Have you ever deeply dived into the revolutionary skateboarding world on YouTube? If you have, there’s a solid chance that you’ve come across the Bay Area’s very own sponsored skateboarder, Aaron Kyro. You’re probably thinking, “Who is Aaron Kyro?” We’ll look at his journey from Montana’s small-town obscurity to California’s skateboarding limelight and how he shattered the mold, transforming his passion into an influential platform. Buckle up as we kickflip into the saga of Braille skateboarding and the man who made it all possible!
Who is Aaron Kyro, and how did he discover skateboarding?
Born on September 10, 1983, in a small Montana town, Aaron Kyro saw a skateboard for the first time as a young six-year-old. He was instantly moved, exclaiming that it was the “coolest thing” he had ever seen. By age 10, he had his first skateboard and started riding. He describes his small-town life and school routine as a certain expected path in his early years.
- Wake up for school.
- Practice basketball or baseball with the team.
- Be part of the band.
According to Kyro, he was drawn more towards skateboarding as days passed, dubbing it his ‘diversion.’ His appetite was largely fed by his favorite skate video, which he claims he obsessively watched four times daily, devoting countless hours to skateboarding.
However, his newfound passion for skateboarding didn’t resonate well within his close circle. His band instructor and basketball coach were not his biggest fans, as they didn’t see a fruitful career in skateboarding, especially considering the geographical remoteness of their little Montana town, devoid of any vibrant skate culture.
Aaron is behind Braille Skateboarding, YouTube’s biggest skateboarding channel, boasting an impressive 5 million subscribers and counting. In this post, I’ll unpack the life and times of skateboarding’s YouTube sensation, Aaron Kyro.
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What led Kyro to pave his path in skateboarding?
In 2002, after finding himself at an existential crossroads postgraduation, Kyro decided to plunge into the unknown. He moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, to pursue film school, largely driven by his love for skateboarding videos. British Columbia had a decent skate scene at the time. However, his stay was short-lived as his visa expired, causing him to vacate.
In an interesting twist of fate, Kyro moved to San Francisco—an unplanned decision triggered by the city’s thriving skateboard community. This manual pad intrigued him, with many skaters to rub shoulders with and newly constructed skate parks.
In San Francisco, where skateboarding peaked, Kyro skated pioneeringly, redefining his passion with each trick he executed. He described his time there: “I skateboarded harder than I had ever, ever skateboarded in my entire life. To say that I gave everything is a drastic understatement. I gave it everything.” Skating full-time initially didn’t pay for anything, so he bizarrely worked at KB Toys.

How did Aaron Kyro’s skateboarding career take off with YouTube?
Kyro’s real break came through when—the note still stuck at being a sponsored skater—he uploaded his first skateboarding video two years after moving to San Francisco in 2005 called “Braille Skateboarding.” Despite the lack of acknowledgment from the skateboarding community for uploading footage on YouTube, Kyro’s video was well-received and got him substantial visibility.
While the views didn’t exactly translate into earning bucks, it definitely garnered him some much-awaited recognition, paving the way for Braille Skateboarding to become the gigantic skateboarding platform it is today.
His video performed phenomenally well for an early YouTube skateboard video, even trending as “the most viewed video on the internet” for a time. While the views didn’t exactly translate into earning bucks, they garnered him some much-awaited recognition, paving the way for Braille Skateboarding to become the gigantic skateboarding platform it is today.
Today, Braille Skateboarding is one of the oldest consistent YouTube channels, embarking on a journey back in 2005, when YouTube took baby steps. With consistently entertaining and engaging content, Kyro’s platform has become the largest skateboarding channel on YouTube, with an ever-growing fan base.
Steven’s opinion
From a novice skateboarder’s perspective, Aaron Kyro’s story is extremely motivating. It’s intriguing how Kyro didn’t let societal norms steal away his passion for skateboarding. I firmly believe that his story is a testament to the fact that success inevitably follows if you stick to your passion, no matter how obscure it may seem.
His journey from his initial steps to his YouTube dominance is a perfect narrative for any budding skateboard enthusiast looking for inspiration. You might want to check out my blog on why you must start skating and draw parallels with Kyro’s journey.
Here’s an interesting compilation reflecting the key milestones and significant facts about Aaron Kyro’s skateboarding journey:
Year | Event |
---|---|
1989 | Discovers Skateboarding |
1993 | Gets his first Skateboard |
2002 | Graduates high school, Moves to Vancouver for Film School |
2003 | Moves to San Francisco |
2005 | Uploads first video to YouTube |
Present | Owner of the largest skateboarding channel on YouTube |
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I hope you’re enjoying this dive into the life of Aaron Kyro and his profound impact on the skateboarding community. When discussing Aaron Kyro and the Braille Skateboarding channel, let’s address a few frequently asked questions.
Did Aaron Kyro attend any professional skateboarding training?
Aaron Kyro largely honed his skateboarding skills by passionately practicing on his own. His growth in skateboarding resulted from sheer grit and relentless practice rather than formal professional training. You can check out how pro skaters avoid injuries to learn more about the safety measures adopted by professionals like Kyro.
What type of skateboarding does Aaron Kyro specialize in?
Aaron Kyro is known for his skill in manual skateboarding. Manual skateboarding involves balancing on the skateboard’s front or back two wheels. His preference for this style influenced his decision to move to San Francisco, which had the manual pad and skate culture he loved.
Has Kyro won any skateboarding championships?
While Aaron Kyro gained recognition through his YouTube channel rather than typical skateboarding competitions, he regularly showcased his impressive tricks and feats on his channel. He is known more for his contribution as an educator and influencer in the skateboarding world than as a competition-winning skateboarder.
Is there merchandise related to the Braille skateboarding channel?
Yes, Braille Skateboarding capitalizes on its extensive follower base with its line of merchandise. This includes apparel, boards, and even training manuals. I am making it a solid choice for gifts for skaters.
Final thoughts
Aaron Kyro’s journey from the quiet town of Montana to eventually becoming the owner of the largest skateboarding YouTube channel is a testament to his immense passion for skateboarding. His unorthodox path shows aspiring skateboarders that there are various ways to make an impact in the skateboarding scene.
What aspect of Aaron Kyro’s skateboarding journey resonates with you the most? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on how to master the art of skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and keep shredding!
Key takeaways
This article covered the inspiring journey of Aaron Kyro to becoming a skateboarding icon. Here are some key takeaways:
- Kyro developed a love for skateboarding at a young age and learned through relentless practice.
- Moving to San Francisco was a turning point in his skateboarding career due to the city’s vibrant skate culture.
- Despite societal norms, Kyro chose to follow his passion, which eventually led to the creation of his Braille Skateboarding YouTube channel.
- Kyro’s YouTube channel has greatly influenced many skateboard enthusiasts worldwide, rightfully earning him recognition as a sponsored skateboarder.