It’s completely normal to experience dips in motivation, even when it comes to something you love like skateboarding. Recently, I found myself at an amazing new skatepark, feeling excited yet strangely unmotivated to actually ride. If you’re facing a similar slump, know that you’re not alone. Let’s explore why this happens and what you can do to get your skate stoke back.
Reigniting Your Skateboarding Fire: 10 Practical Tips
It’s perfectly okay to take a break from skateboarding; it’s not the end of the world. Sometimes, life’s other demands take precedence, and the joy of skating fades. Understanding the causes of this boredom and actively working to reignite your passion are crucial.
Skateboarder doing a trick on a street
1. Step Away: The Power of a Skate Break
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. If you’re not feeling it, don’t force it. Step away from your board for a while. Focus on other areas of your life that might be demanding your attention. Addressing these other commitments can clear your mind and make room for skateboarding to feel joyful again.
2. Relive the Glory: Remember Your Best Skate Session
Recall that incredible session you had, that feeling that’s hard to explain to non-skaters. Picture the smooth rides, the satisfying landings, and the sheer exhilaration of those moments. Reconnecting with that positive memory can reignite your passion for skateboarding. These peak moments might be rare, but remembering them can fuel your desire to get back on the board. Don’t beat yourself up over sessions that don’t meet your expectations. Plateaus are part of the skateboarding journey, and you’ll reach that high again if you keep at it.
3. Focus on Your Journey: Stop Comparing, Embrace Failure
It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other skaters. Some might inspire you with their skill, while others might frustrate you with their consistency. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique. If you’re feeling stuck, revisit the fundamentals. Mastering the basics makes learning more advanced skateboard tricks easier and improves overall control and confidence. Skateboarding is about self-expression, personal growth, and enjoying the process. It’s not about being better than anyone else. Failure is part of the process. Don’t be afraid to try, fail, and try again. Even the most skilled skaters face setbacks before achieving success.
4. A Break Isn’t Forever: Sometimes You Need a Push
While taking a break is important, don’t let it become an excuse to quit. I have personally experienced this, with a 10-year break from skating due to life taking over. It’s easy to lose momentum, so don’t let a break become permanent. I remember someone giving up because they couldn’t match the skills of skaters in old videos. This highlights that sometimes an internal push is all we need. Another example is a friend who slammed hard, threw his board, and stormed off only to be back on it the next day. Sometimes a small break and a little anger are needed to fuel your motivation.
5. Change Your Perspective: Vary Your Skateboarding Scenery
Shake things up by trying something different. If you usually skate street, try a mini ramp or a bowl. If you’re a bowl rider, practice some flat ground tricks. Stepping outside your comfort zone is a great way to find a new passion for skating. Try riding switch or fakie. Laugh at yourself when you struggle. Having fun while skating is important, so don’t take yourself too seriously. Goofy tricks can add a fun and unique perspective to your riding experience.
6. Show Up: Just Go Skate Anyway
It’s easy to make excuses – work, family, tiredness, and so on. I find that once I’ve finally overcome those hurdles and gone for a skate, I feel much better. Even if the session isn’t what you had hoped for, there are often highlights and the act of pushing through resistance can be very rewarding. You will feel better just by getting out there. If not, try again; the love will return.
7. Skate With Others: The Power of a Skate Community
Skateboarding alone can be demotivating, which is why finding people to skate with is essential. Rodney Mullen, a skateboarding icon, used to practice alone for up to 9 hours a day, but that’s not for everyone. Skating with others provides motivation, support, and encouragement. It is rewarding to see and be seen, which provides an extra layer of motivation and allows you to push yourself. The skateboarding community is vital and provides a sense of belonging. The worst thing is skating alone and having scooter kids tell you they can do all your tricks on a PlayStation.
8. Never Quit: Embrace the Skateboarding Journey
The unique feeling of landing your first kickflip, dropping in, or pulling off an ollie is something only skaters understand and value. Quitting this unique experience will haunt you. Many quit after a bad slam, but pain is part of the game. Don’t let that keep you off your board. If you quit, you might find yourself playing chess instead.
9. Get Inspired: Watch Skate Videos
Watching skate videos is a great way to regain your motivation. Witnessing incredible feats of skateboarding skill can be highly inspiring. While most of us won’t reach that level, seeing the possibilities can ignite your desire to get back on the board.
10. Live for the Moment: Skate Like It’s Your Last
Treat every skate session as if it’s your last. Set goals for yourself and commit to landing that trick instead of bailing. Often, the most difficult part of a trick is mental. Push through your mental blocks, commit, and slam. You might realize that it wasn’t that bad at all.
Conclusion
I’ve written this post as a reminder to myself and others that experiencing a lack of motivation for skateboarding is normal. It’s not my first time and likely not my last. I have built this blog to help other skateboarders but sometimes, I feel like the passion in the local skateboarding community is dwindling, making me feel demotivated. Perhaps I am experiencing burnout and I need to take my own advice.
The lockdowns, working from home, less social interaction, and off-season blues take a toll on us. The solution is simple: take a break and get back to it when you are ready. Finally, if you are experiencing depression, it’s essential to seek professional help. Losing interest in activities you love can be a sign of a deeper issue.
Author Ruben Vee
Ruben Vee
I’m a seasoned skateboarder still passionate about shredding. I started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the early 2000’s, and still enjoy it today. I am a big fan of skateboard gear and love testing and sharing my insights.
