WHAT ARE ACTION SPORTS
As opposed to traditional sports like baseball and soccer, action sports are about a lifestyle. They started as a subculture and an alternative activity, but have gained popularity over time. Unlike mainstream sports, action sports have no defined playing field or court. They are a direct product of the physical environment in which they take place. Action sports require the athlete to constantly adapt to their changing terrain and capture the creativity inherent in activities where there are no rules, just personal style.
WHY ACTION SPORTS
STOKED uses action sports – surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding – as a catalyst for change in young people. They give an athlete a sense of fearlessness and empowerment. Action sports provide perfect framework for self-expression, self-discipline, creativity, and interpersonal skills, all of which are key to succeed in today’s world.
When an action sports athlete goes out to ride, there is no game or opponent; it’s you, your board, and the environment. As with many things, the more you practice, the better you get; but in action sports there is no endpoint, no winner or loser, because you as an individual can never stop improving as long as you keep getting up when you fall down.
These are three things young people gain from action sports:
Resilience
When you fall, you have to get back up. To constantly improve, you must accept that there will be many falls. Through this process, you gain the confidence and ability to overcome any obstacles.
Self-Reliance
The feeling of independence and knowledge that you can create your own path. You trust yourself to make smart decisions, take healthy risks, and believe in your abilities.
Community
You are a part of larger society and have to give back to both the community and the people in it. You don’t compete with others, you compete against yourself to make sure you’re the best for the community. When you rise, we all rise.
