I recently took up skateboarding, having never even tried to step on a board before. Where I grew up, we didn’t have many paved roads, much less sidewalks. It’s not that I have some vision of ramps or dropping in at a skate park. I’m simply hoping to improve my balance so that if I have a chance to surf again I’ll be a little better prepared.
It’s turning out to be much more than a training tool. I can’t remember the last time I tried something that felt so foreign. I am both exhilarated and absolutely terrified at the same time. On several occasions I have caught myself celebrating small victories by giggling and clapping for myself. Luckily I live on a dead end street, so as not to be publicly embarrassed.
My first time out I could barely put two feet on the board without busting my ass. Thank you to the very patient and welcoming folks at Brotherhood Board Shop who helped me get set up without feeling like a dope. The wrist guards saved me from one face forward spill that could have been worse. Unfortunately I ended day one rolling my ankle. I limped for two weeks.
This is particularly discouraging when you watch YouTube videos of 5 year olds that jump on boards and head off into the sunset their first time. Ah, to be young, ignorant, and free of fear…
I don’t think I helped myself much by getting a surf skate board. My understanding is the trucks are looser and thus allows a lot more tilt, requiring even more balance! Ultimately, I think I spent more on my protective equipment than the board. My current required uniform includes:
- Helmet
- Mouth guard
- Wrist guards
- Elbow pads
- Knee pads
- Padded shorts
I’m sure that seems like overkill, but I would rather gear up and look like a doofus in my driveway than take a trip to the emergency room. I have a bad image of me going to work and having to explain why I have this new cast.
Since my first outing, I’ve learned to take one goal per session. Celebrate those, and quit while I’m ahead. Thereby ending on a high note with something to look forward to. Talk about baby steps. My progression basically went like this:
- Stand on the board
- Roll with two feet on the board
- Push with one foot on the board
- Push and add second foot to the board
- Push and get both feet on the board. Rotate that front foot to face perpendicular to the board
- Push. Both feet. Rotate front foot. Unrotate front foot. Push. Repeat.
There are times when I have some momentum and catch a slight breeze. I am treated to the same sensation I had when standing up on a surf board. So here’s to novelty, and trying new scary things even if some people would say you’re too old for that. Fuck them. It’s exciting and rewarding.
At the risk of dating myself, I was introduced to the term, nay soundbite, “Skate or die!” from a video game of the same name. It was rad in its day.