Anyone who has been skateboarding for a long-time will have seen many friends come through the scene of skateboarding, at different points in their lives and going through their own things.
Skateboarding, beneath the 7-ply planks of wood, stainless steel and polyurethane, is a community; and a growing one at that. Never before has skateboarding had such openness and a welcoming nature. Gone are the days where the public’s view of skateboarding was some stereotypical angry-person, skateboarding is a global project that can inspire personal growth, raise awareness of difficulties many of us might be facing as well as promote knowledge of the necessary tools and support we MUST give to those in-need.
This year the UK skate-scene lost one of its most loved and talented skateboarders, Ben Raemers, and the whole skate-world mourned this loss, came together to appreciate the silent struggle many must be going through, and unanimously urged those people to come forward, reach out to a friend, get the help they need and know that they are loved and valued.
Skateboarding has done so much for so many, it has kept people out of some dark places, it has taught us all that we can get through anything if we persevere and just keep on pushing. In skateboarding you will hit cracks, small stones will send you flying, the learning pathway is not smooth, but we learn to go on, despite these hurdles. As in life, things don’t always come easily and sometimes the ugly unexpected can rear its head, however with the right mentality, support and sheer determination we can get through it and prosper once-again.
Skateboarding has been a pathway for so many who would otherwise have lost their way somewhere along the line. I am happy that this sport has been there for me along the way, opened my eyes to so much of the world and connected me to an amazing bunch of people who push me forwards on and off the board. It’s our job to take this forward to all of our friends, for we don’t know who may need it but isn’t showing it.
For anyone considering suicide, please call the Samaritans on 116 123 – they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are loved.
-Sam, Skateboard Academy UK