How to Overcome Plateaus in Your Skateboarding Progress

25 December 2024

Skateboarding isn’t just a sport; it’s a journey of self-expression, passion, and pushing your limits. But let’s be real—no matter how much you love skating, there comes a moment when you hit a wall. Yep, I’m talking about the dreaded plateau. That frustrating period where it feels like no matter how hard you try, your progress stalls. You’re practicing every day, but your ollies aren’t getting higher, and your kickflips still look like a fluke.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Hitting a plateau is part of the process, and every skater (yes, even the pros) goes through it. The good news? You can overcome these plateaus with the right mindset, strategy, and a few tweaks to how you practice. Let’s dive into how you can break through those barriers and keep moving forward in your skateboarding journey.

What Is a Skateboarding Plateau?

Before we jump into solutions, let’s define what a plateau in skateboarding actually is. A plateau is when you stop making noticeable progress despite consistent practice. You might feel like you’re stuck doing the same tricks over and over, or worse, you might start losing motivation because you’re not seeing improvements.

Sound familiar? Yeah, it sucks. But don’t let it discourage you. In fact, hitting a plateau is a sign that you’ve reached a new level in your skills. Your body and mind have adapted to your current ability, and now it’s time to shake things up.

Why Do Plateaus Happen in Skateboarding?

Plateaus happen for a few reasons, and understanding why they occur can help you figure out how to get past them. Here are some common factors:

1. Repetition Without Progression

You’ve been practicing the same tricks over and over without adding any new challenges. This can cause your brain and muscles to get used to the routine, leading to a lack of growth. Think of it like going to the gym and lifting the same weights every day—you won’t get stronger unless you gradually increase the challenge.

2. Mental Fatigue

Skateboarding is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. When you’re mentally drained, it’s hard to focus, stay motivated, and push yourself. You might be going through the motions, but you’re not giving 100%.

3. Physical Fatigue

Your body might just be tired. Skateboarding is demanding, and if you’re not giving yourself enough rest, your muscles can become fatigued, which can stunt your progress.

4. Lack of Variety

If you’re only skating the same spots or practicing the same tricks, it’s easy to get bored and stuck. Your body needs variety to grow, and so does your mind.

5. Fear of Trying New Tricks

Sometimes we plateau because we’re afraid to step out of our comfort zone. Trying new tricks can be intimidating, especially when you’ve gotten comfortable with the tricks you already know. But growth happens outside your comfort zone—so you’ve got to embrace the challenge.

How to Overcome Plateaus in Your Skateboarding Progress

Now that we know why plateaus happen, let’s talk about how to break through them. Here are some actionable tips to help you push past that frustrating wall.

1. Set New Goals and Challenges

The quickest way to shake things up is by setting new goals. If you’ve been practicing the same trick for weeks without seeing improvement, it’s time to challenge yourself with something new. Set a goal for a trick you haven’t tried yet or improve on a trick you’ve been struggling with. Breaking down your goals into smaller milestones can also help make progress more manageable.

For example, if you’re trying to master the kickflip, start by focusing on getting your flick just right. Once you’ve nailed that, move on to catching the board in mid-air. By focusing on specific elements, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment with each small victory, which will keep you motivated.

2. Change Up Your Routine

If you’ve been skating the same park or practicing the same tricks, switch it up. Try a new spot, skate a different obstacle, or even change the time of day you skate. Variety is key to keeping things fresh and exciting.

Not only will this keep you more engaged, but it will also challenge your skills in new ways. For example, if you’re used to skating flatground, try hitting some ramps or rails. Or if you always skate at the park, find a street spot. The new environment will force your body and mind to adapt, which can help you break through the plateau.

3. Experiment with Different Skateboarding Styles

Skateboarding has various styles—street, vert, freestyle, downhill—you name it. If you’re feeling stuck, why not experiment with a different style of skating? You might find that trying something new reignites your passion and helps you develop skills that translate back to your primary style.

For instance, if you’re into street skating, try hitting a mini ramp. You’ll develop a better sense of balance and control, which could improve your street tricks. Plus, it’s just fun to mix things up!

4. Take Time to Rest and Recover

Sometimes, the best way to overcome a plateau is by taking a break. Yep, you read that right—rest is crucial for progress. Skateboarding is physically demanding, and if you’re pushing yourself too hard, your body may not have time to recover and grow stronger.

Take a few days off, focus on stretching, or do some light exercise to keep yourself active. When you return to skating, you’ll likely feel refreshed and more motivated to push yourself again.

5. Visualize Success

Skateboarding is just as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Visualization is a powerful tool that many pro athletes use to improve their performance. Before you head out to skate, take a moment to visualize yourself landing that trick you’ve been working on. Imagine every movement in detail—from the pop to the flick to the landing.

This mental practice can help build confidence, reduce fear, and increase your chances of success when you actually go for the trick.

6. Film Yourself

Sometimes, progress is happening even when you don’t realize it. A great way to track your improvement and see what needs work is by filming yourself. When you watch the footage, you can identify small adjustments that might make a big difference.

Maybe you notice that you’re not popping high enough, or your foot placement is slightly off. These are things that are hard to notice in the moment but easy to spot on video. Plus, watching yourself land tricks is a great confidence booster!

7. Skate with Friends or a Crew

Skating with others is one of the best ways to push past a plateau. Not only is it more fun, but your friends can offer advice, tips, and encouragement. Maybe they’ll notice something you’ve overlooked, or perhaps they’ll inspire you to try a trick you hadn’t considered before.

Plus, there’s nothing like a little friendly competition to push you out of your comfort zone. When you see your friends landing new tricks, you’ll be more motivated to keep progressing yourself.

8. Learn from Your Mistakes

Let’s be honest—skateboarding is built on failure. You’re going to fall, a lot. But each fall is a learning opportunity. Instead of getting frustrated when you don’t land a trick, take a step back and ask yourself what went wrong. Did you not commit? Was your foot placement off? Did you lean too far forward or back?

By analyzing your mistakes, you can figure out what needs to change. Remember, every failed attempt gets you one step closer to landing the trick.

9. Stay Positive

Skateboarding is supposed to be fun, so don’t let a plateau get you down. Keep a positive attitude and remind yourself why you started skating in the first place—because you love it! Progress will come with time. The important thing is to keep pushing yourself, stay focused, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.

Bonus Tips for Keeping the Stoke Alive

Let’s face it, sometimes you just need to reignite your passion for skating. Here are a few bonus tips to keep the stoke alive when you’re feeling stuck:

- Watch Skate Videos: There’s nothing like watching your favorite skaters to get hyped. Seeing them land insane tricks might just inspire you to try something new.

- Join a Skate Community: Whether it’s online or in person, being part of a skate community can help you stay motivated and connected. You’ll learn from others, share your own progress, and feel supported.

- Try a New Board Setup: Sometimes, changing your gear can give you a fresh perspective. Try a new deck size, different trucks, or new wheels. It might just give you the boost you need.

Conclusion

Hitting a plateau in skateboarding is frustrating, but it’s also a natural part of the process. The key is not to get discouraged. Use it as an opportunity to reflect, adjust, and grow. By setting new goals, changing up your routine, and staying positive, you’ll break through that wall in no time.

Remember, skateboarding is a journey, not a destination. Plateaus are just bumps in the road that make the highs feel even better. So keep pushing, keep skating, and most importantly, keep having fun.