Skateboarding across America might sound like a cool adventure, but in reality, it’s an incredibly demanding task. Imagine pushing your way through the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains, battling busy highways, and enduring rain or shine. Despite these challenges, Chad Caruso persevered, skating an astonishing 3,162 miles from Venice Beach to Virginia Beach in just 57 days, averaging 55 miles daily.
While many choose to set records with support vehicles and meticulously planned routes, Chad embraced the true spirit of skateboarding: independence and a spontaneous approach. Unlike those with logistical support, Chad tackled the journey solo, carrying all his essentials in a single backpack. His supplies included a change of clothes, tools, water, and gas station snacks. His diet consisted mostly of fast food and gas station finds, while his lodging was often a last-minute discovery. This unscripted approach led to many mishaps, such as running out of water in the desert, getting lost in Appalachia, and pushing through storms with minimal protection. Yet, despite the setbacks, he always managed to push forward.
I had the opportunity to photograph Chad as he skated through Arkansas, Tennessee, and finally Virginia. Through our conversations, he shared the highlights of his remarkable adventure, which transcended physical endurance to showcase incredible mental fortitude.
Surviving the Roads: A Close Call with Traffic
One of the most remarkable aspects of Chad’s journey was his ability to navigate busy roads without incident. He spent the majority of his skate on poorly maintained two-lane highways, battling heavy traffic. Riding against traffic and frequently maneuvering to avoid oncoming vehicles, he faced countless near misses. The fact that he survived without a collision or serious fall is a testament to his luck and skill.
Overcoming Physical Limits
Chad’s physical resilience was truly remarkable, especially considering his history of knee problems. Having torn his ACL, PCL, MCL, and meniscus multiple times, he began this skate with a re-tear in his meniscus. Despite the risk of re-injury, he pushed through severe shin splints, a chipped tooth, chafing, pinched nerves, rashes, bruises, blisters, hot pockets, ingrown toenails, plantar fasciitis, sunburns, and even a moth in his ear. Halfway through, his body adapted so well that he stopped needing to stretch or ice his injuries.
The Power of Switch Stance
To maintain balance and avoid overuse injuries, Chad skated a significant portion of his trip in switch stance. His switch push is exceptionally strong and nearly identical to his regular push, providing a reliable technique even in challenging conditions.
Finding Solace in the Monotony
Skateboarding across the country is, by nature, a monotonous activity. Chad pushed forward day after day with the same motion and often the same scenery. Yet, as a long-time meditator, he found solace in this solitude. He spent his days in quiet reflection, occasionally listening to music or making calls. By the end, he was so comfortable that I witnessed him casually scrolling through Instagram while skating past cars going 60 mph.
The Discipline of Extreme Focus
Beyond the physical challenge, Chad also filmed, edited, and posted daily videos of his journey. From 6 AM to midnight, he was constantly skating, eating, editing, doing laundry, or searching for Wi-Fi. This demanding schedule required intense focus, making him reluctant to accept visitors who he felt would distract him. This rigorous routine demanded an almost ascetic mindset.
Skateboarding, Not Longboarding
Chad was determined to skateboard, not longboard, across America. While the distinction can be blurred, his setup was undeniably a skateboard: big wheels, but not too large, a nose and tail, and the capability to perform tricks. He even performed a trick at the end of each day, a unique way of celebrating his daily progress.
Setting a Guinness World Record
Chad meticulously recorded his journey using a GPS watch, multiple tracking apps, and photo evidence to apply for the Guinness World Record for fastest solo skate across the country. He maintained a regimented approach, stopping each day at the same exact spot where he’d finished the previous day. Despite the fact that the record is still pending, his achievement is undeniable. While others have skated across the U.S., Chad’s speed and solo, unsupported effort sets him apart. However, the record might soon be surpassed by a longboarder, as Guinness does not differentiate between longboarding and skateboarding.
A Forrest Gump-like Journey
Chad’s journey resonated with a Forrest Gump-like quality, attracting other skateboarders to join him along the way, although most struggled to keep pace for long. He also received incredible acts of kindness from strangers and fans, from meals and lodging to helpful advice and supplies.
Traveling Light and Efficient
Chad prioritized speed and efficiency by carrying minimal gear. He maintained the same skateboard setup throughout the trip, despite his wheels being significantly worn by the end. Remarkably, even his bearings survived numerous rainstorms.
The Triumphant Finish
The final 10 miles of Chad’s journey were nothing short of spectacular. Skaters joined him, a police escort accompanied them, and a crowd of supporters cheered him to the finish line. After a celebratory flip in the ocean, his epic skate was complete. The mayor of Virginia Beach even declared May 19th “Chad Caruso Day”.
Chad’s cross-country skate was a remarkable feat of physical endurance, mental fortitude, and the unwavering spirit of skateboarding.
