In order to try something new and stay active at the same time, I decided to have a friend teach me how to skateboard. Personally, I have never been open to skateboarding as I previously saw it as being quite daunting and complicated, however in light of CAS LO2, I decided to challenge myself and try something new to see if I could develop a different skill. I also decided instead of learning to skate using an online tutorial from YouTube, that I would have Zoe teach me for a more one-on-one experience and to feel more in control of my learning pace as well as how hands-on it would be overall (LO5).

At first, I found it a struggle to find my balance and keep the board from swaying but after a few tries using support (i.e. by grabbing onto objects/people) I was able to eventually pick it up. In this process I learnt that it was key to watch the positioning of your feet as this determines how evenly your weight is spread across the board, which again helps with stability and balance. I also learnt that it was key to look straight ahead as often time when I put my focus to the ground and on my feet I found myself getting off-balanced. In the first 30 minutes of the lesson I was worried to try turning alone on the board as it requires leaning to the right or left (depending on the direction you want to go in). This was mainly a challenge for me as I think my mentality had me convinced that I would be prone to an injury or losing my stability.

However, once I managed ease my mind with the help of Zoe, I realised that turning with the board is mainly about focus and again the placement of your feet on the board for even weight distribution. Within the first hour of riding the board, I felt confident in my ability to ride the board and change direction when needed.

Video of me riding the board w/ turns

Zoe demonstrating how to ride the board – utilising the Poya day to get active outdoors!

Throughout the process of learning to skate I feel as though I:

• Faced challenges, yet learnt a new skill in the process (LO2)
  • Despite initially being nervous to skateboard, I persevered and continued to push myself during the lesson to ensure that I experienced every element of the basics of skateboarding. I was not initially prepared to even be able to stand on the board going into this lesson, however in adjusting my mindset and create an atmosphere of focus and determination I was able to really push myself and experience what I could. Initially I was worried I would not be able to turn alone on the skateboard, yet by the end of the lesson I gained confidence and was able to glide swiftly on the board. I think in this process I not only learnt a new mode of activity and physical skill i.e. skating, balance, stability – but I also learnt how to be more open-minded and mentally focused in trying new things despite what ‘risk’ I may have convinced myself to be prominent.
• Developed an enjoyment and new found interest/hobby in skateboarding after putting myself in this unfamiliar position
• Had fun as I worked collaboratively with a friend who could teach me (LO5)
  • In being able to have a more collaborative experience in my learning of how to skateboard I feel as though the process was more accessible as I could go at my own pace and have any doubts or unsure techniques repeated and focused on throughout the course of the teaching. Along with this, I would say that just being able to socialise whilst doing something productive was definitely beneficial for my mental health as it had me socially involved which further boosted how fun this experience was and how it created a safe and open atmosphere in an otherwise unfamiliar position. Working in collaboration almost felt like like before the Pandemic as it reminded me of the fun and excitement that can come with doing something educational whilst maintaining social bonds and thus growing and developing an interest for certain skill sets.
• Was mentally at ease as I did something productive with my day, which made me feel happy and uplifted – utilising this spare time to go outdoors, getting fresh air and seeing the sun was very refreshing physically and mentally as it gave me the opportunity to appreciate time away from technology