I was never good at skateboarding, but I definitely looked the part. Baggy pants, beat-up Vans, and a deep spiritual connection to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. I could land a kickflip in a video game, just not in real life (or even real gravity).
Honestly, I knew early on my ankles weren’t built for that kind of abuse. But I admired the kids who could shred. Still do. These days, my kids are picking it up, and watching them eat pavement with pride is weirdly touching.