What Does Skateboarding Mean to Me: A Journey of Resilience, Community, and Growth
Skateboarding has been more than just a hobby for me; it has been a lifeline. It is a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and community that transcends the physical sport. This journey of my life is deeply intertwined with the board beneath my feet, through good times and the challenges that life has thrown at me. This article explores the profound impact that skateboarding has had on my life.
Skateboarding—A Path of Resilience
Skateboarding has taught me the most important lesson of all: to never give up. The boards I used to ride as a child were bulky and heavy, but they never stopped me from pursuing my passion.
“You make my world seem complete and peaceful. Even though we can’t be together right now, I’m constantly thinking about you, stalking your social medias, and even dreaming about the beautiful moments we shared or probably will have in the future.”
Skateboarding has always been a constant source of joy and a place to find solace from life’s challenges. When I was a teenager, my upbringing was not ideal, and skateboarding provided a distraction from the turmoil at home. The sport became a way to channel that energy into something positive, teaching me to focus on the next trick and the next grind rather than dwelling on the issues.
A Culture, a Community, a Brotherhood
What sets skateboarding apart is the community it fosters. Unlike other hobbies, skateboarders are not competitive but supportive. Even though our conversation might be limited, the mere act of sitting together and sharing our passion can be cathartic. For me, skateboarding is more than a sport; it is a culture, a community, and a brotherhood.
“I have never seen or met a skateboarder who insulted or made fun of someone who doesn’t know how to skate. Instead, they help. I may be wrong, but skateboarding is like a religion for me, and I will keep doing it until my life is over.”
The lesson of empathy and support within the skateboarding community is something that has stayed with me through thick and thin. It has given me strength and a sense of belonging, even when I felt isolated and alone.
My Skateboarding Journey: From Childhood to Adulthood
From my early days riding down neighborhood roads and skate-train, to the advanced tricks I see on videos today, skateboarding has evolved with me. My journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. In my early teens, skateboarding was my entire life, and I could often be found riding from one playground to another. But as I grew older, life threw me curveballs, and I had to choose other paths.
“I quit when I reached 15 or 16 and started smoking weed and doing drugs. I guess I had other things to do, and the fog of weed made it hard to be active.”
When I was 24 or 25, I experienced a series of health and mental health issues that left me struggling. I was on incapacity benefit, and it was during this period that a skate video reignited my passion. The video showed what skateboarding had become, and it motivated me to get back on my board. Skateboarding became my therapy, my escape, and my way of dealing with the world’s challenges.
Skateboarding as a Lifeline and a Vision
Skateboarding has become a lifeline for me, offering a sense of purpose and achievement. Even when I am dealing with health and mental health issues, skateboarding provides a temporary escape and a real satisfaction when I succeed in executing a trick. It is a reminder of my commitment and perseverance, and I see that same dedication manifesting in other areas of my life.
“Skating teaches you to have vision, commitment, and persistence, and you can actually see it transfer over into your life in general.”
Now, I can look back with pride on the tricks I have learned, the pads and helmet I purchased for a future day, and the long-term vision that skateboarding has given me. While I may not have mastered every trick yet, the journey is ongoing, and that’s what makes it such a rewarding experience.
Skateboarding has taught me to embrace the highs and the lows, to strive for better, and to never give up. It is a testament to the resilience and strength that comes from pursuing a passion and community.