Fear and Skateboarding

[@streetwisestore1250]

I've always said that skateboarding teaches a lot more than just cruising and doing tricks. In this case: how to overcome your fears :)

[@SarahParkMatott]

Totally! and maybe more than anything patience 🙏 haha

[@denisefleming5601]

Your AWSOME. This og knows . thanks 4 teaching right.

[@SarahParkMatott]

@@denisefleming5601 thank you 😃💪

[@ryanfox9682]

It is absolutely insane how active and supportive she is, constantly uploading videos to help new skaters (like myself, thanks for teaching me how to shuv it!) and responding to comments, we're all very thankful!

[@SarahParkMatott]

aw, thank you 🙏 This is the highest compliment I could receive(feeling supported and learning a trick). So glad you got t he shove it!💪

[@Rockin23]

This is very inspiring. I'm 51, just got my first board and I'm trying to overcome my fear. I feel it is holding me back. Loving your content.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Welcome to skateboarding! Fear is definitely something we have to face and find a balance with. You got it 💪 And thank you! Glad you're enjoying the content :D

[@Rockin23]

@@SarahParkMatott Thank you :)

[@bilbobagginsofbagend]

I just found your channel thanks to mike osterman, and it's my new favorite thing! you are bringing something to the table that most other skateboard youtubers lack and through this, your advice is much closer to the way I approach skateboarding. the "just try it", "do it scared", "faster is easier" mentality among many skaters just doesn't usually work for me. it's really refreshing and encouraging to see someone to (very expertly and with so much dedication) lay out a different approach. thank you very much!

[@SarahParkMatott]

Welcome to the channel! I'm glad you're liking it 😃 And I'm honored you think so highly of the content so far. I definitely want to offer a different perspective, as I've also found the advice "do it scared" or other just doesn't help me. I simply can't. But I think that's okay, and I want to encourage other skaters like me (or us :) to be confident in their progression and ability to progress. So, thank you so much for the comment! Now, I'm feeling encouraged too 💪

[@NinaMietze171]

I wholeheartedly agree!! I have felt so much more hopeful and excited in learning to skate (I am an absolute beginner) since I found your channel! Thank you for the content you provide. I am considering becoming a Patron as well :)

[@itswando594]

Really like your videos especially your tutorials. You have a far better perspective on tricks than most Pros giving tutorials. I always feel like they're skating for way too long too good to even give a good explanation on how to approach a certain trick. Your videos helped me learn a lot so thank you and keep up the great content!

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the tutorials so much. I really like making them too, so there will definitely be more coming💪I’ll keep trying to make better ones too!

[@walala6020]

the beginning is hilarious. liked it how its so calm and walked away XD smart to warm up first then drop in. thats what i do as well to build up the confidence before doing anything new. keeep up sarah. great video

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank youu!🙏 I was a little nervous leaving in the beginning 😂 so, I am glad someone enjoyed it! Really appreciate your support 💪

[@hkgwei88]

Thank you Sarah, We do not talk about fear enough, both in skateboarding and in life. So it was refreshing to hear you talk in such an honest and open way. The 4% rule and the competence/confidence loop are also a great reminder to me. I want to do things I am not ready for, and I know I am not ready for them so I have tried without genuinely committing to the trick which inevitably leads to the trick ending in failure. But you have given me (and I expect many others) some tools to use to get to where I want to be. Thanks for taking the time to make this video and please do keep up the awesome work you do,.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you so much. I’m glad you got so much out of the video. I definitely think we need to talk about this stuff more and be more open about what progress in skateboarding really entails. Because we can’t just magically commit. It’s a process. And that’s perfectly fine. 💪💪 if we keep having fun skating, we’ll get there!

[@kymxarea519]

Thank you so much for your caring every detail. My progress is better now because of you! So please keep doing this. I'll wait and always support.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you so much! I am really happy to hear that. I’ll keep doing my best to make better videos 🙇‍♀️🙏

[@48peon]

To all beginners and maybe intermediate skaters, this is such a profound video and seems like every new trick that i learned as a beginner, it often followed after rewatching this video. Just unlocked rock n' roll. Taking the small steps, what ever that 4% means, is really helpful. Was trying rock n roll for a week on a 4 feet ramp, and it was just total carnage. But, taking a huge step back, and went back to a tiny tiny "ramp" that 's so mellow and didn't allow me to"rock" and progress to a 2 1/2' qtr, allowed me to unlock 4' feet mini ramp rock n roll in one session with much less falls compared the the past week. Thanks again for this video.

[@isabillaher]

Hi I love this video and it was really something I need. I just started longboarding and I've this heartpounding fear whenever I'm trying to go on the board. Kinda demoralising but I try to always push through that. Thanks for this hehe :)

[@SarahParkMatott]

I'm glad you liked the video 🙏 Fear getting in the way of progress can be super demoralizing. I totally get that. But, I wish you lots of lucking finding your baby steps to work towards overcoming it! I don't know a ton about longboarding, but you definitely got it 💪

[@pixelninja3590]

When I was a kid I built a half pipe in my back yard I dropped in without a thought, I've done it hundreds of times but I quit skating for years and started back recently and I went to a skate park about a week ago and I couldn't force my self to drop in.

[@SarahParkMatott]

It's funny and often frustrating how you can be so confident to do something at one time in your life and then struggle to do the same thing at a different point. But, that's all a part of it, I think. I'm sure you'll be able to work back up to it 💪 Super sick you built a halfpipe in your backyard as a kid though. I dreamed about one!

[@pixelninja3590]

@@SarahParkMatott I think I just need to get a helmet I no I'll fall dropping in for the first time in so many years, the first time I ever dropped in I fell backwards and hit the back of my head.

[@SarahParkMatott]

@@pixelninja3590 always support a helmet 💪 and whatever makes you feel confident!

[@clownempire]

The confidence/competence loop is an interesting way to think about learning. I'm learning some software/analytics skills right now and this totally applies. Plus I learned how to caveman yesterday thanks to this.

[@SarahParkMatott]

It really is. I love concepts like that. 💪 Both helping me understand and accept the path of my progress. And congrats on the caveman 🙌

[@petehall9302]

I'm a sixty two year old learner and I like the way you teach. I have a much better feel for the way forward now. Thanks

[@TrueDavidKei]

Skateboarding is all about pushing your own boundaries. So its okay to be afraid in the beginning.

[@JoWardle]

Thanks for this. I’m finding dropping in really difficult. I’ve been building up to it bit by bit and trying not to get frustrated. Hoping for the 4% range soon 😃

[@SarahParkMatott]

Yes! All that practice, even outside of dropping in, will get you closer and closer to that range!💪💪 you got it! 😃😃 Thank you!

[@luisasbp]

Same here! Can´t seem to loose the fear of dropping in. I was able to do it a few times from ramps but then as soon as my board slides, I feel like I go back to the starting point :( Now I am practing sliding on flat ground.

[@DocStranglove]

I've been subscribed to your channel for a while now, I'm a big fan of your very considered approach to teaching. It's clear you put a lot of thought into the best way to improve rather than simply trying something until it works. Thank you very much for the effort you put in, you've been a big help. I've just been for a session after watching this video last night... the idea of targetting a +4% goal is genius, attainable but challenging. Keep up the great work!

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! I'm glad you've been enjoying my teaching approach so much. 😃 I am definitely a strong believer in gradual improvement and intentional practice! So, I am stoked that you think so highly of the content so far and really happy to have been of help. Have fun working with the +4% goal. It's definitely a fun concept to work with 💪 It really put my mind at ease while progressing too. 4% at a time :)

[@JocelynWhite]

Thank you for not only sharing your real experience but also sources and studies. I love the psychology side of skating.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Same! I think the psychology side could really be examined a lot more 😃

[@waimanalowellnessandbalanc2984]

I'm so impressed, again, at your skill level, humility, and eloquence in breaking down how daunting skating can be. Mahalo from Waimanalo!

[@SarahParkMatott]

ah, thank you again! Glad you like these kinds of skate videos. Mahalo back to Waimanalo!🙋‍♀️😃

[@panaroyal]

good mindset 👍

[@SarahParkMatott]

😃😃 thank you 🙏

[@2bin]

Great advice. I find that a good warm-up and gradual transition to tricks safely prepares and loosens muscles/joints while building confidence.

[@PatriceLarochelle]

Very inspiring and motivating. Once again magnificent work. Well documented and structured. 100% Sarah

[@skatetakes1706]

Ditto what many others have said. This is such a beautiful tutorial and the psychology advice the real ‘trick’. I’m naturally a very cautious person and sometimes think this will hold me back from progressing. Clearly not. Thanks for sharing the positive mindset and appreciating the diversity of skaters out there. From another OG fan.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thanks Dan! Really glad you appreciated the video so much. I think our approach to skating and progressing always has room for more diversity to better match the diverse group who wants to learn 💪 I'm also a rather timid and cautious person, and I have to say just working at it, putting in the hours, getting comfortable, it's unlocked so many skate doors. Just gotta work at my own pace 🙌 We got it!

[@Cory_J]

Love your channel and your humble perspective, Sarah! It's really refreshing. You have progressed so much. Keep going forward!

[@48peon]

This is my go to video that i come back regularly. Thanks to your video, i was able to progress. Looking back, it was crazy to think that i will ever do in. But, 6 months later, and countless bruises, I'm now working gaining more tricks. Unlocked rock to fakie, and fakie rock. And continued to practice the same trick to reduce the fear. Wanted to come back to this video to thank you for creating this piece. Again, this is my go to video to remind myself what to do as try new tricks that i don't think i can ever succeed. Thank you again.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Wow, I'm really happy to hear that. This video was really important to me when I made it too--and now of course. So, it's extra special to hear it had such a positive impact for you 🙏 keep shredding!

[@Leachima]

skateboarding is so much about fear 😨 as you said it's natural and you have to work on it. every time it is challenging but when you do it you defeat the fear. especially drop in on a ramp😑 ( I did my first drop in today on a ramp without falling🥸 but the sessions before were so scary)

[@richardbest4197]

Omg this intro is brilliant, that was me yesterday and the day before haha I will get that 4ft drop in. I’ve done it before …… floooow

[@shell1469]

I broke my ankle within my first week of learning to skateboarding (statistically 1/3 of serious injuries happen from new skaters within their first week). This video helps, but I still feel so discouraged knowing I hurt myself so badly in just the beginning stages.

[@SarahParkMatott]

I'm so sorry to hear you got so badly injured so quickly. That must have been so difficult. I'm sure it's not going to be easy to overcome that! But, you have all the time you want and no need to rush. If you want to keep skating, I wish you lots of courage and patience to take the time you need to keep pushing 💪

[@shell1469]

@@SarahParkMatott Thank you so much! You’re a bit of a celebrity to me so I’m so giddy you replied. My defeatist attitude has subsided as my recovery progresses and I’m not bound to the bed all day. Skateboarding was so fun the brief time I was doing it, I definitely want to get back. I’m sure physical therapy will also help me learn how to strengthen and protect my ankles!

[@SarahParkMatott]

I am happy to reply! Although it takes a bit sometimes😬 haha I'm really glad to hear that you're doing better, not bed bound and want to come back to skating. I'm sure it will be scary at first, but you have lots of time! And physical therapy will be great! I do physical therapy too and would recommend it to everyone even before an injury. So, I'm excited for you to get stronger and get back to shredding! 💪

[@will8395]

Hey, just wanted to say I came across your channel getting back into skating recently and it's the first time I've heard this method of things articulated. It's definitely how I learn in every other activity and watching your videos I feel encouraged to keep working out ways of enjoying learning new things in skating, so cheers for that! "Just commit" isn't something I've ever felt comfortable with and fear and feeling bad for not just taking a risk has always been hard to get away from. Subscribed and look forward to checking out more of your stuff! Thanks again.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Aw, thank you! I’m really glad you were able to connect with the message so well. It’s been a huge part of how I learn and want to grow as a skater. So stoked to hear that. Keep having fun skating 💪💪

[@tonmandude]

"Flow" is the real life version of keeping the special meter up in tony hawks pro skater xD

[@ThatGuyYouKnowww]

You have the most intellectual yet super chill approach to skating and absolutely love it!

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! 😂 I appreciate that! Definitely want to give out those vibes haha

[@diddymelone2265]

I think you have by far the most helpful attitude towards the whole thing out of anyone I´ve consulted on youtube! helps me so much that you keep encouraging me to go little by little. just today I learned to do front side kickturns on the big, steep bank. I had backside kickturns down for 2 months already, but frontside was just too scary for me. I had multiple attempts where I knew I had it, but instinctively jumped off the board anyway, because ... scary. when I managed to stay on for once, it actually became much easier and now they just feel great! I cant get enough! speaking of scary, I´ll start working on my drop ins tomorrow :D I´ll make sure to watch your video on drop ins a few more times before! really helpfull!

[@SarahParkMatott]

That's awesome! I'm stoked you enjoyed the video so much. And I hope that you're closer to the drop in today than you were yesterday 💪 Just gotta keep working towards it!

[@PhilWasHere]

Awesome video Sarah! I’m glad you finally dropped in 🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@SarahParkMatott]

Yes! Thank you Phil 💪

[@tanner2x439]

Once you've obtained this inner balance you can apply it to anything in life. Skateboarding is the swiss army knife of self improvement both mentally and physically. The bar is set so high in this day and age as far as skill goes. I've been skating for 20 years and I still can't come close to the talent floating around out there. But it's always been about progression for me and I consider that sacred to have a discipline you can work on your own to keep yourself healthy,motivated, positive, and physically active throughout life. I could never take skateboarding for granted. It's helped me grow relentlessly. It can do the same for you. Even if your a late bloomer. As long as you never. Give. Up.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Absolutely to all this 🙌

[@nicepocket]

This might be the best skateboarding channel on youtube. Really enjoying the content and observing an origin story. Most content is from people who learned years ago and the lessons learned are not so fresh. I love that you touch on freestyle, street and park skating. Keep up the excellent work and thank you.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Wow, thank you so much! I’m glad you’ve been enjoying the channel and content so much 😃 Love all styles of skating, so I’m happy to work in between the styles and encourage some exploration into each 💪

[@dony8332]

Well said Sarah, "minimize the training step to be able to do higher skill" is currently my trick to gain confidence and face my fear lol

[@SarahParkMatott]

That's awesome! It's all about taking those baby steps until they turn into big leaps 💪

[@dony8332]

@@SarahParkMatott truee keep making motivational video for a beginner like me 🔥

[@SarahParkMatott]

@@dony8332 will do (my best)!!

[@MorganFuse]

Thank you so much Sarah! Your channel is super important, and informative. I really like to see a skater that feels real, like all of us. I can relate to you, and your struggles. Thanks you so much for talking about it 🫶🏻

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! I'm happy to hear you've found the channel relatable 😃

[@carlosrobleto6234]

Greetings from Nicaragua. I just subscribed to your channel. I'm old and starting skateboarding for the very first time in my life. your videos are super informative and entertaining. huge fan!

[@SarahParkMatott]

ah thank you Carlos! 🙌 Glad you like them. Greetings to you in Nicaragua 🙋‍♀️

[@brooke7961]

I tried something I wasn’t ready for yesterday and got hurt :( taking it slow sometimes and going your own pace is the best way to get better at skating. something I learned the hard way lol

[@SarahParkMatott]

:( Sorry you got hurt! Hope you heal up quickly!

[@SarahR0se]

I just found your video about how to drop in, and I’m gonna learn it tomorrow :D I will edit this comment on how it went :) This girl I met at the skatepark also gave a really good tip on how to do a drop in Basically pretend that someone you hate is under you and that you need to slam the skateboard in there face really hard so your back wheels don’t go of the ramp first :) The beginning of the video was literally me the last time I wanted to drop in XD But I will use your tips! You are already my favorite skateboard youtuber :D I will now watch this video lol And my name is also Sarah :D

[@SarahParkMatott]

Haha I hope to hear good news about the drop in. But don't worry. There is lots of time to keep working at it and learning! You'll get it 💪 Glad you're enjoying the content though!

[@SarahR0se]

@@SarahParkMatott Little update on how it went: I practiced a lot at the smallest bank in our skatepark, and when I wanted to do it I was still pretty scared so it took me a while before actually trying it XD My friend who also skates and is better then I am because she can already drop in and do other stuff hold my hands, and after trying like 4 times and falling once (my friend also fell because she was holding my hands ahaha) then I actually did it :D I didn’t do it yet without holding my friends hands but the next time I’m at the skatepark I’m doing it by myself :DD

[@SarahParkMatott]

@@SarahR0se congratulations!! That’s awesome!! And a great first step to hold a friend’s hand. Way to go 💪💪

[@SarahR0se]

@@SarahParkMatott :)

[@lugustavoguadalupe]

Great video, very helpful! Congrats!

[@jeremyjohnston1517]

Once again, proving you are wise beyond your years. Another great video that I know I will watch again when doubt creeps in...

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you Jeremy! I'm glad you liked the video :) Hope it's good motivation when the doubt creeps in 🙏

[@solnya]

Very interesting ! Things you think you know, but doesn't hurt to hear them well enounced and explained

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked the video :D Sometimes I have to say it out loud to remind myself too haha

[@layneaic2076]

Nice SkatePark and music background Ms Sarah

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! Glad you like it! 😃

[@oldladyfalling7844]

As always, you hit the nail on the head! The mental battle is real, but working your way up to things is def the way to get over it and build your foundation! I have a friend who has no fear...he will try anything and always totally commit ....at first I was a little jealous -BUT he learned a bunch of tricks really quickly and now he doesn't skate very often, he doesn't put in the work or the time, so while he can do some harder tricks he can't do them consistently and his form is not good - while I can't do some of the harder tricks he does, I am much more consistent since i've taken the time to really master all the basic skills and tricks, building up to things instead of diving in head first...

[@SarahParkMatott]

😂thank you! 🔨🙏

[@Smosfeeble]

Great video friend! I needed to hear this. I'm 45 and 6 weeks into relearning (documenting the journey on this channel). I was a street skater that never learned transition. 2 days ago I did my first drop in ever......super stoked......tried yesterday, at a different park and couldn't do it. Gonna go back and take my time, build that confidence!

[@SarahParkMatott]

I'm so glad to hear that 😃 Welcome back to skateboarding and congrats on that drop in! I obviously very much get where you're coming from, so I know that you definitely got it. Just like you said, take your time and build up that confidence 💪💪

[@robrendall1510]

Great video, I really like how you mentioned replacement of fear with confidence, that's a good way to look at it, I agree if you're really scared there's definitely a reason, everything is built up, a house is built from ground up and you crawl before you walk, everything is about building, like I'm not going to Ollie down 5 stairs when I have trouble standing still Ollie and chances are when you attempt the 5 stairs you will be really scared, like when you tried to drop in the first time, doesn't look bad from ground but once your up there it's a different game, good job great videos learned alot.

[@SarahParkMatott]

I totally agree. It's all about building and finding those methods to make the build a reality. Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video 🙏

[@dr.caitlinsnow459]

Very thoughtful and inspiring. I was feeling very sad and demoralized when I saw that I was too scared to do ollies after getting them down just a few days ago. Thank you for this-- very informative and psych-based advice.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Aw, I'm sorry to hear that you were feeling that way. I really wanted to make this video because fear is very much a part of skateboarding, just naturally. So, I'm glad you liked the video! I hope it encourages you to keep pushing forward! 💪 Because you definitely will get those ollies, sans fear!

[@skateboredxo]

This was so helpful for me, you have no idea, thank you

[@SarahParkMatott]

I'm so glad! 😃

[@JonathanCook1975]

Great video Sarah. I like the mix of theory and practical. What you say makes a whole lot of sense. It's the best way to learn and build confidence, work up in steps rather than go for something way outside your comfort zone. Maybe some people would go straight for the impossible as they have no fear, such as young kids. Keep the great videos coming 👍.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thanks Jonathan! I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😃 I liked making this one a lot, as I enjoy talking about the subject. It's all about working until that trick outside your comfort zone is actually inside it 💪 A sometimes slow and painful process, but one that's worth it to me! We both just gotta keep shredding 🙌

[@wesbisley3470]

So helpful and thought provoking, thanks

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! 🙏

[@Kadoomed]

This is the video I needed today, after still being too scared to commit properly to heel turns. I'm 3 weeks into my skateboarding journey at age 40 and your videos are really helping me understand the path that I want to take as I learn. Your explanations are so clear and well presented, thanks for taking the time to make these videos!

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad to hear that. 🙏 3 weeks definitely makes you super new! No worries about not committing 😃 You have an awesome amount of space to grow and work on getting board control from here on out. 💪

[@Kadoomed]

@@SarahParkMatott yea after watching your videos I'm going to focus on board control and not rush into Ollie's. I'll definitely learn them but I think having better balance and control over the board will help me more in the long run 🙂

[@SarahParkMatott]

@@Kadoomed it really will. If you want those long term results, sometimes being patient and taking your time is the fastest route. The better I got at my basics and board control, the easier is was to learn the “basic tricks” like shove it/ollie etc. So, I’m excited for you to progress 💪

[@coltoneff]

great channel, you're filling in a lot of gaps that the clickbait channels gloss over. there's a lot of value in hearing the experience of someone still learning, or who learned what you're trying to learn recently. I started skating during the pandemic pretty fearlessly, which led to riding very fast and breaking my wrist and elbow this spring. outside of cruising around and reverts, I've lost pretty much everything I learned in the first 7 months. right when I finished healing, my only other skate friend slammed on a qp and broke his hip... more scared to skate now than I was a month ago, even though the likelihood of rebreaking my wrist or breaking my hip like he did is extremely low. taking your advice from a different video and switching to freestyle for a bit. at this rate, I'm really just hoping I can caveman and ollie by age 30... transition can wait.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Wow, thank you! I'm glad you've been getting value from my channel 😃 I'm really sorry to hear that you and your friend got so injured though. That's really unfortunate. Skating is scary enough before you get a serious injury. I'm glad you've recovered and are looking at other genres of skating though! Skating is all what you make it, which is why I like to dabble in all of it. If you stick with freestyle for a bit and get really confident there, I have no doubt that you'll get to the caveman and ollie! (Can't guarantee a timeline, but freestyle is such a solid base skill wise for any genre of skating you want to try :D ) Sending lots of good skate vibes your way! 💪

[@amandamay3148]

Helpful perspective on fear! Skateboarding sure provides lots of life lessons :)

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! I love talking about this kind of stuff. Happy it now mixes in well with my skate life :D

[@RodneySloan]

Great video. I think understanding the confidence-competence loop is a huge key to improving, thank you for sharing. Taking a bad slam can really shake up the loop, but I figure you can rebuild it by back-tracking and working your way up again. Like they say, get back up on that horse.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! That loop is definitely key for me when overcoming any commitment issues, or like you said, coming back to a trick after a pretty big slam 💪

[@middleagedshred]

Haha I did the same thing when I eye up the dropin and decide against it..much kooler the way you drop the board into position tho...)

[@SarahParkMatott]

haha eyeing up the drop in is always the scariest part 😂

[@middleagedshred]

@@SarahParkMatott Yea..I think i,ll just be sticking to eyeing it up for quite a while..)

[@Allytify03]

Yeeeeeeees!!! The very video I've been waiting forrrrr!!! Waiting for someone to talk about this! (Havent watched it yet but am so stoked you thought of making one anyway! Lol!) Thank you!

[@SarahParkMatott]

Haha I hope you enjoyed it this much even after watching the video 😂

[@Knightgil]

Hi Sarah, you made some very good points here on fear and how it might be a sign that we are not ready for that trick yet, and more preparation is needed. I think that most of the time I already take that approach. However, there are moments that I realize that it's only the fear holding me back, that I've already got it technically but not mentally. I have a really hard time overcoming that mental block. For example, I might do a great ollie if I'm holding on to something, but if I'm not the anxiety begins to creep in and it no longer goes as well. I would be interested in hearing more about how you learn and progress, what frustrates you and how you overcome it. I find it an interesting concept the "Learn slow progress fast" thing in your banner, and that's something I've been trying to apply not only in skateboarding but also when practicing a musical instrument. I would like to hear what that concept means to you, if you would ever make a video about it. Oh, and one thing I disagree is with the brain being outdated software in a ever-evolving world :) I would say that in many ways it's actually the other way around: Our brains are much more sophisticated, advanced and smarter than we realize and give credit for. I think that it's the world we live in that often has a way of making us dumber and that it tries to convince us that we are not smart enough or that we shouldn't trust ourselves.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Hi Fernando, thanks for the comment! I know what you mean by the mental block, but I do find in my case it's just that I'm simply not confident enough. Maybe I know how to do it, but when my confidence doesn't match my skills or my skills don't match my confidence, that's when I tend to have the biggest trouble. And being patient enough for those two to line up is the biggest hurdle for sure. I definitely want to get into "learn slow, progress fast" and what that means to me. Honestly, I have a list a mile long of videos I want to do. Just trying to get the time to do it! Oh, I don't blame you for disagreeing with that. Thinking about it now, I didn't give that comment enough context. I think our brains are wildly smart for sure. I'm super excited to actually get into some of the ways our brains are amazing in later videos (like muscle memory). Our brains hold amazing potential. What I mean by "brains being outdated software" is that they were not designed or optimized to function at their peak in our current societies. I love neuroscience literature and podcasts, and they often talk about our brains not being great at dealing with information overload, constant instant gratification, social media, a digital world, a high sugar/high processed foods diet, and inactivity because they weren't really designed for that. And then in regards to something like jumping down a two stair. Humans designed the two stair and know it's possible, but the brain wasn't designed with jumping down them in mind. The brain was designed to keep us safe at all costs. So, I really wanted to emphasize that there is a conflict there between what the brain was designed for a long time about and what it's used for today. We need the "software updates" for these aspects (at least in the form of behavior control to work through them haha). But I definitely agree with you. Our brains are amazing.

[@33rie_18]

I’m too scared to commit to shuvits, I can get the rotation down and I can land with my front foot, however my back foot is always off the board, I’m afraid that this might be a bad habit now for my shuvits. I’m particularly annoyed because I can do a stationary Ollie and I have done shuvits 3 times in previous sessions. Is there any tips or tricks I can do that are similar to help lessen the fear of committing to shuvits or should I just stop making excuses for myself and go outside and get on that board?

[@dunno4624]

I still can't do shuvits because I keep moving my foot in the wrong way, but in my last session I was jumping high enough. What I did to over come my fear was to just jump on my board, do a hippie jump and then jump out a few times before trying the trick. You should try

[@mrmuyagi9907]

I have this same problem of committing to shuvits, I had a bad bail while doing one rolling and now I have a mental block where my back foot doesn't leave the ground or doesn't get high enough in the air to which the board hits my foot or ankle.

[@SarahParkMatott]

I would definitely recommend watching my shove it video if you haven't, as I do talk about this. The "trick" I always like to use is putting my hand above my back knee and jumping high enough that my knee touches my hand at about waist level. Even if it doesn't touch, it helps me jump much higher than I usually would. So, I do a few knee tuck jumps on flat, then a few hippie jumps (which I always recommend warming up with), and then try to do the shove it while touching that knee to my hand. Also, don't be afraid to jump forward as much as you need to. It's common for the board to go out a lot when you're starting out :D

[@33rie_18]

@@SarahParkMatott thank you very much for the tips! I finally managed to land shuvits after hearing your response and practicing for a little while!

[@SarahParkMatott]

that's awesome! I'm so glad to hear that 😃 way to go!

[@TomSowders]

I appreciate the way you address your audience, like we're adults who read. Very into your channel. I saw that rake to fakie, btw! Would you PLEASE do a video on them? What's 4% harder than just rolling up and touching the coping. The extra speed and leg extension it takes to put your wheels on the deck is feeling like a lot more than 4%, and I have sprained my ankle more than once doing this. I'm stuck! I need an in-between step or three! Thanks!

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying it 😃 I actually am not very good at them. Yet to spend time near a park with beginner friendly transition. Either too big or no ramps to get me up onto it 😂 But, I'm sure there are smaller steps to take. You can do mock rock to fakies on other smaller flat ramps. You can practice tapping your trucks under the coping and not over it (like before you get to the top). You can put your trucks up over the coping and intentionally jump off if you feel comfortable doing that, just to get used to it and feel like you can safely bail. And another fun one is riding up a flat ramp that has a clear edge, and then trying to tap your trucks on the edge or over it. So, you ride up, tap them off to the side and ride back down fakie. It's a little harder than just the mock rock to fakie bc you can hang up and need a pivot. But it's also fun! Good practice of lifting the trucks up and over. All little baby steps, but better than just being stuck on one thing! 😃

[@TomSowders]

@@SarahParkMatott When you get to that point, I'll be super interested to see how you create 4% difficulty increments. I have rock n rolls (on my ramp) but rock to fakies make my cells SCREAM no. And thanks to you I'm making peace with that. (At the same time, I really want this trick.)

[@hmudesign]

What a great video Sarah, as always. I’m curious and maybe this is a future video for you. If looking back on all the tricks you have in the bag now, and what you know now and what you didn’t know then, which tricks would you learn first to last, perhaps 1-25 /25-50… maybe there is some grouping of tricks you think go well and help each other, one will unlock another etc. of course people will go for what they want, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. I’m asking this slightly selfishly, because I am designing my journey as a new old skater who is going to get back into it. No cat in this video? Thanks for all the great content. Stay beautiful ❤

[@SarahParkMatott]

ahh yes. So, I get asked this quite a bit. And I've actually done a lot of thinking on it--even planned a whole project around it. Just never got the chance to follow through. But, I would like to get around to making something around this topic 🤔 I'll make a note haha

[@MrDochorrible]

Super great video. Subscribed!

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you 🙏🙏😃 welcome to the channel

[@benjaminpoole9383]

I love your thoughtful take on everything.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! 🙏😃

[@natepardee3792]

Love these videos and content. Could you possibly do a vid on ollies onto stuff like sidewalks or curbs?

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! :D That is definitely on my list of videos to make. (The list is pretty long, but hopefully I can make that video soon!)

[@loweihong]

Thank you for the helpful content! Sarah jjang!

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! 🙏😃

[@g0r467]

Very interesting ! I like your take on things, it resonates with the way my mind works. For example after a frustrating session yesterday I watched your video on the ollie, saw that "Ollie-ing too soon" part and thought "well yeah, I got frustrated with that but on the other hand I managed to give a first push in switch stance so why bother for now if my ollies aren't really progressing today ?". Same goes for that take on fear. 10 years ago when learning to jump a curb for the first time I had to jump a baby curb first (you know, that thing where cars go out in a garage alley), then a little higher until I could finally jump a regular curb. I lost it now that I'm picking up skateboarding again but I'm following the same thought process, except this time It's conscious. And the way you talk about it and "make it" conscious is great for me. Even if I do look a bit silly dropping in on 10% banks :p Thanks and take care !

[@SarahParkMatott]

That's awesome. Mindset is some important when skateboarding. It can really make or break a session or a trick. And I'd say it's better to look silly dropping in on a shallow bank than to never get to work up to dropping in for real 💪😃 With your positive mindset, you'll be progressing all over. Welcome back to skateboarding! 🙋‍♀️

[@gmamapetey44]

Ahahahahahahahha I love this so much. Thank you ❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@luisantonioecheverriadiaz3520]

You're great!

[@axelleandrieu1799]

Hey dude. Amazing video, great wisdom shared, there 🤙. I totally share that state of mind. Gotta fall in love with the process of learning; way more enjoyable and peacefull journey. Love from France ❤️

[@SarahParkMatott]

Absolutely! Gotta love the process 💪 thank you so much! My greetings to France 🙋‍♀️

[@toastflavor]

Aw yesss I saw that noseslide! I've decided a slappy noseslide is my major goal right now. My ollies are still not ready to be involved. 😆 I don't think you've broken down slappy noseslides yet, but so far I'm just trying to get curbside nosebleeds consistent. Curbs are the only things I can drop in on so far haha

[@SarahParkMatott]

Yes! 🙌 Slappy nose slides. I could only every really try them on a ledge, but not enough to get good enough to make a tutorial. Mine still have a long way to go. But, I can confirm that they are tons of fun! And not quite as taxing as ollie practice. So, I love them! With a consistent nosebleed, you'll be getting it in no time 💪

[@86TrapHouse]

I broke my arm my first time down pipe... 20 years later.. IM BACK. LETS GOO!!

[@stuartphippen46]

Nervousness and fear apparently set off the same chemical process in the brain as being excited. Telling yourself you are “excited” about something you are about to do (actually saying it aloud) can help to produce a more positive mindset. Any thoughts on this? Love your tutorials, it’s great to see someone going through the learning process rather than a hyper advanced skateboarder showing how it’s done with ease.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Yes there is some interesting research involving how we process emotion and whether or not we interpret the same chemicals and physiological reactions differently depending on the situation or if the emotions and processes are unique to each other. Super interesting stuff! And I definitely agree with that. We narrate our lives, and our brains believe what we tell it. It's hard to do something if we constantly tell ourselves we cannot do it. Which is why I love taking those baby steps to really show ourselves that we can. To build up those little confidence blocks! It's something I actually wanted to get into later on the channel too. There is an interesting concept and books on ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) that you might be interested in and I think it definitely applies to skating. Glad you're enjoying the videos though! :D

[@0maSchubser]

My number one help with fear is just wearing protective gear :)

[@SarahParkMatott]

Oh for sure! Gearing up gives me so much confidence! 💪

[@PasqualItizzz]

The spectre of primo haunts us all!

[@SarahParkMatott]

accidental primo is indeed quite scary, although..coming from freestyle, it's not my worst nightmare 😂

[@noobg6908]

honestly when i try tricks that i know im not in the skill level to do i get less fear,and when im doing a trick i know a should get easily i get more fear,like boardslides,i can ollie up 5 decks but i cant boardslide a rail that is only 1,5 decks height because of my fear,i think the only way i can get over fear is when i am more motivated to land a trick than i am scared, my kickflips are really bad but i was so motivated to learn tres that i got over my fear of commitment and simply did the trick

[@SarahParkMatott]

It's an interesting loop. Sounds like a bit of a motivation - commitment loop. Feeling more confident when motivated. That's awesome though. If you know that about your skate style, that's a great thing to take advantage of! I get that a little bit. I have felt super motivated to try a few things recently at the park, and it definitely helps me with the initial fear, but I do know in the back of my head that I am at the skill level to get it already. That's important to me haha Also 5 decks. That's sick 💪

[@DeniseNepraunig]

Thanks a lot for this video! I think fear is really an elephant in the room that people don’t like to admit or are scared of admitting it. I like the competence - confidence loop and this is really helps me. I would have one question: how do you approach overcoming fear after you get hurt? I fell on my tailbone while practicing kick turns and woah I was soooo scared to try them again… Tried to do tiny, tiny steps and even bought a snowboard protector for my tailbone so that I felt safe trying it again :-D As you said in your video, the brain tries to keep us safe, so it is often also a mental game.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Definitely the big elephant! 🐘 Taking tiny steps and buying safety gear are definitely great ways to combat fear after (or before) getting hurt. But, what I found to help me is actually just taking an adequate break from that trick. I rolled my ankle while doing a particular trick three times in one week and was too scared to do them. So, I took a few months to focus on other tricks instead. I made progress in other areas before going back to it, and I felt more confident in my skills in general to start over with the baby steps. I know some people like to "get back on the horse", and that can help too. But, I found little trick breaks really helpful.

[@marisolmartinez6543]

i love u saraaaahh!!! gracias a ti estoy mejorando con confianza. Good vibes from mexiloco!

[@SarahParkMatott]

ohh thank you! Muchos Gracias Marisol! Estoy muy contenta de escuchar eso! 😃

[@joshuahutchings558]

Aw geez I'm so glad I just found you. My therapist is on vacation this week and you sound just like her and say what she would say, hah. You seem like you may have a dual degree in physics and psychology :D. I've got a dual degree in Women's Studies and English Creative Writing, which do not in any way help me with skateboarding or my paralyzing fear of trying to ollie on concrete. :P

[@SarahParkMatott]

Haha I wish I had a dual degree in physics and psychology, but I have neither 😂 I do like neuroscience and related podcasts though. Hmm...you might be surprised though, maybe you just need to write your own skate story 😃 use those analytical skills for skating 💪

[@joshuahutchings558]

@@SarahParkMatott That's a good point. I did use my women's studies skills to encourage a girl skater commenting on another video that she was too scared to basically even walk past a skate park because she's a girl. Then I replied again the next freaking day with a link to your channel, calling you a good female skater role model. :D

[@luistapia1345]

loved this. your videos have been helping me a ton, thanks!

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! I'm so glad :D

[@linyan9299]

A new trick is totally depending on how solid are you in your current skill set. Competence- confidence loop = 艺高人胆大。

[@SarahParkMatott]

Yes! I definitely think so. And the Chinese is spot on too💪 Skills make people confident. Thanks for sharing that! I put it in my Chinese skate vocabulary notes 😂

[@abbeyglencircle]

😆😂😁you are telling my story!!!

[@SarahParkMatott]

😃😃

[@Sky-xr6xn]

For some reason boneless really doesn’t scare me but ollies do . But I keep trying and I know I’ll get there aventially

[@SarahParkMatott]

You'll definitely get them 💪 Does take a long time though.

[@theomerta2012]

Very inspiring keep creating 😁

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you! Will do! 🙏🙇‍♀️

[@HowlingMad86]

👌👌👌👌 Very well, sis.

[@SarahParkMatott]

Thank you 🙇‍♀️☺️

[@codewolf2834]

I really love your contents To T it's very inspiring, knowledgeable and relatable. also girl your channel is growing so fast congrats!. Woof. I hope you still haven't forgotten about me haha. I injured my left knee few days ago and couldn't skate until now. Woof. But I got a new Deck yesterday, popsicle shaped. So hyped to try it soon. Stay safe always!

[@SarahParkMatott]

haha I haven't forgotten about the wolf 💪 I'm glad you liked this video too! I'm sorry to hear you got injured. Knee pain is not fun :( But I'm sure the new deck will be worth the recovery time 💪 Excited for you to skate it! Stay safe and be careful! (also...I really can't believe how fast it's been growing either. Definitely way beyond my wildest imagination when I started last year haha Amazing to have such cool subscribers like you though!)

[@codewolf2834]

Yey! Glad to know you haven't forgotten about me lol haha. Yeah. Probably just gonna be patient until it heals then I can skate again woof.

[@DMSBrian24]

Didn't realize the connection between flow and fear was even formalized in psychology, this is exactly what I feel every time i go skating, I thought it's probably just dopamine/adrenaline combined with tiredness that kicks in and distracts me (and I guess "chemically" sth like that probably takes place). Whenever I go skating, I have trouble actually skating on the way to the skatepark because the pavement is rough, I feel a bit sketchy on the board and I'm super afraid of falling in front of everyone. I get to the park and at first I'm super embarrassed when there's other people around, feeling super judged as a beginner, but 30 mins to an hour in of doing tic tacs, carving, pushing, a couple ollie and manual attempts and without realizing it I'm just riding around doing my thing and don't even consider what others think, then I skate all the way back home, sometimes almost falling off the board on all the cracks and bumps but both the fear and the shame are gone. And every day it gets just a little bit easier to overcome that initial fear, I'm also not a fan of this "just do it" mentality. I can slowly overcome little fears, trying to pump a quarter pipe, slowly getting higher and higher, getting more comfortable with getting more horizontal but I respect my fear enough to know when I shouldn't try something - standing over that ledge, I know that if i drop in, my fear will take over and make me lean back and fall, I'd rather built up to that point rather than injure myself only to reinforce that fear.

[@SarahParkMatott]

The "flow" state is probably very much a mix of those chemical processes. I'm not an expert, so I can't confirm it of course. But, the same thing happens to me too--going from self-conscious to unaware in the state of flow. It's amazing. Just need to get over that rough beginning. Happy that flow works for you in that sense too! 😃🙌

[@DMSBrian24]

@@SarahParkMatott yeah it's really what keeps me wanting to go out and skate every day now, when i tried learning to skate some years back i'd go out and try it maybe once every week or two, maybe even a couple weeks, i never committed enough to get this sensation so i wasn't motivated to continue, now i know that it's enough to give yourself just a little bit of a push and then you can keep rolling, it's awesome ^^ thanks again for all those videos, they really help me pace my progress, provide very specific 'physics'-level explanations and step-by-step breakdowns which make learning so much more efficient, and overall seeing so many parallels when it comes to the learning experience provides great motivation ^^

[@SarahParkMatott]

@@DMSBrian24 am super happy to hear that! And glad you came back to skating 🙌

[@mangapoodle]

Yep you da best! Can i do your graphics or something before you become famous, crap ineed to practice my design skills

[@SarahParkMatott]

Let me know when you've finished practicing your design skills 💪 haha

[@Dj_yt_3000]

Hi i found your channel learning ollie

[@SarahParkMatott]

Welcome! Hope you enjoy the videos ☺️

[@isla_nicole]

Yess this is gonna be a good video!

[@SarahParkMatott]

🙏hope it was!

[@ninjasevo]

The big problem of skateboardd🥺

[@SarahParkMatott]

I know 😣

[@bonsaitomato8290]

Flow is what the Japanese call Satori. I’ve experienced it many times learning skills and it’s a state of awakening. You are aware of the act after it’s complete, you are so involved in the action “you” only are aware of its act after its complete.