Rules to be a True Skateboarder

Hey fellow skaters! Building on the idea of learning to laugh at yourself, which is seriously rule #88 for a reason, I wanted to share a bit more about how this changed my skate journey. When I first started, every fall felt like a personal failure. I'd get frustrated, embarrassed, and sometimes even give up for the day. My legs would ache, my ego would be bruised, and the thought of trying that trick again felt daunting. But then I started observing the seasoned skaters around me – the ones who seemed to effortlessly glide and land tricks that looked impossible. I noticed a common thread: they'd take a massive slam, dust themselves off, maybe grimace for a second, then often chuckle, and go right back to it. It was a game-changer for my mindset! So, why is this 'laugh it off' mentality so incredibly important? Firstly, it acts as an immediate tension breaker. Skateboarding is inherently challenging, and the pressure to land a trick can build up. A good, genuine laugh after a bad fall stops you from spiraling into frustration, anger, or self-doubt. It's a mental reset button that allows you to release that built-up stress. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it transforms what could be perceived as a 'failure' into a valuable learning moment. If you're laughing, you're not dwelling on the physical pain or the ego bruise; you're simply acknowledging, 'Yep, that happened!' This detachment allows you to objectively analyze what went wrong without the heavy emotional baggage. Did my weight shift incorrectly? Was my foot placement off? This clarity is crucial for actual progression. Here are a few extra tips and 'unspoken rules' I've picked up over the years to truly embrace this 'laugh it off' philosophy and build greater mental resilience on your board: Acknowledge the absurdity: Let's be honest, sometimes falls are just plain silly or spectacular in a comical way. I once tried to ollie a curb, missed completely, and my board shot out from under me, ricocheting off a lamppost before landing in a bush. It looked like something out of a cartoon! Instead of getting mad, I couldn't help but burst out laughing. Turning these moments into funny stories rather than painful memories is key. Focus on progression, not perfection: Understand that every fall is not a setback, but a necessary step closer to landing the trick. It means you’re trying, you’re pushing your limits, and you’re actively engaging with the craft. That's something to be immensely proud of, not ashamed of. Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome. Skate with supportive friends: The energy of your skate crew can make a huge difference. Having people around who cheer you on (even after a big slam) and are quick to share a laugh or offer encouragement creates a positive environment. Their positive energy is incredibly contagious and helps you bounce back. Remember everyone falls: This cannot be stressed enough. Seriously, everyone falls. From the absolute beginners to the legends of the sport, falling is an intrinsic part of skateboarding. It's not a sign of weakness; it's a badge of courage. Watching pro skate videos, you often see their bloopers and outtakes – even they laugh at their own spectacular wipeouts! It normalizes the experience. Develop a ritual: After a fall, maybe it's just a quick shake of the head, a deep breath, or a silent mental reset. For me, it became a quick grin, a pat on the board, and a promise to myself to try again immediately. This ritual helps you regain focus quickly. This mental shift isn't just about being physically tough; it's about cultivating a deep sense of joy in the challenge, building genuine resilience, and understanding the true spirit of skateboarding. It's what truly transforms someone from just 'riding a board' into a 'true skateboarder' who loves every aspect of the journey, bumps and all.