What to Do When You Hit a Skateboarding Slump

18 July 2025

Let’s be real — skateboarding is a wild ride. One day you're landing tre flips like nothing, and the next, you can’t even pop an ollie without bailing or feeling off-balance. If you're nodding along, you're probably stuck in a skateboarding slump. And hey, we’ve all been there — even the pros go through it.

In this article, we’ll dig deep into what these slumps really are, why they happen, and most importantly, what you can actually do to break out of one. So if you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or just plain frustrated with skating, grab your deck, sit back, and let’s chat about how to get back in the groove.

What's a Skateboarding Slump, Anyway?

A skateboarding slump? Basically, it's when your progress stalls, tricks stop clicking, and your motivation takes a nosedive. You might feel like you're riding in circles, not landing anything new, and wondering if you’re even getting better.

It’s kinda like when your favorite song suddenly doesn't slap as hard because you’ve played it too many times — you’re doing the same stuff, but it doesn't hit the same.

Common Signs You're in a Slump

- You're not having fun anymore
- You’re avoiding sessions or cutting them short
- Tricks you’ve mastered suddenly feel difficult
- Your confidence has dipped
- You’re comparing yourself to others way too much

If you’re feeling any of these, good news: recognizing the slump is already the first step toward fixing it.

Why Do Skateboarding Slumps Even Happen?

Skateboarding is as much mental as it is physical. Slumps are a natural part of any rider's journey, and they show up for all sorts of reasons.

1. Mental Burnout

Skating non-stop without rest? You’re gonna burn the candle at both ends. Just like muscles need rest, so does your brain. Overdoing it can zap your motivation.

2. Physical Fatigue or Injury

Even a minor tweak in your ankle or a sore knee can throw off your game. If your body’s tired or hurting, it’s gonna affect your performance — and that’s frustrating.

3. Lack of Progress

When tricks don’t land, it’s easy to feel stuck. That plateau can mess with your head and make you feel like you’re not improving, even when you are.

4. Comparison Traps

Scrolling through Instagram and seeing skaters half your age nailing impossible tricks? That’ll do it. Comparing your journey with someone else's highlight reel is a fast track to discouragement.

So... What Can You Actually Do?

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are some tried-and-tested ways to break out of a skateboarding slump and get your stoke back.

1. Take a Break (Yes, Seriously)

Let’s be honest — sometimes you need to step back to move forward. A short break can do wonders. Give your body and brain time to reset. Whether it’s a couple of days or a full week, trust the process.

And don’t feel guilty about it. Taking breaks isn't quitting — it’s part of the grind.

> Pro tip: During your break, still stay connected. Watch skate videos, hang with your crew, or even just imagine yourself skating. Keep the spark alive without the pressure.

2. Switch Things Up

If you’ve been skating the same ledge at the same park, doing the same tricks... yeah, it’s gonna get repetitive. Change up your environment to breathe new life into your sessions.

- Try a new park or spot
- Skate at a different time of day
- Switch from street to transition or vice versa
- Ride switch just for the challenge

Even something simple like trying a goofy stance or skating in a different pair of shoes can refresh your whole vibe.

3. Go Back to Basics

There’s no shame in dialing it back. Sometimes going back to the core tricks — like ollies, shove-its, or kickflips — can help you rebuild confidence and flow.

Plus, sometimes your foundation needs a little tightening up. You’ll be surprised how much smoother your game feels once you’ve sharpened the basics.

4. Set Mini Goals (Not Big Ones)

Huge goals like "land a hardflip down 7 stairs" are awesome, but they can also be overwhelming — especially during a slump. Break things down.

Instead of that, how about:
- “Land 5 clean kickflips in a row”
- “Learn a new grind on flatbar”
- “Skate for 30 minutes without stressing”

Hitting small wins builds momentum. And momentum is everything when you’re trying to push through a low point.

5. Skate With Friends Who Lift You Up

Skating is way more than just tricks. It’s community. Sometimes just being around your crew and soaking in the good vibes can rekindle your passion.

Get out with friends who hype each other up. Not only will they cheer when you land something, but they’ll also laugh with you when you slam. That shared energy can help you push past mental blocks.

6. Film Yourself (Yes, Even the Bails)

Sounds scary, but stick with me. Recording your sessions, even just on your phone, gives you a new perspective. You'll spot what’s going wrong, catch those small improvements, and most importantly — remind yourself how far you’ve come.

Watching footage can reignite your motivation. Seeing a sketchy kickflip evolve into a clean one over time? That’s progress in motion.

7. Reconnect With Why You Skate

When you’re knee-deep in frustration, it helps to ask yourself: “Why did I start skating in the first place?”

Was it the sense of freedom? The creativity? The community? Skating is more than tricks — it’s a lifestyle, an expression, an outlet.

Sometimes, you’ve just got to rediscover the joy. Cruise down the street with your headphones on. No tricks. No expectations. Just vibes.

8. Watch Skate Videos You Love

Skate videos are like fuel for the soul. Watching your favorite skaters shred can light that fire again. Notice their style, how they recover from bails, and the joy they show — it’s contagious.

Create a playlist of your favorite clips and let them inspire you. New energy, new ideas, and new tricks to try.

9. Accept That Slumps Are Normal

Last but definitely not least — stop beating yourself up.

Skateboarding slumps are part of the journey. They don’t mean you’re bad at skating. They don’t mean you’ve regressed. They just mean you’re human.

Every skater, no matter how good, hits a wall occasionally. What separates those who quit from those who level up is how they respond when things get tough.

So cut yourself some slack. Keep showing up. Progress isn’t always about new tricks — sometimes it’s about pushing through when riding feels tough.

Bonus: What Not To Do During a Slump

Let’s quickly hit a few things you should avoid when trying to break out of a slump:

- ❌ Don’t isolate yourself
- ❌ Don’t focus only on advanced tricks
- ❌ Don’t compare your progress to others
- ❌ Don’t ignore pain or injuries
- ❌ Don’t give up too quickly

Instead, put your energy into things that fuel your love for the board, not sap it.

Final Thoughts: Your Slump Doesn’t Define You

Look, it’s easy to let a slump mess with your head. But the truth is, hitting a low point in skateboarding is just another part of the story. Everyone — from day-one skaters to seasoned pros — hits the wall sometimes.

The key? Keep pushing (literally and metaphorically). Stay curious, play around, and remember that skating is supposed to be fun. Not every session has to be perfect. Not every trick has to land.

But every time you pick up your board and try again, you're doing something awesome.

So next time you're staring at your deck, wondering if you’ve lost your touch, remind yourself: You’ve just hit a bump in the road — not the end of the journey.

And if all else fails?

Grab your board, turn up your favorite jam, cruise around for no reason, and laugh it off. That’s skateboarding in its purest form.