Skateboarding is much more than just doing tricks—it’s a vibrant blend of art, sound, and even math. Two exciting stories show us how creative expression brings together different worlds in fun and surprising ways.
The Power of Skatesound: Learning Through Noise
A recent study from the University of Exeter by Kerra Maddern shows that sound plays a very important role in skateboarding. (Maddern, 2025) Skateboarders don’t just watch themselves on video—they hear the noise of wheels on pavement and feel every scrape and thud. This sound helps them:
Check their tricks: The right sound means the trick worked!
Judge surfaces: A certain noise tells them if the pavement is good for skating.
Connect socially: Sharing these sounds can bring skateboarders together, even if the noise sometimes bothers others.
The study explains something called the "skatesound paradox." Skateboarders know their noise can be annoying, yet it is also a key part of how they learn and enjoy skateboarding. For many, especially those who feel different or face challenges with sensory overload, these sounds help them relax and even connect with others.
A Special Event: When Jazz and Skateboarding Collide
Back in 2016, we were part of an amazing event at YoungArts in Miami during Black History Month. This event celebrated the union of two unique art forms: jazz and skateboarding. Although jazz and skateboarding come from different worlds, they share one big idea: improvisation—the art of making something new on the spot.
Mark Gonzales, a skateboarding legend, once combined the free spirit of jazz with his skating in a project called Video Days. His style reminds us that both skating and jazz are about taking risks and expressing yourself.
Jason Moran, a talented jazz pianist and National YoungArts alum, brought his love for music and skating together by performing live on a ramp built just for the event. Microphones captured the sound of skateboards hitting the ramp, turning each trick into part of the music.
The event featured a lively Salon Series discussion where Moran and Gonzales talked about how both jazz and skateboarding are built on trial, error, and a lot of creativity. As Gonzales explained, “In skating, you try something, maybe fall, then try again until you get it right.” This idea is just like jazz, where musicians improvise until they find the perfect note.
This blend of skateboarding and jazz showed that freedom of expression can bring different worlds together, encouraging everyone to try new things and learn from mistakes.
Art and Math in Skateboarding at Surf Skate Science
At Surf Skate Science, we call our special focus Art and Math—the A and M in STEAM.
Here’s how these ideas play a role in skateboarding:
Art: Just like jazz, skateboarding is about creativity and expression. The unique moves on a ramp and the way a skater adapts to the environment is a form of living art.
Math: Every push, jump, and trick involves math—even if you don’t see it! Think about balance, angles, and timing. The patterns and rhythms you hear (the "skatesound") are similar to the beats in music and the structured improvisation in jazz.
Both art and math come together on the skateboard, showing us that learning is not just found in books—it’s all around us.
A Lesson Learned: Imagine, Create, and Experiment!
Whether you are in kindergarten or high school or beyond, remember that you can blend your interests to create something new and exciting.
Here are a few tips:
Explore Your Senses: Listen to the sounds around you—whether it’s the hum of a skateboard on concrete, your favorite song, or even the rhythm in nature.
Try New Things: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Every mistake is a chance to learn, just like in skateboarding or jazz.
Connect Your Passions: See how art, math, and music can work together. Maybe you can draw your favorite skateboard trick, write a story about a jazz musician, or even create a math puzzle inspired by the rhythm of skateboarding.
Express Yourself: Remember, the best ideas come from trying new things. Like Jason Moran and Mark Gonzales, let your creativity shine through every challenge and every fall.
Skateboarding, jazz, and the creative mix of art and math show us that life is a series of exciting, improvised moments. So grab your board, tune in to the sounds around you, and let your imagination take you on a journey where every fall is just a step toward success.
Stay curious, keep creating, and remember: the world is your canvas, and every sound can be a part of your masterpiece!
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