Skate and Create

For some, skating is all about discovery and creation, as in the expression, "skate and create." Skating is creative because there really aren't any rules... or goals, or boundaries, or referees. Sure, there are popular tricks that have names and established techniques. But much more than that, skating is about coming up with new tricks, or with new twists on old tricks. A big part of getting together with other skaters is showing off and sharing new tricks and building on others' ideas.

Trial and Error

Creativity goes hand in hand with trying things over and over and over. It's so easy to just pick yourself up, flip your board upright and try again. Nothing's going to wear out (except maybe your body), so there's no reason not to keep trying. Every trick is mastered this way, no matter how good of a skater you are.

Friendship

Skating with friends is more than just a fun way to hang out; it's also super motivating. Just being around other skaters helps you push yourself to try harder and go bigger. To non-skaters passing by a skate park, it might look like most of what skaters do is stand around watch one another. And that's actually pretty accurate. You take your turn on the ramp or in the bowl, and everyone else watches. Then it's the next skater's turn, and you're one of those who's watching. This dynamic adds some pressure, for sure, but it's a good kind of pressure; it gives you a little extra push, and since everyone's doing it, it brings skaters together.

The Street

A skater's playing field is urban pavement (although for a few it's a frozen beach), and that gives skating a lot of its character. The street is always open. You can use it without having to pay or join an organized team or even ask anyone's permission. That sense of freedom and independence is at the heart of skateboarding. The street adds some danger (cars, hard falls, unseen cracks or rocks that send you flying), and it gets you out there (not cooped up in a windowless gym or crowded swimming pool).