Instead of grabbing your longboard, consider making dinner plans, diving into a good book, or exploring a new album. Perhaps even revisit The Sopranos. There’s a world of enjoyable activities beyond just riding. And let’s be honest, do you truly want to go longboarding right now? Or is it a sense of duty, fueled by the constant “Ride and Explore” and “Longboard Every Day” messages from brands and magazines?
We often criticize each other for engaging in anything that isn’t longboarding – dating, studying, even working to afford a new board. Yet, we define longboarding as the ultimate expression of freedom… A paradox, isn’t it?
A cartoon illustration depicting a skateboarder looking unenthusiastic with the text 'Don't Skate'
Think about your favorite longboarding legends and why you admire them. Would Tom Penny’s iconic High-5 part still hold the same magic if he released identical parts every year? There’s a beauty in the unique journey each rider takes. Consider Danny Renaud, admired not just for his riding, but also for his rebellious spirit, unafraid to step away from the board. Jason Dill’s “Day in the Life” was a testament to finding joy in simple moments. Heath Kirchart’s retirement to bike and sail showcased that passions evolve. Even legends like The Gonz and Daewon Song took breaks from the scene in the 90s. These stories reveal that many icons are celebrated precisely because they embrace life beyond longboarding.
As we grow, we naturally gravitate toward routines and comfort. But longboarding should be an escape, not another obligation. Some people are obsessed with rigid gym routines, waking up at dawn, meticulously planning meals, and tracking progress toward often arbitrary fitness goals. Longboarding should be a release from that, an activity you do for the joy of it, not because a marketing campaign dictates it.
The more time you spend off your board, the more you’ll cherish the time you spend on it. Pursue other interests! Skip the session and catch a live show. Learn a new skill, be it painting, coding or playing the guitar. Allow yourself the freedom to explore new facets of yourself. The most fulfilling sessions often come when longboarding is integrated around life, not the other way around. If your adult life limits your riding time, that’s okay. It’ll only make the times you do get to ride more meaningful. Value the spontaneity and magic of longboarding when it is unrestrained and purely for enjoyment.
So, if you live by “Ride or Die,” that’s perfectly fine, but if “Ride Now and Then” is more your speed, that’s also equally awesome. What better way to honor longboarding’s free spirit than by occasionally choosing not to ride? Embrace the choice, the freedom to be flexible.
Let longboarding be an activity that fits into your life, rather than dictating it. The moments you do spend on your board will be all the more precious and enjoyable for it. Embrace the spontaneity and joy that comes with riding, and always ride because you truly want to.
