Picture this: Gliding through the green canopy of trees on each side of the road, with the warm summer breeze combing through your hair. Did you feel that? It’s the sense of freedom. I have been feeling this way ever since picking up my new hobby…
I’m skateboarding!
The idea of getting a skateboard didn’t came up until early November 2023, when I started to think about my flatting life. I will be living on the same street as our uni gym. While it’s only a 15-minute walk, it felt boring to simply walk there and back. Then I remembered the road between my house and the gym was pretty smooth, and I’m like, maybe I could skate there!
Growing up, I learnt to ride on roller blades and bicycles, but these felt like a hassle to carry around on the streets. As I’m scheming my travel options, I remembered people skateboarding on the road, and I thought, THAT’S COOL!
I haven’t ridden a board before, tried surfing when I was younger, but I couldn’t get into the riding position. But I’m older now and I felt like I could give board riding another go! Affirming myself, I got my first skateboard from a nearby skate shop, which was doing a half price Christmas sale.
The learning process went better than expected. I got into riding position on the first day and skated around the empty tennis court in my hall. Getting the confidence, I got out on the streets as well. During the first week of practice, it’s embarrassing but I bet walking would be faster than skating. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the skates, and it was a good time.
I practiced on the tennis court and mild slopes when the weather was nice. Searching up tutorials on YouTube, I tried improving my technique and learnt a few tricks along the way. I could do small tic tacs and baby ollies now. Small steps but I’m getting there! Keep practicing.
My flat has a carpark behind it that’s usually not too busy. The ground is smooth and perfect for skateboarding practice. Skateboarding started as a mode of transport to my gym routines, but turned out to be an enjoyable hobby. Looking forward to skating more after I move in to my new home!