What are the benefits of Golf to Skateboarding? And do Skateboarders play Golf?
At first glance, skateboarding and golf might seem worlds apart. One is a fast-paced, adrenalin-fueled sport often associated with rebellious culture, while the other is a calm, strategic game known for its patience and precision. However, there are surprising ways that golf can benefit skateboarders, both physically and mentally. Plus, a few well-known skateboarders are turning to golf as a way to complement their skateboarding careers.
The Surprising Physical Benefits of Golf for Skateboarders
- Core Strength and Balance
Both golf and skateboarding require excellent balance and core strength. While the dynamic movements in skateboarding build balance in a fast-paced environment, golf teaches you to engage your core muscles in a different way. Swinging a golf club strengthens the muscles in your lower back, abs, and hips—areas that skateboarders rely on for balance and control. Strengthening these muscle groups through golf can improve a skater’s ability to stay centered on their board, especially during tricks.
- Mental Focus and Patience
Skateboarding often rewards persistence and fearlessness, but it also requires intense focus. Golf, on the other hand, is all about mental discipline. The slow pace of the game forces you to concentrate on every movement, teaching patience and precision. Skateboarders who play golf can apply these mental skills to skating by staying calm under pressure and perfecting the subtleties of their tricks. Golf’s focus on mindfulness can help skaters develop a more controlled, thoughtful approach to their skate sessions.
- Injury Recovery and Longevity
Skateboarding is hard on the body, with falls and injuries being common. Golf provides a lower-impact activity that helps keep the body active without the risk of severe injury. Many professional skateboarders have turned to golf during recovery periods because it allows them to stay in motion and maintain fitness while giving their joints and muscles time to heal. This low-impact exercise can also extend the longevity of a skateboarding career by reducing wear and tear on the body.
- Relaxation and Stress Relief
Skateboarding often comes with high-intensity thrills, but it also involves a lot of frustration—landing a new trick can take hours of practice and failure. Golf offers a peaceful counterbalance. The serene setting of a golf course, along with the slower pace of play, provides an opportunity to unwind. Many skateboarders find that playing golf helps them clear their minds and relax, making them more mentally prepared for their next skateboarding session.
Famous Skateboarders Who Play Golf
A few professional skateboarders have embraced golf as a complement to their careers, recognizing the benefits it offers to both body and mind.
- Tony Hawk
Tony Hawk is not only one of the most legendary skateboarders of all time, but he’s also an avid golfer. He’s spoken about how golf helps him relax and how he enjoys the mental challenge it presents. Hawk has even participated in celebrity golf tournaments, showing that he’s just as competitive on the green as he is in the skatepark.
- Andrew Reynolds
Andrew Reynolds, another iconic figure in skateboarding, is known for his technical tricks and smooth style. What many fans might not know is that Reynolds has picked up golf in his spare time. He’s said that it helps him stay focused and gives him a way to wind down after intense skating sessions.
- Eric Koston
Eric Koston, one of the most influential street skaters in the world, is another skateboarder who enjoys playing golf. Koston has often posted about his love for golf on social media, and he’s even mentioned how it provides a nice balance to the physical demands of skateboarding. His dedication to the game shows that you don’t have to choose between the two sports—you can enjoy both!
- Paul Rodriguez
Paul Rodriguez, or “P-Rod,” is a well-known professional skateboarder with multiple X Games medals to his name. He’s also an enthusiastic golfer. For Rodriguez, golf offers a peaceful escape and an opportunity to stay active while giving his body a break from the more punishing demands of skateboarding.
The Blend of Skateboarding and Golf
While skateboarding and golf may seem like unlikely companions, the combination of the two has proven beneficial for many skaters. From improving core strength and balance to enhancing mental focus and providing a low-impact activity for recovery, golf offers surprising advantages for skateboarders.
As skateboarding continues to grow and evolve, more skaters may look to golf as a way to find balance, both physically and mentally. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby to complement your skating or simply want to try something different, golf might just be worth a shot.
And if you're hitting the streets for a skate session, don’t forget to check out our streetwear and skate hardware at Dissent Skate Shop.