Am I a Poser?

Let’s say you are just getting into skating and you were  having a rough time in the park. Someone might have called you a poser and you were pissed because of that. The question is, do you have to believe the guy? The answer is no! As long as your reason for learning how to skate is because of the sheer fun of it, then you’re good. Everybody who seems to be starting out will be labelled as posers anyway. The greater challenge is to prove them wrong.

But how do you prove them wrong? Well, you might start by looking at your deck. Serious skaters buy good quality decks because they plan to use them for a long time. Do you have a quality deck that will survive a summer of skateboarding?  Another good thing to do is go to a skate camp or take a skateboard lesson.  We at Top Momma think All-Star skateboard lessons in Denver Colorado is one of the very best.

Next, maybe you should start learning the basics like Ollie. Posers don’t know what an Ollie is or how to do one. Practice ollies to death and skaters won’t make fun of you. If you don’t want to be labelled as a poser, you have to be comfortable with what you wear. Posers try to impress with brands, wearing or riding the latest craze. But don’t let that be you. Wear something – branded or not – that makes you feel comfortable. A simple tee shirt will do. Nice comfy pants or shorts are cool. A durable skate specific shoe will do. Remember, posers dress up because they need people’s approval. You on the other hand will earn their respect by letting them know that you just want to skate.

Fashions come and go. What’s hot with kids nowadays may not be as cool three to five weeks from today. But what will really stand out is your style in the park. Invest your time on the tricks that will put you above the poser level. Instead of deciding what to wear, how about ask yourself which skills you want to be famous for?

Am I too old to skate?

No one is too old to skate – unless when your hips and knees are starting to give you some sleepless nights. Seven year olds might be beating you at the park, but who cares? Everybody starts somewhere. The most important thing is that you enjoy what you do.

Being too old doesn’t mean you cannot learn new tricks. However, if you plan on learning one, you better start on the flat ground. Warm yourself up for a couple of weeks or even months before you start.

Do you know that skateboarding is a great form of exercise? It helps you cut down those excess calories and shed those additional pounds after a day of sitting on your office chair. Skateboard also develops your sense of balance and alertness. Now who would have thought a children’s toy could do that?

There’s an article which speaks about a new breed of skaters called “skategeezers”. They are middle-aged people – usually in their 40’s and up – who still enjoy the sport. Here is an excerpt:

“Part of the joy of being a skategeezer is sharing the joy of skateboarding with our kids, nieces, nephews, and – yes- grandchildren. We don’t do this to be cool, we do this for the pure thrill it generates. A lot of skategeezers also volunteer to run competitions in their communities. They are happy to give back and help the next generation. “ (“Why you’re never too old to skateboard?” by Michael Brooke,www.telegraph.co.uk).

Does wearing a helmet makes me a wussy?

Ask that question to countless of people who suffered from head injuries and concussions just because they don’t want to be labelled as such.

Helmets are made to protect you from head injuries. It’s like a seatbelt – you may not want to use it but it saves lives.

If you are just learning how to skate, it will be better if you wear your helmet because your sense of balance is not yet developed. Even pro skaters like Tony Hawk wears one, so why don’t you?

There’s an article written by Joel A. Erickson, a Denver Post Staff Writer, entitled “Look, ma, no helmet”. Let the message sink in and may this be a reminder on how important it is to wear your helmet.

Skateboarding is a fun sport. It is part of our culture and it is becoming a globally accepted thanks to those who love the sport. If you really love what you are doing, you have to make sure that you invest your time learning it. May these 3 questions help you to develop the proper attitude in enjoying the sport that you love.