Benefits of Skateboarding - It's Not Just Physical

As I've mentioned before, there are so many good things to note about skateboarding. 

And the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. 

I'm also not only talking about the potential physical health benefits you get from rolling around on a board with four wheels. You will also gain a ton of mental confidence which could help you be able to tackle most of your crazy everyday life as well. 

With that, let's start with the obvious.​

EXCERCISE

Skateboarding is great exercise. 

Plain and simple.

Even if you are just rolling around the neighborhood you are already reaping the benefits of the sport. Heck, even if you are falling down you are still BURNING calories. Talk about a win, win. And did I just bust out a "Heck"?

Per the Harvard Medical School you can burn up to an average of 222 calories per each 30 minute session. That's at least the equivalent of one of your favorite fast food items or a solid IPA. Nice!

As I've gotten older I find that I can usually hang pretty good for about an hour. That is if I did some proper stretching, etc. (which I often times forget to do). Anything more than an hour and I'm asking for some pains in random places the next couple days. All of course, worth it. 

So if you hate running on a treadmill or flexing at your local gym, I suggest you check out skateboarding as an option. My guess is that you will get hooked and never look back. You can thank me later. 
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Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash
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CONFIDENCE

Now, we all know skateboarding is very difficult master at a high level. It's very similar to golf, just less lame rules. You are, however, going to take some slams along the way. It's all part of the package. 

But it's whether or not how and when you decide to get up and if you choose to try again is what counts. Doing so gives you so much confidence. I like to say that skateboarding didn't save my life, it MADE my life.

Take a look at all of the high level pros that are out there and look at their body language and demeanor. Their confidence level is usually so high that it shoots through the roof and is blasted into outer space (not literally). That is all due to skateboarding. 

And, in the end, when you do finally land that trick you have been putting so much BLOOD, SWEAT, and TEARS into it feels like the best rush ever. It's almost hard to describe. You are on top of the world for a short moment.

Then you move on to the next trick conquer as you rinse and repeat. 

MANAGE STRESS (WHILE TRYING TO MANAGE ANGER)

The world can be a pretty crazy place most of the time, but for skaters who are in the zone it can almost go unnoticed.

You'll see some riders so locked in to accomplishing their tricks that they almost get hit by cars, pedestrians and/or busses. They only have their eye on the prize - landing that one specific trick.

Nevertheless, I can guarantee that when you are in the zone you will not have one thought about all the things that are stressful in your life. Those thoughts just fade away. It's just you, your board, and your mind. Pure bliss. 

You will have to manage your anger though. Especially if you are prone to being an a-hole or a loose cannon. We all know them and have them in our circle of friends or family. I say that because skateboarding, much like golf, is very hard to master.

​It takes months and years to become really good. And what happens is when you start climbing the ladder of tricks you start to build enough confidence in yourself that you truly expect to land everything, every time. 

That unfortunately doesn't happen. Boards then get tossed, snapped in half or thirds, thrown into water, and many other fun ways you will discover to release your frustration. I think back on the time when I used to spit on my board. Yeah, I often times lost my mind too. It happens. 

Doesn't this sound fun?

Good answer!

Photo by Zach Lezniewicz on Unsplash

IT'S ACCEPTED NOW

Back when I first started skating it was constantly coming back from the dead. There were decades of regrouping, regrowth, and redefining what it was to be a skateboarder. It has and will always be an individual sport. 

One that challenges riders to push themselves to places they have never gone before. 

It has also gained a ton of respect and admiration over the years as well. Although there will always be cranky humans that hate everything about skaters and take every moment possible to degrade the sport. They will never take us down. Ever. 

Then we have the complete opposite group of teens, moms, dads, grandparents, who are falling in love with the sport even if they've never stepped foot on a board. It's a very interesting time to be a skater and/or follow the sport. 

Times sure have changed.

I remember being called "Skater F@g!" "Poser!" and many other names growing up. Some of those people didn't even know anything about me. They had no idea how their words didn't bother me at all. I'm sure many of those people by now have at least played a game of THPS in their time. 

Some may have since converted to the dark side an bought a longboard. Hah!

What I'm trying to say is that skateboarding is accepted more now. And by "now" I mean within the last few years and even decade there has been a very monumental shift. One that is still just getting started. 

As I mentioned in episode 01 of the podcast just wait until the 2020 Olympics when the sport gets catapulted to another level. Grab your popcorn. 

IT CAN HELP CURE RACISM (AND HOMOPHOBIA)

That's right. 

Skateboarding is awesome because our community welcomes all members regardless of their sex, race, age, ability (or disability), etc. How cool is that?

It's very rare to show up to a new or local spot with a bunch of other riders and not instantly feel part of the family. Sure there might be a few bad apples here and there, but overall once you are in the know you are part of something very special. 

We belong to a very unique global community that most people will never experience or see. And because many skaters are able to travel the world and see and meet new people of all kind of backgrounds and cultures the momentum of the sport just continues to grow and prosper. 

These are just some examples of the many benefits of skateboarding. The confidence, skills, and overall health you get from riding not only works in your current situation, but carries over into your real-world environments as well. 

Thanks for reading. 

Drop a comment on how you discovered this site and where you are from. 

​One love, my friends. One love. 

Rick