Struggling Pro Skater

✍️ MY INSTAGRAM: / johnhill
🤝 BUSINESS EMAIL: [e-mail]

[@jeanpaulbuchku]

Honestly, becoming a pro skater seems like THE dream for me, but I don’t really like the thought that I might not enjoy skating anymore someday, I know that isn’t going to be soon but it’s still gonna eventually gonna happen. Keep on the grind dude, you basically showed me what my dream job is. Thanks bro

[@SilverSlayer]

Skateboarding should never been seen as a “job” .. I could argue most pros make as much as a minimum paying job & a lot of them live on their friends couches because LA rent is so expensive. A lot actually have “real” jobs as well. Just skate because you love it.. make friends, network & if it happens, it happens.. Awesome to have a goal, but I feel the word “job” refers to money.. maybe career is a better word than job even though they basically are the same thing lol anyways keep doing your thing bro. I’ve been skating for 17 years, won lots of skatepark contests, sponsorships, video parts, even did a commercial for Adidas but I never thought of it as a “job” it was just dope opportunities that happened to me from my love for skateboarding but I didn’t “try” to get those things.. it sounds weird but true skaters will understand what I mean

[@jeanpaulbuchku]

@@SilverSlayer honestly my 2nd go to is gonna be astrophysics but it’s such leech on time that I’m afraid I won’t have any time to skate since any place that has a job as an astrophysicist is a job you’d be at for pretty much the entire day

[@kasonmoise7518]

You just gotta be REALLY good. like top 0.1% to make any serious money. still wouldnt be much more than a normal job

[@ChrisLKF]

Well, it is mine too. Personally i like the lifestyle of a pro skater but i always keep reminding myself that at the end of the day if i am just a pro skater it won't give me any joy. So i think that you must have some balance, of course go ahead and achive your goals whatever the difficulty but keep in mind that if you are always chasing happiness you won't get it, so simply enjoy the journey, make friends through it, give back to the community and the money will also come

[@Mr.Plant1994]

Just gotta peace in and out like Tom penny and you’ll never hate it.

[@EdGarnham]

This is so much more watchable and relatable than a lot of skate stuff on youtube. It's the battle. John's skating is so nice to watch too.

[@SwitchFBproductions]

Hey John. I'm sorry you're having a hard time. I've been going through it too. One thing I've been focusing on when I'm skating and I'm dealing with the bad vibes is to just try to land something simple. I believe in you and you're my favorite skater. Please know that I care about you and I would watch you just do flatground tricks or just ollies even or even just cruising. I just like to watch and feel like I'm in on a session with you. Please take your time and I hope you can get to just have fun when you skate. Easier said than done, I know; but you can do it.

[@questtobliss]

I think the word you were looking for at the end of the video was awareness. You seem to be very self aware, considerate and mindful of the way you react to others, situations, and yourself. Those qualities that you have as a person is what I feel like makes your content as a creator different. I appreciate the vulnerability and authenticity of this video. I’ve been watching your videos since Oct 2015 and this one was my favorite. As a small town girl, living in the literal smallest state in the US I resonate with so much that was said and done in this video. I am well! Watched the entire video while meal prepping my vegan meals for the week ahead. Also, Cheers to the new addition to your family. ✨

[@nofxorbust]

Mindfulness

[@Reb3l_Peak]

I love how real this is, so many people only post highlights, it’s awesome to see the whole process including the frustration, I know it’s annoying, but it’s inspiring to watch

[@StevefromCincinnati]

This man needs an edible and some chamomile tea...

[@cstpa1]

lol fr

[@scrubly_jr]

Fr dude spends the entire day overanalyzing everything

[@alexei4204]

22:46 I've learned to never bother trying to flip a new board for the first 2 sessions, the board is too stiff and the grip tape is too grippy. I've driven myself crazy and I've injured myself multiple times trying to do my go to flip tricks on a new board. Also, I love this format

[@etherealfolkboy]

John I really think making time to go to therapy would really help because you’re right you do have quite a bit of negative self talk. It’s a sign of being a bit too close to your inner critic for sure. It’s possible to rewire your brain out of, essentially, cognitive distortions. It also lead to being less overwhelmed in public places and just in general. I personally have dealt with these things in the past and through inner work, I was able to prove past them. I’m very happy and peaceful now and find life more enjoyable and learned new things, to love, about myself in the process. Basically I feel at my home with myself now and that’s where it all starts and melts into other parts of your life.

[@njits1017]

Thank u kind stranger, I agree

[@sisagarsio1717]

Bro I really appreciated hearing you openly talk during your night workout around 18:00 about your mental and your family business. Especially because I can relate to being the youngest and feeling like its always been harder with our struggles and to handle it personally while sometimes not being able to get out of them as quick like others in our families that are older, for whatever reason even though we've kind of all went through similar issues or even the same exact ones which are still different for every person. I also appreciate the excitement and respect you showed for getting to hangout with your brother and calling him your best friend, cause I'm sure you guys weren't always the closest. Like me and my older brother, we weren't always the best but now that im older and been able to finally understand alot of what our struggles were teaching us ( of course it took me alot longer then him ) that I needed to realize, it allowed us to become so much closer and made me appreciate that relationship so much more and understand why we couldn't be as close as we are now. Hes definitely my best friend now too and the person I look up to the most.. Sorry for the novel haha just cool to see you be open and honest even though you're probably barely scratching the surface. So just know that even when you feel like no ones listening or cares, or you're babbling on and on and not making sense, someone can always relate and understand. It could be exactly what that person needed to hear. Speak with more confidence John! I know you were asking yourself how you can provide advice while not being in a great or confident place mentally or emotionally, or while not having it all figured out, but that is exactly how I think you can. By just being honest, raw, and open about you and your present state. Your struggles, wether they're the past and you've already overcame them, or the present day to day ones that are a complete mess and are currently trying to figure out. Either way just being human and embracing it, admitting it, and acknowledging them out loud is already so much more then most people are doing or are even willing to do. Seeing you take the smallest acts of self reflection can inspire so many, like me, to continue to look in the mirror and be honest with themselves and to remember that theres beauty in all of it, even the chaos!! Its the start of healing, progress, empowerment, and happiness!! Keep killing it.

[@selfawarepotassium]

Take this as you will but the John slowly having a mental breakdown videos are so honest and relatable. Really enjoy them.

[@MuadhAbdalla624]

Hey John, just wanted to drop by and express how much your videos have impacted me as a young and new skater. Your authenticity and honesty really stand out in a sea of content creators. I love how you don't just showcase the perfect moments but also the struggles and challenges you face. It's incredibly motivating to see someone like you who embraces the ups and downs of skateboarding without sugarcoating it. Your videos have been a huge inspiration for me, and I'm grateful for the valuable lessons and encouragement you provide. Keep doing what you're doing, because you're making a real difference in the skateboarding community!

[@loganschaloske3435]

Hey John, you were one of the reasons I got into skating. Been at it for 3ish months now (sept 2023.) Been going through it mentally too recently. Not when it comes to skating. I don't know you and can't claim to but what I can do is tell you what's been helping me. Reaching out to friends, and family. It's really tempting to isolate yourself especially when you're feeling anxious. Just know its ok to lean on people. Keep shredding. It's gonna get better. Have a good one :)

[@ItsEdSanti]

Loved the video John, really appreciative of you being such an open book and giving additional insight into what a lot of people have to be going through as well. Really enjoyed watching this longform video and really hoping more come out of it. Just gotta say you're one of the reasons I want to create so bad, keep at it! And wishing the best to you and Sara!!

[@aaronclayborn4804]

Enjoying the long content John! Love seeing the thought process that plays out and the progression throughout the video. You give me the motivation to get back out there, and progress daily! Much love, man! ❤

[@kakigaijin]

hey john, try not to be too rough on yourself, as you get older things will start to go downhill. so dont push to hard back on yourself

[@mybedissoft]

Love these longer form type videos, found myself watching/listening while I had my morning session at the park. 👌🏻

[@Continuous_Struggle]

At first, I was like haha John Hill is mad he can't land the trick." Then I was like, "damn John is just a dude trying to get by in this messed up world just like everyone else."

[@carrlyn]

Watched the whole vid while folding clothes/trying to get my own life together and I’m not a skater (follow you through Sarah!) but truly love these types of longer more vulnerable vlogs. Also love the skating stuff too, I’ve learned a lot even though I’ll likely never pick up a board. Keep doing you, you contribute a lot more than you realize in so many diff ways. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@chriskelly6019]

I appreciate these kinds of videos its cool to see your internal battles as messed up as that sounds makes your content much more relatable and inspiring to see you break outta your comfort zone. Keep em coming and goodluck to you with all your adventures John!

[@blanesowen]

These types of sessions are why I never change my trucks unless they break. I’m so picky about how my trucks feel and don’t want to change that

[@emcyroyaleth900]

Loved hearing your thought process! I relate to your struggle. Please keep thinking deeply.

[@RandomInTheChat]

I love this...for so many different reasons.im going to take the time to reflect and possibly re watch . I will come back and share my thoughts below. If I had to some up my thoughts into one word it would be impactful.

[@psychogeuse9772]

Honestly your vibe get me coming back. idc what u do. Don’t feel like u have to do anything. Your free

[@mathewspider-maneigen4826]

John is that rare dude who never missed leg day ... 😂

[@regiscondet1361]

I needed this. Thank you! 👌🏽

[@TknoFilms]

Love the work John! i know things might be feeling overwhelming with the new things happening, and as someone who also struggles with anxiety sometimes when it comes to going to social situations I would say keep yourself well rested the best you can because the energy levels is what dictates (at least for me) how I'm able to engage with my day with a good mindset. Cold Shower and meditation do wonders for the body and mind and never neglect the fact that if you need rest, just rest. And just be wary that if you decide to push yourself beyond your usual routine, know that it might affect your next day and it's totally ok, but just dont punish yourself or anyone around you because of a "day off". Keep the good work

[@Dannibear12]

absolutely loved this video mate, would love to see more long form videos like this from you

[@warpigs330]

Love watching your parkour journey!

[@JadeAshleyDale]

Really enjoyed this type of video. Great work John

[@qcvrter1893]

Thank you for the video John. Really. It’s most appreciated just seeing another point of view and getting different perspectives on things. I hope the best for you and your family as well. You, as well as anyone else reading and even not reading this deserve to live a long, happy, prosperous life. Never stop doing YOU John.

[@DLivingston]

This super long video is exactly what I needed today. Just vibed out and felt very relatable.

[@MrDingo88]

I just logged on to my phone so I could comment. I'm only up to the kick/tail saga but amongst your turmoil I am gaining so much glee! You have squirrels playing in the background!!!! You might be raging at your trucks but life is still beautiful. We don't have squirrels where I am do it's truly awesome that there's a balance of awesome and frustration at the same time.

[@josiahamaze]

It's what we choose to focus on huh?

[@crashdoll91]

Been watching you since the onesies and those sandwiches you used to always make with your to do lists and I gotta say this might be one of my favourites of all time. Simply because it’s just raw. And what’s motivating is even when you were having a rough time you keep pushing through the entire video 🤍

[@ryanmccoy602]

Really enjoying these recent videos, and seeing your thought process going into sessions

[@scottwood1336]

Thank you for sharing. I appreciate it. I will be praying for you and your family! Families are hard(father of 3 over here), but there is joy in it for sure. God bless!

[@justinbishop7142]

🧡you John!! Just ordered your new graphic!! Can’t wait to set it up but it started snowing in upstate NY so hopefully I’ll get a few decent days to skate it

[@mannywilliams9943]

Love this style of video, and stay strong you anything that come your ways

[@urameshi473]

Really enjoyed this kind of raw more uncensored type of video I’m not sure if this is easier or harder to do for you but I would to see more like it every so often , but keep going man it all gets better

[@user-sz1ke7up4z]

thank you for all that maturity and those life lesson. I’m 14 and I be learning so much in life bc of you’re videos. thanks

[@Aurora11793]

love ur clothing style lately bro. literally looking awesome

[@Clarke1982]

Hey John, great vid and very relatable. I haven't made my way through the whole thing yet but will get there. Perhaps the move to LA and adjusting to the changes there is throwing your mental game off skating? It seems as though mental game is everything in sport and when we're in a good state of flow with life we get into a goods state of flow with sport. Also, with regards to bushings, maybe it's a good idea to just put in your favourite bushings into all new trucks. Like whatever your favourite brand are and then they'll always feel good. I like Bones mediums and just throw them on all new trucks. They don't seem to have hardly any break in period. Also with rails on the deck.. I switch mine over to new decks until I have slid them all the through to the screws. So long as care is taken screwing them out then the screws will last just fine.

[@HithisisDevin]

Been watching for years, every vid is amazing! Keep up the amazing content

[@skatedad9794]

Love the video. Put it on to watch while cooking dinner. Love the raw footage. Feels like behind the scenes

[@bwoodblu]

Was cool to hear your long form thoughts on life, i feel the same way about many things but in different contexts

[@Patsflyskateshop]

do more videos like this, been so entertained and even worked out with you.

[@dannyoconnor3923]

About 4 mins in and I see your DBZ manga collection. You’re my best friend now

[@SoapworthyProductions]

I do the same thing with almost everything. Constantly talking to myself, often negative and highly sarcastic, especially when I’m in the similar mood of this is just going to be a $h!t day. Mental illness is an ongoing battle and the struggle is real. You’ll have better days but really appreciate the long video showing how hard skating can be, almost all my tricks are a battle like this. Looking forward to the next couple long videos as well! _Keep Killin’ IT_

[@justinleviner464]

Best one yet. Love ya John- an old homie from back home ✌️

[@ryangoodrich4783]

This video has a lot of transparency for a lot of different types of people. We all have days where everything feels like an absolute struggle or things just don't match up the way you have. We don't always have to keep our chins up. Let yourself feel the emotion then not let it diminish your light. It's easy to dwell and let outside anxieties impact your thinking and mindset. Being a father is the feeling of the world on your shoulders. All you can do is be prepared for the weight and learn to grow with whatever comes your way.

[@LVDesert584]

Just wait till you have your newborn, forget everything!

[@incestduck1567]

So funny about the new truck problem because I just got some new thunder trucks and I can't get them loose enough. It's been so hard to line up for tricks or even pushing is weird sometimes. Also digging the longer raw video!

[@austinlee1990]

john you have been killin it the last hand full of years. keep it up bro. you rock.

[@mcgnarley99]

I really like this type of video! I would love more long videos like this!

[@moyeonkim]

Love that this was an hour long

[@magic629]

Really like this type of video from you, super refreshing!

[@ModdingMontagesHD]

I dont really skate anymore, but have been watching for over 6+ years now, just wanted to say ive struggled in the past and currently with your same thoughts and issues you were talking about, and ive had numerous people/friends come to me with the same or similar problems and thoughts man not knowing ive deeply been thinking about it aswell and trying to make sense of it all myself, crazy times its always like the majority of young people i know are getting hit with this same thing.

[@qahiko_]

i love this video bro , it makes me so comfortable about myself thank you man

[@AndrewSherwin]

the cop part gave me the anxiety, though. John's a silly person lol why in front of a police station?

[@sean8514]

So, 47yr old, still sk8 but not as often as I did in my teens & 20s. By trade I'm a woodworker and I used to make custom Pilates equipment in Boulder Co and I can tell you, the people who did Pilates have incredible core strength, if that is something you need or are looking for. Keep on trucking brother! You're doing great from most peoples perspective don't be too hard on yourself! Lookin' just lovely!🤙

[@SNIPEZONE23]

Thank you for sharing! Your comment has motivated me... I'm 35 and shopping for my first board this weekend!...used to play around as a kid so IDK how bad or easy it'll be picking it up "foreal" as an adult lol but you also confirmed that my strength training will also benefit me in skateboarding. Thanks again!

[@zaygibbs2973]

Love this type of video, keep it up you inspire me everyday, love you bro such an amazing human❤

[@RedRocketRenching]

Youre the bomb, keep killin it!

[@BigBossultrastealth]

i watched this before my morning sesh today and for some reason i was having a lot more fun then i usually do, maybe youre talk about mindset helped

[@MaxDavis-pu5ld]

Red Bull needs to sponsor this man if he's that tired 😂 Love your content ❤

[@josebanuelos8419]

You can’t be too hard on yourself for not doing the kickflip backtail well, especially given your breaks from skateboarding, it happens to everyone. Take a step back and ask yourself “what can i do differently?” “What am I doing wrong?” “How can this be better?” For this life shitt dude honestly what I’ve been doing is just letting life do its thing, there’s a qoute from Icelandic people “petta reddast” it means everything is going to work out in the end. What I think that means is to not worry too much, this life thing is out of our control, so therefore, just do you! Be yourself, and let this life thing work itself out, we’re Spirits having a human experience so just enjoy the ride, and continue the things that you love and make you feel alive!

[@CaliDabbin]

Love how in syn skaters can be. The moment I start noticing, I'm hermitizing or not feeling like being around others, 3 skaters I watch post videos expressing the same emotion. Maybe it's just spring. Can appreciate the long form more personal content, looking forward to more. CONGRATS on the baby. If your ever in the area, you should checkout Doris Davies park in the High Desert. (mornings is best) Stay well G

[@josiahamaze]

There's an epidemic of disorders due to the collapse of society

[@johna.7811]

The secret messages in those designs inspired me to do the music practice I have been putting off all day.

[@Zpoq]

The long forum is what I desire. Feels good seeing someone else wrestle themselves through every day to be their best. Couldn’t relate more to some of this.

[@trevorfacer8705]

This dude's as real as it gets. I appreciate the introspection and the logic. Maybe it's just because I've come to many of the same conclusions, but it feels genuine which is a rare thing on any social media platform. I also respect the constant hustle. That intrinsic motivation to do something is what separates those who achieve success.

[@josiahamaze]

Bro I woke up the next morning and I'll never forget this video. It spoke to my soul and that's what ART is. You're the man bro.

[@Myleek12345]

This long form is what we need from you John. Love this one gang, be gentle with yourself tho 🤞🏾

[@josiahamaze]

Enjoyed all of this bro. Better than a movie.

[@consume12]

For the upper body strength, take up surfing. Check out how to train for surfing, I wish I had done this when I started skating. Not only is it fun, but it helps your skating and surfing is upper body strength sport. It takes time just like skating but by being a good skater you already have an advantage. You have to work on other stuff but it would be dope to see videos of your surf progression. Lots of pro skaters surf, like Chico Brenes etc...Then you could link up with a pro surfer as a guest, he could teach you surf tips and then you could bring him to the skatepark and teach him skate tips. Free content ideas there man ;) !

[@christopherpattberg2431]

Training-wise i agree, but somehow i cant picture John liking the mood in a busy lineup like in LA.

[@consume12]

Yeah - thats true, its kinda of a different vibe but well its fun too. It is more work that skating... the cold water, the wetsuit etc. @@christopherpattberg2431

[@mercyrain4445]

absolutely love your videos man! keep doing what you're doing and Keep shining like the beautiful person you are! 😎✌

[@KGB_5]

You were a part of my childhood bro😂 I’ve been watching your vids lately feeling very nostalgic

[@kevinwolff8539]

I went through the same thing with my board feeling terrible. I eventually realized my board was too small and went from a 8.18 with Indy 139s to a 8.5 with Thunder 151s and it really made a huge difference. May be worth stepping up the size a little

[@yoshiluigi19]

John make sure you are breathing when you do your workouts, I get terrible headaches whenever I forget, and my friend has passed out once because he was holding his breath lol. Smoothly exhale when you are exerting effort (up part on a pushup) and inhale in between (down part). I love your content, keep killing it ❤️

[@Seeeeyaaaa]

Hi John! rail install tip for ya: go to your local hardware store & buy a small roll of double sided tape. Cut a strip to length of rail, and then bond it to the underside of the rail. Then just sit the rail where you want it to go on the deck. Drill some small pilot holes into the deck thru the rail holes and then screw in the screws. I usually do those with a screwdriver to prevent stripping the thread..Done! 👍 p.s congrats to you and the wife 🙌

[@joshuaaruiz]

I clicked on this video because of the title and the gnarly 1hr & 36min length lol, this is low-key kinda awesome tho. I love to see your process and how it is you approach everything.

[@23catz]

That kick tail on the box tho 😭 Edit: 30 min in I thought it was over I'm like wait there's more?? Amazing vlog, pod , skate sess vibe this video! Got John Hill to listen the first hour at work today thank you lol🙏

[@amiekp3084]

Thanks. You're right about samey KZbin, so thank you cause I appreciated! This being real and informative!

[@loganmyers3176]

are u doing ok mentally john?

[@AndrewSherwin]

he promised us he was gonna get a therapist at 1:17:40 make sure we hold him to it lol maybe he just needs to microdose something I donno don't forget to drink water.

[@jeffmanna4199]

Hour long John hill video let’s go!!!!

[@MirabelleJien]

The thing you say about how in skating you could wake up one day and it just doesn’t really work out interestingly enough has some parallels to music. In my flute practice sometimes the quality of sound is just trash or I’ll trip over my own fingers, but I’ve done this for over ten years now and I know every little thing I’m supposed to do to fix my issues but they won’t go away. Next day comes around and everything is perfectly normal again

[@dlurkymang]

I am soooooOoOoOoOoOooOoOoOo fucking ready for 1.5 hours of John

[@hamburgerzzzzz]

Love this long-form content! Need to practice muscle ups on a pull-up bar

[@Panda_trax]

Awesome real life content. Love how real, vulnerable you are and aren’t afraid to show what a lot of KZbinrs tend to hide and disguise. I watched the whole 1:36:42 thank you for inspiration

[@yato9407]

I love your content man, Your style is amazing too

[@sephmcfierce]

19:20 How many squats did you do earlier? I know squats take a lot out of both my muscles and central nervous system.

[@JubreTV]

Keep the 1 hour vids comin! ❤

[@franciscoramirez9867]

We should all be grateful to JUST HAVE food, shelter, and our health🙏anything beyond that is a bonus

[@L.O.C.1990]

That’s badass I enjoy your skatepark reviews we had to build our own skatepark as kids loved it

[@AdventuresInSkateboarding]

Solid honest video. Hard to say much more than that.

[@nickjscott2]

Hour long John video?!??! Never heard of that!!!!! Let’s go buddy. Keep up the hard work and good vibes. So happy for you bro

[@TyphloLove]

the audio in your videos is insanely asmr. so smooth.

[@kakigaijin]

yo these long videos are fire

[@fearthereaper8e]

Love the 4RUNNER!

[@benpeters9289]

I've been skating for 23+ years, the past 3 years I helped crowdfund, helped with design ideas and build a skatepark in a small town I moved to 3 years ago. After the park got completed and opened I ended up with my first ever injury from skateboarding. I shattered and dislocated my left wrist. Ended up needing surgery to get a plate and screws and have been out for about 5 months. They said I won't feel 100% normal until about a year post surgery. I was in this weird state of falling out of love with skateboarding at the time but continued to push myself to go to the park and skate anyway. It was a "one more try" trick attempt too. After the injury I have became so mad at something I truly do love but I feel the passion has gone away. I am not sure what happened or what can get that passion back but seeing the struggle elsewhere kinda helps me feel that it happens to everyone. It sucks but it happens. Hopefully one day I'll feel that love I did again but when frustration and anger is all I have while skating I realize its time to take a break for a bit. Thanks for keepin it real John.

[@hobes9799]

Thank you! Just my bias but i love longer form videos... Sometimes even just to skate and chill too which i dont feel works with a video under 20 mins.

[@hobes9799]

Damn the part where you kickflip back tail is so real... enjoyed that

[@hobes9799]

Damn John is so good

[@stefanomulas9461]

I really enjoyed this type of long, very interesting vlog, also because we see things that we usually don't see in short video

[@IsaiahLove-go2kx]

We Love you John Hill !

[@yodecahedron9915]

Hey john , great blog ,best ive seen in a while , i just want to mention that the bicycle machine needs the seat to be higher , i think it can be bad for your knees , your legs should almost extend all the way but not so much that your hips rock . I enjoy your content ,this might be my first comment lol.