Skateboarding in DC
If you are looking for a new hobby or skill to work on, you should consider skateboarding. Some people might be hesitant to start because they think the community isn’t that big. Some people are hesitant because they don’t think that there are any good places to skate in DC. Contrary to what you might think, DC has a very large skateboarding community. People enjoy skateboarding for many different reasons, so I interviewed some avid skateboarders to get a better idea of what makes skateboarding so great.
Interview with DC Skater
What is your name?
“I’m Devon Mooring. I’m a Sophomore Biology Major [at Howard University] from Philadelphia.”
How did you get into Skateboarding and when did you start?
” I actually started longboarding during the pandemic. And longboarding is pretty similar to skateboarding but also kind of different. It’s a bigger board and the wheels are for cruising. So, I would just do that around my neighborhood. I had a lot of fun with that over the summer. And then after I got here, this year. I got a skateboard so I could start learning how to do tricks and stuff”
What do you like about skateboarding?
“It’s a fun activity to do with my friends but also to do on my own. It’s a good way for me to go and do something that’s active but also its a good way to let out some energy. Even if I’m having a bad day and I just need to clear my mind I’ll go out and skate. If the weather’s really nice and its just a good day to go out and enjoy the weather I’ll go out and skate. I don’t know, it’s kind of like the same way you listen to music. No matter the mood it just enhances your experience. I feel like skating can be that for a lot of people.”
What’s the best skatepark in the DMV?
” Most of the time I don’t really go to a lot of skateparks. I usually just skate around or just longboard to where I need to go. But I like Banneker, it’s close and the people there are cool.”
So you prefer skateboarding on the street or on the sidewalk?
“Yeah”
Have you met any cool people while skateboarding?
“Yeah, I’ve met a few cool people. It’s even just holding your board a lot of people will be like ‘Oh You skate? Are you in the skate club?’ You meet a lot of friendly people at the skateparks. “
Do you think that skateboarding benefits your physical health?
“Oh Definitely! I think it’s a great activity to stay active. Especially if you are someone like me. I have a lot of work for my classes just being a STEM major. Sometimes I think it’s really easy to not go out and be active and take care of yourself. But I think skating, if it’s something you enjoy, it’s a good way to have fun and also be active”
What is your favorite skateboarding memory?
“Probably when I did my first successful ollie. That was really exciting just because that was the first trick that I was working at for a while. And I was able to do it and I was really proud of myself. “
Would you say that there is a culture around skateboarding?
“Oh definitely! I think that at Howard there’s a big skateboarding culture that’s emerging. I think it’s been there, but I think with the skate club coming into play this year you see a lot more people congregating. There’s a big community that’s being built around the common interest. But then there are plenty of other people who have varying levels of experience with skating, but they can all come together and find community with each other.”
Would you encourage others to start skateboarding?
“Yeah, if it’s something that they think is cool, if it’s something that they think is interesting. I think definitely. It doesn’t really matter how good you think your balance is if you’re interested you should try it out.”
What do you have to say to all of the new skaters?
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t know how to do something, a lot of people are really nice they are very willing to help you. So, it’s a lot of fun, sometimes you fall but it’s part of it. “
If you’re in DC and looking to try something different, try skateboarding. It’s a super fun activity for people of all ages and it’s a great way to get around. It’s also a great way to stay active. Most importantly, it’s a great way to make new friends.