Today we’d like to introduce you to Lance Lynn.
Lance, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story
I am a professional skater. I enjoy riding almost anything with wheels. I began my skating at age eight on caster boards (ripstiks and waveboards) and skateboards I really found I enjoyed the feeling of riding. As time went on, I continued to ride every day more than not 8 hour days. It became a habit to get home, get my homework done and get out to practice. I was always big on wanting to ride with friends when I could and if not just put headphones on find an empty basketball court or parking lot and learn the next trick. I was obsessed with getting better and having fun doing so.
As time went on, I began to ride for a few casterboarding companies. I started with Axis Casterboarding and ended up on street surfing for a while. As I got older, I found out about free skates (two platforms you stand on each with two wheels, no straps) and that same passion for skating carried right over to me it was a new challenge. I really enjoy the free feeling of the skates. When you reach a level of comfort, your able to move them any direction on a dime and tricks are at an interesting level of complexity. I definitely wasn’t great when I made my transition to free skates but I really enjoyed riding.
I kept up my daily practice and began riding for a local clothing brand called Calistrong. They support me heavily with opportunities gear and even when covering some of my expenses for travel. I worked on growing the sport, Was featured in many large youtube videos and competed in international contests. I loved being able to travel with the sport to locations like China. I found my favorite places to ride are Linda vista skatepark and the mission, pacific beach boardwalk. Like I said, there is an indescribable joy I feel skating and I hope to be able to do so all my life. I really owe a great deal to everyone around me who supported my riding and motivated me to pursue skating.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Skating is a very interesting sport. You often challenge your body in very physical ways and putting your self in situations where there is some threat of injury. I had worn a helmet any time I rode till mid-high school and after that still wear one when put in a situation that makes me nervous or uncomfortable. I made the mistake of riding without it during a downhill ride and that didn’t end well for me. I realized at that moment that I was lucky to walk away and my riding style changed. I love skating and nothing could ever stop me but I knew I couldn’t continue to take slams like that and so I began to focus more on the technical aspects of skating. Working onboard control and improving my fine motor skills. This was just as fun for me because I became challenged in a new way with endless possibilities and a much less threatening risk while doing so. A heavy slam is nothing to take lightly, so making sure your wearing the gear is important, but you can’t give up on something you’re passionate about.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I have always enjoyed skating in near all forms from my start on caster boards, skateboards, free skates, rollerskates and many other forms. To me, the feeling of skating is what keeps me riding and the ability to continue to improve my skills. In skating often a rider chooses a ride and that is what he does. I like being challenged in new ways and is a big reason why I skate in so many ways. Each has its own nitch of styles and its fun to learn as much as you can and cross them over.
Being able to say I have traveled to China twice to compete in international free skate contests is a huge honor. I have worked with the YouTube channel Braille Skateboarding on many projects and was very humbled by the opportunity considering I used to watch them as a kid. I get to work alongside Calistrong, in telling their story and bringing back to the community.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have had many people who have motivated me over the years and really helped me become the rider I am. I have to thank my uncle for Introducing me to skating and showing me I am capable of more than I realize. I am also extremely thankful to my sponsors who saw potential in me and allow me to be part of their story.
Contact Info:
- Email: boarderants@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boarderants/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Athlete/Boarderants-946905272132476/
- Other: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCL1GAfzP6l2DkVHO-EGQ3dg
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