I’ve never been a natural talent at activities or sports. Many girls grew up in Girl Scouts or softball. I wasn’t one of them, but that didn’t stop me. In high school I started experimenting with sports. I played soccer but I wasn’t competitive enough. I biked six miles downtown but I got my license and found out driving would be quicker. I ran, but later decided I would rather surf MySpace. Despite my eagerness to try something new, I was unable to find a sport that I wanted to stick with.
Then it hit me, while I was standing in Soledad Surf Company, looking at all the skateboards. My middle school fascination was rekindled. Skateboarding. I use to love watching the X-Games and seeing the guys at the skate park. I enjoyed watching skateboarders, so why not try to skateboard myself? I told Aaron Hirsh, the owner of Soco, I wanted to learn how to skate and asked him who could teach me. He recommended Justin Zorn who accepted the challenge. Justin skateboards and works for Killer Peaks Skate shop. I later (came to the conclusion) found out he’s an amazing teacher and one of the best skateboarders at the park.
My first day of practice, Justin had me start by pushing off and balancing on the board. Next we practiced turning, which took a few tries. An hour and half into the lesson, Justin led me to the Fun Box. The Fun Box is a ramp that is about four feet high and three feet long. Yes, Justin planned for me to conquer a ramp on my first day. I’m not going to lie, I was nervous. After a few minutes of me whining at the top, Justin and his friend Stephen gave me just enough tough love to suck up my fear and push off. I went down the Fun Box and by beginner’s luck I managed to stay on the board. But practice wasn’t over yet, Justin had me go down the Fun Box three more times to make sure I had mastered it.
After practice, I decided skateboarding was something I wanted to stick with. I never in my wildest dreams would have ever thought skateboarding would be my sport. I originally thought it would be just something fun to try, but it ending up becoming so much more. Try something that sounds like fun, you never know it could be something you stick with. But don’t be discouraged if the first activity you try doesn’t work out. I tried three other activities before I found the one that clicked and I didn’t give up. Wanna try skateboarding? Stop by your local skate shop. I’m sure someone would be happy to teach you.
I think that the value of having a physical activity as a "hobby" is so healthy. That anxiety about not being at something on the first try applies to every challenge we can take on. It is the ability to swallow that fear of failure, let go, and have fun anyway that makes people powerful. Even if you don't become number one, you have expanded your experience, and in the case of physical activities, you have found a way to make exercise fun. Good for you!
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
Thanks for the encouragement! =]