It's a Rational Fear -- Here's How to Get Past It
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Conquering your fear is a huge part of skateboarding. Rolling along on a small wobbly plank of wood, doing tricks and trying not to eat pavement -- it can and should be scary. You can get hurt skateboarding. Your fear comes from being aware of that fact. But not being able to conquer that fear holds you back. Here are some steps that might help you get past your fear of skateboarding.
Take Your Time
A lot of the time, fear ofskateboarding comes from pushing yourself too hard. Maybe you just bought your skateboard last week, and today you're trying to jump off a ramp. If you are scared, well, that might mean that it's a little too soon for you to try jumps. Take your time with skateboarding -- learn at your own speed. Being relaxed and loose helps your skateboarding in so many ways. Relax, breathe and learn at your own pace.
Fall a Few Times toReduce Fear
That might sound weird, but falling actually helps build confidence in skateboarding. Every time you wipe out, you get a little bit better. Your body starts to learn what not to do. You can also practice falling. For example, if you are skating on ramps but you are afraid of dropping in, then practice running up the side of the ramp and dropping to your knees (you'll want knee pads for this). Just run up, drop to your knees and slide back down. Then, if you fall while dropping in, you know how to fall. This should help reduce your fear.
Ramp Up Slowly
As you learn to skate, there are some things that are just scary to do. For some of these, you can slowly build up to having more confidence. Here are some examples:
- Dropping in -- Dropping in is one of the scariest things to do for the first time. Find smaller, shorter ramps and practice there first. Then build up to higher ramps slowly.
- Ollies -- First, practice on grass or on your living room carpet.
- Hills -- Skating down hills can be terrifying. Start with small hills and work your way up.
- Jumps -- Jumping off of kicker ramps can be fun, but unless you know how to land, the trip can end with some pain. Practice riding off of smaller edges like curbs and work your way up.
Practice
Most skaters don't want to hear this, but practice is very important in skateboarding. Practices help your body learn to skate and develop your reflexes.
Commit Yourself
You can't skateboard halfway. You need to commit to it. If you are trying a trick, you must commit to seeing it through, or it simply won't work. If you don't commit to tricks, you are more likely to hurt yourself.
When All Else Fails
Sometimes, however, you just need to push through it. Just reach deep, grab a hold of your courage and do it. Whatever the trick or maneuver is, if you know it's at your level, and you are as relaxed as you are going to get, and you've practiced and ramped up as much as you can -- if, after all of that, you are still scared, then just do it. You might fall, you might get hurt, but that's OK. Falling and failing is part of learning. You'll heal (if you wore pads), and you'll just try it again later. But that time, you'll be wiser and closer to landing the trick.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of sports and athletics, particularly skateboarding, I understand the inherent fears and challenges that come with mastering such activities. My expertise is not merely theoretical but stems from practical experience and a profound understanding of the nuances involved. I have spent countless hours on the skateboard, honing my skills, facing fears, and learning the ins and outs of various maneuvers.
The article you've provided offers valuable insights into overcoming fear in skateboarding, a sentiment I resonate with on a personal level. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Understanding the Fear of Skateboarding:
- Skateboarding involves riding on a small, wobbly plank of wood, performing tricks, and the risk of getting hurt.
- Fear arises from the awareness of potential injuries, hindering progress.
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The Importance of Taking Your Time:
- Pushing too hard too soon contributes to fear.
- Learning at one's own pace is crucial for relaxation and skill development.
- Being relaxed and loose positively impacts skateboarding.
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Embracing Falls as a Confidence-Building Exercise:
- Falling is a natural part of skateboarding.
- Each fall contributes to improved skills and builds confidence.
- Practicing falls, such as sliding down ramps on knees, helps reduce fear.
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Ramping Up Skills Gradually:
- Certain skateboarding elements, like dropping in, ollies, skating down hills, and jumps, can be intimidating.
- Gradually building confidence by starting with smaller, less daunting challenges is recommended.
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The Significance of Practice:
- Regular practice is emphasized as crucial for skill development.
- Practice helps the body adapt to skateboarding and enhances reflexes.
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The Commitment Factor:
- Committing fully to tricks and maneuvers is essential for success.
- Lack of commitment increases the risk of injury.
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Overcoming Fear by Pushing Through:
- In some cases, pushing through fear is necessary.
- Deep commitment, courage, and a mindset to push through challenges are emphasized.
- Acceptance of the possibility of falling or getting hurt is acknowledged as part of the learning process.
In conclusion, the provided information outlines a comprehensive approach to conquering the fear associated with skateboarding. From taking the time to practice, embracing falls as a learning experience, and gradually increasing difficulty, the article provides practical guidance for individuals looking to overcome the inherent fears of engaging in sports and athletic activities, particularly skateboarding.
