I get caught up in the little things sometimes. The other day, while lacing up my shoes before a skate (left first, always!), a question popped into my head: "Do I have any pre-skate rituals?" Well, it turns out I do. It got me thinking are these just my personal quirks, or is there something more to them?
Turns out there might be some scientific backing to these seemingly random habits. I definitely have my sock preferences (tall white crew socks), and a trusty pair of ripped Volcom chinos that just feel...lucky. We've all had those days where a wrong sock choice throws off your entire session, I did and I ended up with a fractured wrist.
Here's the interesting part: psychologists say routines can actually boost focus and confidence, which are essential for conquering new tricks. A study I found in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology even showed that athletes who performed pre-competition rituals felt more prepared and in control. Pretty cool, right?
Beyond Routines: The World of Skate Superstitions
Some skaters take it a step further, embracing full-blown superstitions. Take Andrew Reynolds, a skateboarding legend. Before attempting a new trick for a video part, he has a ritual – three taps on the board followed by a call out to the filmers. He says it clears his mind, almost like a mental "cache refresh" before tackling something scary.
Paul Rodriguez, Street League Champion, takes a different approach, offering a pre-trick prayer into his cap. Whether it's specific actions or a personal mantra, these rituals create a sense of control and focus for these skaters.
Do They Work? The Power of Belief
Look, there's no scientific proof that my lucky socks will guarantee a good roll. But the psychological impact of routines and superstitions is undeniable. So next time you find yourself reaching for your lucky shoes, embrace it! It might just be your secret weapon.