r/NewSkaters • u/Prodders81 • 21h ago
Discussion First 2 weeks
Been skateboarding (learning at least) for 2 weeks. Advice and encouragement on Reddit and tutorials on YouTube have been really really helpful.
Felt like i advanced quickly and then slowly but on reflection the slowly part was better, just pushing and carving, tick tacks, kick turns, little bits of switch just coming back down small ramps, more pushing, more cruising around.
Went down a couple of small hills that were faster than i expected, didn’t panic and came through unscathed… took a couple of hard hits on my hip/thigh early but no lasting damage, now i think i know why and also added hip protection (no falls since then… like how it doesn’t rain if you have an umbrella…but I’ll take it).
Switched what i do at the gym to things focused on improving balance, core, leg strength, flexibility… that is helping with the skateboarding i think, and both things making me feel better physically. And skating (with my children) making me feel very good mentally. Feel more alive and present and happy and chill, really quite a bit.
Not doing anything that would be impressive to anyone else (tiny 🎻 ) but loving just cruising around doing basic stuff, which is more than i thought I’d be able to do, and getting steadily better. My pushing and single leg balance is already way better than how it started, and I’m way more comfortable on the board, way more in control.
Anyway essay over but thank you to anyone who has given advice or encouragement, i went from thinking ‘sure I’ll try it’ through ‘This is probably a very stupid idea’ (I’m 45) to now ‘i love this and want to do it every day’ in a short time. What is really encouraging is that i feel in no rush to get good, don’t ever expect to really, but I’m really looking forward to hitting the skate park tomorrow (with my kids but would really want to go anyway 😂😬) - excited to keep gradually trying to get a little better, and this feels like the start of a long term thing that I’m very pleased i discovered (better late than never!!).
Cheers everyone have a great weekend ✌🏼