How to Motivate Myself to Skateboard

Get back on the board with confidence.

While walking out of your room, you notice your skateboard tucked away in a far corner. After removing the dirty clothes that cover it, you realize that it's been much too long since you last used it. As with any other sport, getting motivated to progress in skateboarding can be a challenge. If you're confined to your driveway or don't know any other local skaters, the impulse to keep skating can fade quickly. With a bit of urban exploration and a few skate videos, you'll be back on board in no time.

Instructions

1. Skate through a new neighborhood. Take the bus to your city's downtown district or push down the smooth streets of a nearby suburb to get a change of scenery. New locations may provide fresh, challenging obstacles for you to skate.

2. Visit the local skate park more often. These parks offer a bounty of terrain designed specifically for skateboarders, and they can attract fellow skaters from a variety of neighborhoods, cities and counties. Here you can socialize with other boarders and practice on a host of diverse obstacles.

3. Attempt new tricks. Skating can get boring quickly if you confine yourself to a set list of tricks. If you can kickflip, try more advanced flip tricks like a 360 flip or a hardflip. If you can only ollie, try executing a 50-50 grind on a painted curb. Once you set a few goal tricks for yourself, you'll be motivated to land them.

4. Watch classic, and new, skate videos. Many videos can be viewed online or purchased at your local skate shop. Skateboarding companies regularly release videos to showcase the talent of their amateur and professional riders. Seeing the pros do what they do best will give you ideas for new tricks and change the way you view local terrain.

5. Spend time at your local skate shop. Besides being the best place to buy new gear, skate shops are a place for local skaters to hang out, gossip about pros and watch the latest video release. Once you feel like a part of the skateboarding community, you'll always have a reason to get on your board.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to get your friends into skateboarding. Once a few of your buddies get interested in it, you'll always have a local crew with whom to roll around and practice tricks.

• Film your newest tricks and play them back to check your progress. Watching yourself progress will encourage you to commit more hours to boarding.

• Avoid skateboarding on private property. In some cases, this is considered vandalism and it may result in legal consequences.

• Always wear a helmet and full protective padding while skateboarding.

References

• Teach PE: Motivation
• Skateboard City: Trick Tips