Longboarding became an essential part of my life after a tumultuous breakup.
My boyfriend at the time had been teaching me after I expressed an interest to learn. After we split, I practiced every day, sometimes twice, just to keep my mind occupied. Longboarding turned into an obsession. The only way to describe it is that I felt free when I was on my longboard.
As I improved and fell more in love with the activity, it kept me grounded, helped regulate my emotions, and was just a fun way to exercise outside. I didn’t expect to lose so much weight as quickly as I did, fat turned into muscle almost overnight. Within a few months, I hardly recognized the woman staring back at me in the mirror.
Don’t get me wrong, I was happy with what I saw but had no idea I could ever look like that. I swam competitively for most of my life, doing daily dryland workouts and swim practices, yet I never looked the way I did now.
That’s when I started to understand that the reason for all these positive changes, I realized that longboarding wasn’t just a sport—it was a unique way to dive into the art of flow.
Understanding the Art of Flow
Flow, a term popularized by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, describes a mental state where you’re fully immersed and engaged in an activity. This often leads to a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness.
You can learn more about the state of flow from the book on Amazon.
The Science Behind Flow
Flow happens when there’s a perfect balance between challenge and skill. What does this look and feel like?
- Complete absorption in a task
- A sense of control over the activity
- Distorted sense of time
- Intrinsic motivation
How Longboarding Helped Me Achieve Flow
Longboarding combines physical challenge with rhythmic movement—it’s a smooth, continuous motion that requires focus and skill, allowing me to completely lose myself in the moment and achieve that state of flow.
You can learn more about the state of flow from the book on Amazon.
Essential Gear for Longboarding
Quality gear is crucial for getting the most out of your longboarding experience, I wasn’t the best about this and really regret not putting on gear. Here’s some that I would recommend if you’re new to the sport:
- Helmet and protective gear: Safety first!
- A sturdy longboard: For a smooth ride.
- High-performance wheels: Enhance your glide.
- A good pair of shoes: For comfort and control.
- A hat: To shield you from the sun.
- A fanny pack: To carry essentials like your phone and keys.
- A water bottle with a handle: To stay hydrated on the go.
- Sunscreen: Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun!
Here are some of my affordable and reliable longboarding favorites from Amazon.
Spotlight on Sidewalk Surfer, The White Wave Longboard & Shark Wheels
The White Wave Longboard is my absolute favorite longboard! I purchased it from a local skate shop in Scottsdale, AZ called Sidewalk Surfer. If you’re in the area, go check them out. The shop is so cool and the guys who work there are beyond helpful. Anytime I took my longboard in, they would do a full workup on it for like $10.
The main reason I recommend the White Wave Longboard is that its durable—trust me. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned riders, it provides a stable platform to practice and perfect your skills.
Once I wore out my starter wheels, I purchased a set of Shark Wheels from Amazon. Let me tell you, for beginners, Shark Wheels are a game-changer in the longboarding world. Shark Wheels have a unique design that gives you a better grip and a smoother ride on different surfaces, which makes them an excellent choice if you board on the street or pavements that aren’t level.
How to Maximize Flow in Your Daily Life
Flow isn’t just for longboarding. Here are some tips to incorporate flow into your everyday activities:
- Set clear goals
- Eliminate distractions
- Find activities that balance challenge and skill
- Practice mindfulness and focus
Connecting Flow to Your Overall Well-Being
Experiencing flow regularly can improve mental health, increase productivity, and boost overall satisfaction. It’s a powerful tool for enhancing your quality of life and finding joy in everyday activities.
Longboarding has not only provided me with a fun activity that I can do outside to stay fit, but it’s become a way to consistently experience flow. By understanding and harnessing this state, you can transform various aspects of your life, leading to greater satisfaction and happiness.
Jump on a longboard and let the flow guide you!
You can read and find more personal stories, life hacks and book reviews on the hazyplay blog.
