The transition from autumn to winter usually signals a time to pack away the skateboard and head indoors. However, a growing movement of riders is turning tradition on its head by bringing autumn skateboarding styles and concepts straight into the Christmas season. Melding the crisp, technical precision of fall skating with the festive atmosphere of December creates a unique hybrid experience. Whether tackling dry urban spots or adopting specific autumn-born skate subgenres, continuing your progression through the winter holidays offers a fresh perspective on the sport. Embracing the Autumn Aesthetic in December
Autumn skateboarding is defined by its unique environment. Riders often contend with cooler temperatures, crunchy leaves, and a distinct aesthetic that prioritizes cozy layers and earthy tones. Bringing this vibe into Christmas means adapting your mindset to the changing landscape. Holiday lighting displays, empty schoolyards during winter break, and quiet public squares become your new canvas. The aesthetic transition is seamless, as the flannel shirts and durable beanies worn during October and November fit perfectly into the festive December wardrobe, keeping you warm without sacrificing mobility.
The key to executing this crossover is finding the right terrain. While autumn skating often involves navigating leaf-covered sidewalks, Christmas skating requires scouting locations that remain clear of heavy snow and ice. Look for covered multi-story parking garages, architectural overhangs, or public plazas that benefit from regular maintenance. These spots allow you to maintain the technical, ground-level focus of autumn street skating even when the surrounding landscape is covered in holiday frost. Technical Flips and Low-Impact Flatground
During the peak of summer, skaters often launch themselves down massive stair sets and handrails. Autumn usually brings a shift toward low-impact, highly technical flatground sessions. The cooler air makes joints stiffer, making a focused flatground session the ideal way to spend a December afternoon. Christmas break provides the perfect block of uninterrupted time to master the tricks you started practicing during the fall months.
Prioritize fundamental flip tricks, manual combinations, and ledge variations. Working on kickflips, heelflips, and shuv-its on a crisp December morning builds exceptional board control. The lower risk of injury on flatground ensures you stay healthy for holiday family gatherings while still pushing your skill level. The physical exertion keeps your core temperature elevated, turning a chilly winter day into a highly productive training session. Transition Skating and the Indoor Alternative
When the outdoor elements become too harsh to mimic the dry days of autumn, transition skating in covered or indoor parks becomes the ultimate holiday retreat. Autumn skating often emphasizes flow and lines, tracking smoothly from one obstacle to the next. You can replicate this flowing sensation by taking to the mini-ramp or bowl at a local indoor facility during the Christmas holidays.
Mini-ramps are highly forgiving and offer a rhythmic, continuous style of skating that mirrors the relaxed pace of late autumn sessions. Spending your Christmas break learning frontside smith grinds or perfecting your rock-to-fakes provides a deep sense of accomplishment. Indoor parks also foster a strong sense of community during the holidays, as local riders gather to escape the cold, share tips, and celebrate the season through a shared passion. Cruising the Holiday Light Route
One of the most rewarding ways to blend autumn-style longboarding or cruising with Christmas cheer is a night skate through festive neighborhoods. Autumn cruising is all about enjoying the scenery and the crisp air. In December, this translates to mapping out a route through areas renowned for their elaborate holiday light displays and Christmas decorations.
Swap your hard street wheels for larger, softer cruiser wheels that easily roll over stray twigs, pebbles, and minor winter debris. A smooth, quiet setup allows you to glide effortlessly through illuminated streets. This activity is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, focusing on the sensory experience of the cold air, the glowing lights, and the smooth roll of your bearings. It turns a standard skate session into a memorable holiday tradition. Maintaining Your Setup for Winter Conditions
Skating in December requires a higher level of board maintenance than skating in the dry months of autumn. Residual moisture from melted frost or road salt can quickly ruin bearings and waterlog a wooden deck. To keep your autumn-inspired sessions going through Christmas, develop a strict post-skate maintenance routine.
Always wipe down your deck, trucks, and grip tape with a dry cloth immediately after a session. Avoid riding through puddles or on damp ground to protect your bearings from rusting. Applying a light lubricant to your bearings before heading out can provide an extra layer of defense against the elements. Taking care of your equipment ensures that your favorite setup remains crisp, responsive, and ready for action well into the new year.
Leave a Reply