We all thought skateboarding was cool when we were kids. But whether it’s because our parents were too strict or we just never got around to it, many of us never had the chance to pull off a sick ollie or grind down a handrail.
Now, when we see skateboarders doing their thing in movies, music videos, or even just out and about in our neighborhoods, we can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. They look so carefree and happy! And who wouldn’t want to be able to do a kickflip on command?
You may think your time has passed to start skateboarding. Between work, family, and other responsibilities, it’s hard to find time to learn something new—especially something that comes with a fair share of scraped knees and bruised egos.
But here’s the thing: skateboarding can actually be a great way to de-stress!
It may seem counterintuitive but don’t worry. We’ll go through all the reasons why skateboarding can help you relax and let off some steam, with just enough of an adrenaline rush to keep you coming back for more!
The Zen of Skateboarding
Most of us think of skateboarding as this rebellious, punk activity. And while it can definitely be that, it doesn’t have to be. Skateboarding can also be a very meditative experience.
It’s all about being in the moment and letting your body flow with the movements. You have to be completely focused on what you’re doing or you’ll bail. And when you finally land that trick you’ve been working on for weeks? The feeling is indescribable.
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with stimuli, it can be nice to have an activity that allows us to tune everything else out and just be present.
A Great Workout
Exercise is one of the best ways to break free from the stresses of our daily lives. But sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation to go for a run or hit the gym after a long day. Skateboarding, on the other hand, is a fun way to get your heart rate up and break a sweat.
And the best part is that you can skateboard anywhere! Whether you’re at the park, in an empty parking lot, or even just cruising down your street, you can get a great workout without having to deal with crowds or expensive gym memberships.
Running on a treadmill or lifting weights can get monotonous. But with skateboarding, there’s always something new to learn. And as you progress, you’ll find that the challenges become more fun than frustrating.
It Takes You Places
While the bulk of TV exposure skateboarding gets seems to be focused on young people causing mischief or pro skaters catching big air off a half-pipe, the vast majority of skaters simply use their boards as a way to get around town.
And there’s nothing quite like cruising around on a skateboard. The wind in your hair, the sun on your face—it’s hard to beat. You’ll find yourself taking routes you never would have thought of before and seeing things you never would have noticed.
Longboards, in particular, are great for this. They’re larger and more stable than traditional skateboards, making them perfect for beginners or anyone who needs to cover a lot of ground.
An Outlet for Creativity
Skateboarding is also a great outlet for creativity. Not only do you get to express yourself through your skating, but you also get to design and build your own skateboard.
If you’re someone who loves DIY projects or is always looking for new creative outlets, skateboarding is definitely for you. You can let your imagination run wild when it comes to designing your board, and there’s a real sense of satisfaction that comes with riding something you created yourself.
Even if you’re more of a ride-and-go type, just having the option to personalize your skateboard and make it your own is part of what makes the experience so unique.
A Community of Misfits
When you start skateboarding, you quickly realize that it’s not just about the tricks or the gear. It’s about the community. Skateboarding attracts all kinds of people, from all walks of life.
And while it can be intimidating at first, once you get to know the people in your local skate scene, you’ll realize that they’re some of the most accepting and friendly people around.
Skaters are known for their DIY ethic, creative expression, and general disregard for authority. So even if you don’t feel like you fit in at first, rest assured that you will eventually.
You can enter a skating shop in a business suit and ask for help picking out the best skateboard bearings for your board—the staff won’t even bat an eye. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from: if you’re passionate about skateboarding, you’re part of the community!
Skateboarding is Inclusive!
To add to the previous point, one of the great things about skateboarding is that it’s very inclusive. The skateboarding community knows all about being misunderstood and underestimated. And that’s part of what makes it so special. No matter your age, gender, race, or ability level, anyone can learn to skateboard.
When you’re part of the skate scene, you quickly learn that it’s not about the labels or stereotypes. It’s about having fun, pushing yourself, and being yourself—whoever that may be.
You don’t have to wear Vans and listen to punk rock to be a skateboarder. You don’t have to be cool or edgy. You don’t even have to be good at skateboarding.
All you need is a board, a willingness to learn, and an open mind. And trust us, once you get started, you won’t be able to stop!
Whatever your age or skating ability, there’s a good chance you can benefit from adding skateboarding into your life! Don’t be afraid to give it a try—you might just find that it’s the perfect de-stress outlet for you!