Break the Routine: What to Do When Skating Feels Stale

We’ve all been there. You pull up to your local park, warm up with the usual tricks, hit the same ledges, rails, and quarter pipes—everything feels good… until it doesn’t. Suddenly, it’s like you’re skating on autopilot. You’re stuck in the loop of doing what’s comfortable, but the excitement is gone. Progress stalls, motivation fades, and before you know it, you’re bored out of your mind.

So, how do you shake things up and keep pushing forward? Here are some solid ways to break the cycle and keep your stoke alive.

1. Set a Trick Goal

Skateboarding is all about progression, and nothing feels better than unlocking a new trick. Instead of just cruising and doing what you already know, pick a specific trick to learn or refine. Whether it’s a new ledge trick, a different flip variation, or a trick that scares the hell out of you—make it a mission.

➡ Pro Tip: Write down your trick goals or film yourself trying them. Seeing progress, even in small steps, can keep you hyped.

2. Skate a New Spot

A change of scenery can completely change your mindset. Your local park might feel like home, but if it's killing your motivation, it’s time to switch it up. Hit a DIY spot, street skate, or even drive to a different skatepark in a nearby city. Every spot has something unique to offer, and new obstacles can bring new inspiration.

➡ Pro Tip: If you don’t know where to go, ask your crew or check online for new spots. Apps like SkateSpot or even Instagram can help you find hidden gems.

3. Switch Stance, Try New Terrain

If you always skate regular, start working on switch. If you’re a street skater, hit a bowl or vert ramp. Skating new terrain forces you to rethink how you approach tricks, adding a fresh challenge to your sessions.

➡ Pro Tip: Start simple. Try your go-to tricks in switch or fakie before getting crazy.

4. Skate With Different People

Your usual skate crew is dope, but sometimes, skating with different people can push you in new ways. Maybe they have a different style, hit obstacles you usually avoid, or just bring a different energy to the session. A new perspective can be the key to breaking out of a slump.

➡ Pro Tip: If you don’t know many other skaters, show up at a park at peak hours and join a session. Most skaters are down to vibe with someone who’s genuinely hyped to skate.

5. Make a Fun Challenge

Turn your skate session into a game. Set weird challenges like “only do tricks starting with the letter S” or “skate every obstacle in the park at least once.” Having a playful mindset can break the monotony and make skating feel fresh again.

➡ Pro Tip: Bet small rewards with friends—like a drink or a snack—for landing certain tricks. A little competition never hurts.

6. Film a Clip or Edit

Even if you’re not into stacking serious footage, filming yourself can add a creative challenge to your sessions. Set a goal to get a line or put together a short edit of your session. Watching your own footage can also help you spot things to improve and get hyped on your progress.

➡ Pro Tip: Don’t stress about making it perfect—just have fun with it. Even a raw Instagram clip can feel rewarding.

7. Take a Short Break

Yeah, it sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes, taking a few days off can actually help. If you’re feeling completely unmotivated, forcing it won’t help. Give your body and mind a break, watch some skate videos, and let the hype build up naturally. Chances are, you’ll come back with fresh energy.

➡ Pro Tip: Use your break time to visualize new tricks or plan future sessions. A little mental training goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

Getting stuck in a routine happens to every skater, but the key is recognizing it and making changes before you burn out. Whether it’s setting trick goals, hitting new spots, switching up your stance, or filming clips, there are plenty of ways to keep skating exciting. At the end of the day, skateboarding is about having fun—so do whatever keeps you hyped and progressing.