I never thought I’d skateboard — then I became a mom.

I like to think I’m a cool mom. I’m pretty active with my kids. I do all sorts of things I never imagined I’d do — including one that now requires a helmet, wrist guards, and a strong sense of humility.

It all started five years ago, during Covid summer, when my son took a skateboarding lesson. He didn’t want to. Like most things, I said, “Try it. If you hate it, you never have to do it again.” One hour later, he was hooked. Then, of course, my daughter joined in because anything you can do, I can do better… (Admit it — you started singing.)

That summer, I spent my weekend mornings helping them go down bigger and bigger ramps, coaxing them on as they dropped into the bowl and pushing them as they rock-and-rolled in the half pipe. I also watched sixty-year-old men zoom around like Indy 500 race cars and thought, That looks like a good workout. I can do anything better than you! 🎶

So I started skating too.

Not quite like them, of course. I haven’t channeled Maverick and Goose with the need for speed just yet. And I’m not trying to be a hero — a broken hip won’t get any of us anywhere. But I get on the board. I cruise. I learn. I fall (not at all gracefully). I get back up.

And here’s what keeps me going:

That first summer, we were at the park and the only other skater was a 20-something dude. Baggy pants.  Shirtless. Ripped. After a while, he caught my eye and said, “Not to offend, but moms who skateboard are hot.”
No offense taken. I puffed up like a prize turkey. That compliment fueled me for an entire year.

Fast forward to the next summer — we’re at dinner with my nephew, and my son is trying to convince him to come skating with us. I pull out my phone and say, “I skate too.”
My nephew’s mouth hit the floor.
My son, ever casual, goes: “She’s not bad.”
My mouth hit the floor.

Another year goes by, and we’re talking to the same nephew. This time, my son says, “She’s pretty good.”
I had arrived. My tween thinks I’m good at something I probably have no business doing. I can retire now.

But the real gut punch? The beautiful, ugly-cry moment?

One weekend, my daughter and I were walking through the farmers market while my son skated solo for a while. When we got back, he said, “Are you guys skating? Because I skate so much better when you skate too.”

That’s it. That’s the reason. The reason I try the things I never thought I’d do. The reason I lace up, pad up, and drop into the fear zone over and over again. Because even when you’re just coasting behind them, sweating and wobbly and maybe a little ridiculous, your kids are watching. And they have more fun when you do it too.

Even if you’re padded up like a toddler in a snowsuit.

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What about you?
What do you do now that you never thought you’d do? Bonus points for an extreme sport.

P.S. Stay tuned for more skateboarding stories and hard-earned lessons. I love it — and I swear, before I die… I will drop in.