How to Stay Motivated When Your Friends Improve Faster in Skateboarding

Skateboarding is one of those sports where progress can feel like it’s either moving super fast or agonizingly slow. And let’s be honest – it can sting a little when your friends seem to be landing tricks, perfecting flips, and hitting new milestones way faster than you. But hey, don’t throw in the towel just yet. Skateboarding is a journey, and everyone moves at their own pace. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated when it feels like your friends are light years ahead of you.

1. Focus on Your Own Progress

The first step in staying motivated is remembering that your journey is unique. Sure, your friends might be pulling off sick tricks, but that doesn't mean you’re behind. Look at where you started, and track how far you’ve come. Even small improvements – like smoother turns, better balance, or cleaner ollies – deserve recognition. Celebrate those victories, no matter how small they seem. Progress is progress, and it adds up over time.

2. Embrace the Learning Curve

Skateboarding isn’t just about nailing tricks right away – it’s about learning, failing, and getting back up. Everyone goes through a frustrating learning curve. What might seem easy for your friends could have taken them months or even years of practice. The more you embrace the process and accept that falling is part of getting better, the less pressure you’ll put on yourself. Trust that with time, you'll get there too.

3. Set Personal, Achievable Goals

Instead of comparing yourself to others, set personal goals that are realistic and tailored to your own abilities. Maybe it’s landing your first kickflip or mastering a specific grind. Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate when you hit those milestones. By focusing on your progress, you’ll keep the motivation high and feel more accomplished with every win.

4. Skate for the Love, Not the Competition

Remember why you started skating in the first place: because it’s fun! If you’re constantly comparing yourself to your friends, it can take the joy out of skating. Instead of stressing about where you stand compared to others, just enjoy the ride. Skateboarding is about self-expression, creativity, and freedom. The more you focus on having fun, the less you’ll care about how quickly others are progressing.

5. Learn From Your Friends

Instead of feeling discouraged when your friends land tricks faster than you, use their progress as a source of inspiration. Ask them for tips, watch how they approach tricks, and take note of their techniques. Everyone has something to teach, and just being around people who are progressing can help you figure out what you might be missing. There’s no harm in learning from the people around you – they might have some tricks up their sleeves that can push you forward!

6. Mix It Up

Sometimes, when you’re stuck in a rut, it’s because you’re trying to master the same trick over and over without taking a break. If you’re feeling frustrated, switch things up! Try a new trick or a different type of skating – go from street to vert, or work on your transition skills if you’ve been grinding rails non-stop. A change of pace can refresh your mind, reignite your passion, and even improve your overall skating. Plus, you never know – trying something new might lead to surprising breakthroughs!

7. Surround Yourself with Positivity

Skating with positive people can make a huge difference in your motivation. If your friends are constantly cheering you on and hyping up your progress, you’ll feel encouraged to keep pushing, even when things get tough. Positive vibes are contagious! Avoid situations where others might be making you feel bad about your skills – skateboarding is about community, and you should always have a crew that supports you.

8. Don’t Rush the Process

We live in a world where instant gratification is the norm. But skateboarding doesn’t work that way. Rushing through the process, especially when you’re feeling pressure, can lead to burnout and frustration. Don’t rush your tricks or try to hit milestones just because someone else is doing it. Enjoy the slow build. The best skaters didn’t get there overnight. The more time you take to master each step, the more rewarding it will feel when you finally land that trick you’ve been working on.

9. Remind Yourself of Your Why

When it feels like everyone else is moving ahead faster than you, take a step back and remind yourself why you started skateboarding in the first place. Maybe it was for the rush, the challenge, or the creativity. Maybe it was just to hang with friends and have a good time. Keeping your “why” at the forefront can help you push through the tough moments and keep your focus on the bigger picture.

10. Give Yourself Grace

Lastly, be kind to yourself. Skateboarding is a tough sport, and it’s okay to have days where you’re not feeling your best. It’s okay if you’re not progressing at the same rate as others. What matters is that you’re showing up, practicing, and improving at your own pace. Give yourself the grace to have bad days, to fall, and to get back up again. Eventually, you’ll look back and realize just how far you’ve come.