Skateboarding Mental Health Benefits: How Skateing Rewires Your Brain Beyond Traditional Therapy

Ever wondered why skating makes you feel so good? New research reveals the science behind the stoke. Discover how skateboarding reduces anxiety and builds confidence.

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You know that feeling when you land a trick you’ve been battling for weeks? That pure rush of dopamine that makes everything else fade away? Turns out there’s some legit science behind why skateboarding makes our brains feel so damn good.

During the pandemic alone, over 70,000 people in the UK discovered what many of us have known for years – skateboarding isn’t just about tricks, it’s about transforming your mental state [2].

I’ve been skating since I was a 13-year-old kid, and I’ve always felt skateboarding was my personal form of therapy. Now, major research institutions like USC are backing up what we’ve felt in our souls (and our shins) all along – skating isn’t just good for your body, it’s incredible for your mind.

If you’re a visual learner, check out this vid about mental health and skating.

A video titled ‘Benefit mental health with skateboarding!‘ from the Gifted Hater YouTube channel.

Key takeaways

  • Recent scientific research confirms skateboarding significantly reduces stress and anxiety
  • Over 70,000 new participants discovering these benefits during the pandemic alone [2]
  • Skateboarding is now being used in clinical therapeutic settings for trauma recovery, behavioral development, and occupational therapy [1]
  • Studies show skateboarding creates diverse and inclusive communities, fostering cross-cultural understanding and providing crucial peer support systems[3][6]
  • Research involving female skateboarders revealed significant improvements in body self-compassion, social connectedness, and stress reduction through physical freedom [8]

Breaking Down the Benefits: What Science Says About Skating and Mental Wellness

Skateboarding offers a unique combination of physical activity, creative expression, and community support that contributes to improved mental health. Here’s how:

Skateboarding mental health benefits: how skateing rewires your brain beyond traditional therapyever wondered why skating makes you feel so good? New research reveals the science behind the stoke. Discover how skateboarding reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
Illustration depicting the benefits of skateboarding for mental health.
  1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Physical exertion releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Additionally, the focus required for skateboarding helps divert attention from stressors.
  2. Builds Mental Resilience: Constant “failure” when attempting new tricks builds perseverance and the ability to handle setbacks.
  3. Boosts Autonomy and Confidence: Setting personal goals and achieving small progressions fosters a sense of control and boosts self-esteem.
  4. Enhances Social Connections: Being part of a skate community provides a support system and fosters meaningful relationships.

Cognitive Benefits

Skateboarding also enhances cognitive functions:

  • Improves Focus and Concentration: Navigating obstacles and planning tricks require intense concentration, which can enhance overall cognitive sharpness.
  • Encourages Problem-Solving Skills: Figuring out how to land a trick involves strategic thinking and adaptability.

Emotional Benefits

Engaging in skateboarding can lead to significant emotional improvements:

  • Increases Self-Compassion: Overcoming challenges on the board can translate to greater self-acceptance and compassion.
  • Promotes Flow States: The immersive nature of skateboarding can lead to flow states, where individuals lose themselves in the activity, enhancing overall well-being.
Tool tip icon
Skateboarding mental health benefits: how skateing rewires your brain beyond traditional therapy | idea icon | skateboard session

Tip: Track Your Progress

Clinical studies recommend keeping a simple mood journal before and after skating sessions. Note your stress levels, anxiety, and overall mood.

Physical health benefits

While mental health benefits are paramount, skateboarding also offers substantial physical advantages:

  • Improves Balance and Coordination: Regular skating enhances proprioception and motor skills.
  • Strengthens Muscles: Engaging multiple muscle groups, especially in the lower body, improves overall strength and endurance.
  • Promotes Cardiovascular Health: Continuous movement and active engagement elevate heart rate, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
  • Enhances Flexibility: Performing tricks and maneuvers increases joint flexibility and reduces the risk of injuries.

Social benefits

The USC study shed light on why skate communities are special [3][6]:

  • Creates Diverse and Inclusive Spaces: Skateboarding attracts a wide range of individuals, fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion.
  • Builds Cross-Cultural Understanding: Shared experiences on the board bridge cultural gaps and promote mutual respect.
  • Develops Resilience Through Shared Experiences: Overcoming challenges together strengthens community bonds.
  • Provides Positive Peer Support: Skate communities offer a network of support, encouragement, and accountability.
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Skateboarding in therapeutic settings

Actual therapists are now using skateboarding to help kids develop balance and body awareness, support trauma recovery, and teach behavioral skills to at-risk youth. Here’s what the lab coats discovered about how skating works its magic on our brains [1]:

  • Mental Resilience: Facing and overcoming failures on the skateboard builds mental toughness.
  • Autonomy: Setting personal goals in skateboarding boosts a sense of independence and self-efficacy.
  • Confidence: Achieving small milestones fosters significant confidence boosts.
  • Community Support: Being part of a supportive skate community provides essential social connections.
Tool tip icon
Skateboarding mental health benefits: how skateing rewires your brain beyond traditional therapy | idea icon | skateboard session

Tip: Start with Supportive Environments

Research shows that beginners experience better mental health outcomes when starting in supportive environments. So stay away from toxic parks or people who won’t encourage you.

Here’s a little bit of data showcasing the demographics of skateboarding. I think the results come as a surprise to no one:

While on the subject of building communities. Here’s a little bit of data showcasing the demographics of skateboarding. I think the results come as a surprise to no one.

CategoryPercentage
Male Participants80.5%
Female Participants19.5%
Under 3086%
Over 3014%
Skateboarding demographics [4].

Physical Safety and Risk Management

While skateboarding offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to address the inherent risks. A 10-year medical review shows [4]:

  • 44% of injuries are fractures.
  • 56% of those fractures hit the upper limbs.
  • 62% of head injuries need emergency treatment.

So, is skating too dangerous to recommend for mental health? Here’s the thing—proper progression and safety gear make most risks manageable. The mental health benefits often outweigh the physical risks when you approach skating smart:

  • Wear Protective Gear: Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries.
  • Learn Gradually: Start with basic skills and progress to more advanced tricks as confidence and ability grow.
  • Skate in Safe Environments: Choose skateparks or areas with smooth surfaces and minimal traffic to minimize hazards.
  • Stay Aware: Always be mindful of your surroundings and skate within your skill level to prevent accidents.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Research shows that skateboarding’s combination of physical movement and mindful focus can help process trauma through the Neurosequential Model framework [1]. The rhythmic motion of skating helps regulate the nervous system, while the supportive community aspect provides a safe space for emotional processing. Healthcare providers have documented significant improvements in PTSD symptoms through structured skateboarding programs.

Unlike traditional therapy, skateboarding provides immediate physical feedback and natural opportunities for social connection. Research shows that the combination of physical activity, creative expression, and community support creates a unique therapeutic environment that can’t be replicated in a clinical setting [3]. The self-directed nature of skating also allows individuals to progress at their own pace and build confidence organically.

Studies focusing on youth development show that skateboarding provides crucial opportunities for identity formation and social skill development [7]. Parents can support this by participating in skating activities, encouraging safe progression, and connecting with local skate communities. The key is creating a supportive environment where children can explore personal boundaries and build confidence through controlled challenge-seeking.

Final thoughts

Skateboarding offers a unique and powerful boost to both mental and physical well-being by combining physical activity, creative expression, and a strong sense of community. The intense focus required to land a trick or navigate obstacles releases endorphins, naturally reducing stress and anxiety while fostering a state of flow that enhances overall mood. Persistently tackling challenges on the board builds mental resilience and confidence, as each small success reinforces a sense of achievement and autonomy.

Moreover, being part of a diverse and inclusive skate community provides essential social connections and peer support, promoting feelings of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation. For many, like myself, skateboarding serves as a personal form of therapy, offering a space to unwind, express creativity, and connect with others who share the same passion.

Research supports these experiences, showing that skateboarding not only improves physical health through enhanced balance, coordination, and strength but also contributes significantly to emotional and cognitive well-being, making it a holistic activity that nurtures the mind and body alike.

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Written by Jedain Arron, Founder and writer

I'm Jedain, a 30-something-year-old dad rekindling my love for skateboarding. I've been skating since I was 13 back in New York City, took a long break for adulting, and now I'm back on the board.

This blog documents my journey back to the skatepark (creaky joints and all). Follow along as I relearn tricks, reconnect with the skate scene, and share the ups and downs of returning to the sport.

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