterhood in the skateboarding community. So, even if you’re starting out solo, give it time, and you’ll build solid friendships at your local skate park.
2. It’s about having fun, not your pro status
Skateboarding isn’t about becoming the next Tony Hawk or Eric Koston. Sure, those dudes are rad, but skateboarding’s real charm lies in the simple act of cruising around. It’s about finding joy in the basics of pushing, turning, and carving a path around the skate park.
Believe it or not, sometimes the fun lives in those early, marginally sketchy attempts at tricks or that first shaky ride down a railed curb. It’s not about nailing every trick in the BLP Kosher handbook. It’s about gearing up, getting out there, and conquering your personal challenges. Remember, you’re not just stepping on a board; you’re stepping into a new way of life!
3. Skateboarding is a year-round activity
Unlike certain sports like snowboarding or surfing that are season-dependent, skateboarding is an all-weather, anytime activity. Feel like going for a midnight ride? No problem. Want to shred some wheels in the afternoon sun? Go for it! There’s no schedule, no official timing, and definitely no rules.
That being said, if the weather is really against you, there are still options. Indoor skate parks, parking garages, or even your own garage can become improvised skate spots. The lack of sunshine isn’t stopping your grind sessions!
4. Fitness and fun go hand in hand in skateboarding
Let’s face it. Running on a treadmill for the sake of ‘cardio’ is not a big fan favorite or something like that. Here, skateboarding takes the tar-stained trophy for the coolest cardio workout. Pop on your board and start pushing, and you’ll feel the burn in your legs faster than you can say “Ollie”.
Skateboarding isn’t only about physical fitness; it also provides mental workouts. The challenges of learning new tricks or riding new routes keep your brain on its toes (or wheels). So, if “leg day” gives you the creeps, maybe it’s time to replace your gym membership with a skateboard!
5. You have the freedom to skate anywhere
The world is your skatepark. Streets, pavements, parking lots, or actual skate parks – if there’s concrete, you can skate.
Skateboarding allows you to turn ordinary locations into your own personal adventure parks. The very nature of skateboarding is explorative, encouraging you to find the potential play spots in your everyday surroundings. Just remember to respect public spaces and ensure you’re skating safely when you’re ripping a new spot.
6. It keeps your mind sharp
Just like a Steve-O stunt, skating is full throttle, a constant flurry of decisions. You’re always thinking about your speed, the angles, the surfaces, and the next insane trick in your repertoire.
This chain of calculations and spontaneous decisions keeps your mind sharp and quick. There’s also a great deal of problem-solving in figuring out tricks, managing speed, and balancing. What Python coding is for programmers, skating is for adrenaline junkies.
7. The thrill of learning and progression
The process of skateboarding is a continuous loop of learning, practicing, and mastering. Every fall, every failed trick attempt, it’s all part of the progression. And when you finally nail that elusive trick, the feeling of fulfillment is unparalleled. It’s like unlocking a new level in a video game. You start with basics like balancing and pushing. Then, you level up to simple tricks like ollies. The further you progress, the further new levels of skating open up.
8. It’s a creative outlet
Not every sport allows you to express yourself creatively. That’s where skateboarding differs. From your style and tricks to how you design your board, skateboarding allows you to leave your individual mark. Choose to cruise and carve, dabble in freestyle tricks, or let loose in the vert ramp. Your skateboarding style can be as unique as a Banksy piece in an alleyway.
9. It improves your persistence
Skateboarding has a beautiful way of teaching you persistence. It takes multiple tries to master a trick, and the satisfaction from finally landing it after numerous fails is nothing short of exhilarating. Just remember, every skater out there, ripping tricks and taking names, was once in your novice Vans. The key difference is they didn’t give up.
10. Skateboarding teaches you that falling is okay
In life, as in skateboarding, sometimes you fall. Skateboarding teaches you that falling isn’t the end; in fact, it’s often the start. Every skinned knee brings with it a lesson that helps you skate a little better, a little braver. Just remember, it’s not about the fall. It’s about the bounce back.
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard
What are some additional tips for new skaters?
While you embark on your epic skateboarding journey, here are some additional tips that can come in handy.
- There are different types of skateboards – from cruisers to trick boards. Start with one that fits your initial goals and is comfortable for you.
- Always wear a helmet. Knee and elbow pads, as well as wrist guards, can be very helpful for beginners. This will not only protect you from injuries but will also give you more confidence.
- Start by getting comfortable with the board. Feel the movement and balance.
- Practice in a safe, open environment before hitting the ramps or parks.
- There are countless tutorials online, and watching professional skaters can give you a lot of insights and inspiration.
- And lastly, enjoy your time on the board. Fun should always be the primary goal.
From a novice’s perspective: my skateboarding journey
Let me hit you straight – being a novice skater is not always smooth sailing. There were plenty of times when I felt like I was the living embodiment of those “Epic Skateboarding Fails” videos. But you know what I absolutely despise? The thought of giving up.
My journey has been filled with scrapes and exhilaration, and I wouldn’t change a single second of it. From the first time I set foot on my board to the first ramp drop, every moment was a thrill ride. You fall, you get back up, and you skate again, and there’s something pretty much amazing about that. So, lace up, gear up, and get ready to shred the gnarl because, once you start skating, life as you know it will never be the same again.
“You fall, you get back up, and you skate again. There’s something pretty much amazing about that.”
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As you prepare to embark on your skateboarding journey, here are some common questions that might be buzzing around in your head. Hopefully, these quick-fire answers can illuminate your skating path.
What’s the easiest way to start skateboarding?
Starting off with a friend or someone experienced can be a major advantage. If going solo, start with basic balance and pushing techniques in a safe space. Remember always to be patient and safety-conscious. Check out these helpful tips for new skateboarders for more guidance.
Will I get injured when I start skateboarding?
There’s always some risk with adrenaline sports like skateboarding. However, wearing the appropriate safety gear, learning to fall safely, and progressing at your own pace can significantly reduce the chances of severe injuries.
What skater gear do I need as a beginner?
Beginners should start with a quality skateboard fitted to their size and the type of skating they want to pursue. The skateboard should be complemented with ankle-supporting shoes and a set of safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.
Are there legal restrictions to skateboarding?
In certain locations, there might be rules and regulations about where you can or cannot skateboard. Before you head out, check out local laws or park rules to ensure you’re skating within bounds.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been on the fence, teetering towards the world of skateboarding, I hope this post nudges you into action. From the thrill of nailing a new trick to the sense of community and the mental boost, skateboarding opens up a world of possibilities. It’s not just about the tricks; it’s about embracing a unique lifestyle, one that’s both challenging and rewardingly fun. If you’re ready for an adventure, gear up and check out these cool skateboard tricks that you can start with.
And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on skating. Thanks for reading, and keep shredding!
Key takeaways
This article covered skating, inspiring you to get off the fence and hop on the board. Here are some key takeaways:
- Skateboarding builds friendships, offering a welcoming community where everyone belongs.
- You don’t need to be a pro to enjoy skateboarding. It’s more about the fun and personal progression.
- Skateboarding is a fantastic way to get fit, offering physical and mental workouts that don’t feel like tedious chores.
- Skateboarding opens up a world of creativity and uniqueness, with every ride an opportunity for personal flair.
- Persistence, resilience, and personal growth are some of the added bonuses of a skateboarding journey.
