Is Go Skate Day Important?

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first national Go Skateboarding Day events. In that first year different skate companies and pros came together in California to have a good time and shred some gnar. On the other side of the country, Emerica organized thousands of local skaters to storm the streets of Philadelphia for the first ever “Wild in the Streets” event, bringing together people from all different backgrounds and communities within the city. In just two short years there were over 350 events in 32 different countries. 

This speaks volumes to the impact skateboarding has on young people all over the world, including myself. 

When I was a kid, at the end of elementary school, I changed schools and moved to a new neighborhood. I was shy and had no friends. All I had was a cheap piece of wood and plastic wheels from Walmart. Then one day fate brought another shy kid to my neighborhood. He moved in right next door and at first I didn’t think we had anything in common. But we both had skateboards. It didn’t take long for us to bond over our mutual interest. But the power of skateboarding didn’t stop there. We were drawn together to other kids just like us. With a park just up the road we would meet up every day after school.

I’ve never been very good but that never mattered. I didn’t have to be one of the guys doing tre flips into the big bowl or kick flipping the entrance gap. I was always content cruising around with my friends nearby having a good time and that was always enough for them. As a kid who always had trouble fitting in, I finally found a group where I felt I belonged. It wasn’t always about skateboarding but it always started with skateboarding.

Old stereotypes label skateboarders as punks trying to rebel against the world. Outsiders seeking a place to fit in. In a lot of ways that’s still true. Skateboarding can be an outlet for many. Or a bonding tool for others, like myself. It’s a way for lots of troubled kids to express and challenge themselves and create something beautiful . It simultaneously promotes individualism and unity. It inspires artists and musicians. It cultivates boundless potential while also supporting timid newcomers without judgement. It doesn’t demand that you be the best or that you give it your all every time. Skateboarding has no rules. “If you can get on a skateboard and ride down the street and you have fun doing it, and even if you’re slamming on your ass. As long as you’re having fun, it’s all good.”

                                                                                                           -Chad Muska

Skateboarding is for anyone brave enough to step on a board and take that first push. If you’re willing, skateboarding can open the door to endless possibilities. It’s given me life long friendships I never would have imagined I could maintain. It gave me a sense of community when I felt like an awkward loner. And it’s given me the confidence to push myself into trying new things even if they might be scary and intimidating. But most of it all it showed me a good time.

So the question remains, Is Go Skate Day important? Not only is it important, I believe it’s essential. As the sport continues to grow and push boundaries, the simplicity of Go Skate Day celebrates all the things that make this sport great. Movement, Creativity, Unity and Colorful characters. Bringing people from all walks of life together for one simple reason. Whether it be a major event like the spectacle in held in Chicago every year, your local park or even just cruising down the street. All that matters is that you get out there, and Go Skate!