GBASO is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization
Our mission at GBASO is to develop our youth’s social, physical, and leadership skills by partnering with the community to provide access to action sports and educational opportunities.
Meet Rory, a 9-year-old skateboarder whose journey at GBASO has been nothing short of inspiring. Rory has not only honed his skateboarding skills but also discovered a newfound confidence, strength, and a unique way to express himself. This transformation extends beyond the skatepark, contributing to his success in everyday life.
But Rory’s story isn’t just about skateboarding. Alongside his father, Ross, Rory has found a second family at GBASO – a community that embraces everyone with open arms, regardless of age or skill level.
Mental Health Benefits
Action sports are a gateway to improved mental well-being for youth. At GBASO, our youth development programs harnesses the unique benefits of skateboarding and other action sports to boost confidence, reduce stress, and build resilience.
Overcome Fears: Kids learn to face challenges head-on, developing mental toughness and coping skills.
Build Confidence: Mastering new tricks and skills translates to increased self-assurance in all areas of life.
Reduce Stress: Physical activity and the rush of endorphins help combat anxiety and depression.
Foster Community: Connect with like-minded peers in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Physical Benefits
Did you know that skateboarding is an excellent form of physical exercise that can contribute to overall fitness and well-being? A study found that skateboarding can burn between 150-500 calories per hour.
Skateboarding also improves balance, coordination, and flexibility, which are crucial for overall physical health and injury prevention. And skateboarding can enhance cardiovascular fitness, as it involves continuous movement and engages multiple muscle groups.
Additional Benefits
Research has shown that skateboarding and other action sports can have positive effects on mental fortitude, coping skills, and psychological well-being.
A study involving skateboarders and snowboarders revealed that action sports athletes scored higher than reported norms on certain coping skills, such as dealing with adversity and goal-setting/mental preparation.
Additionally, studies have explored the use of specific techniques in action sports to overcome fear and build confidence:
Visualization: Athletes use mental rehearsal of tricks or maneuvers to reduce anxiety and improve performance.
Positive self-talk: This technique helps athletes focus on their strengths and build self-assurance.
Gradual progression: Slowly increasing the difficulty of tricks helps build confidence and reduce fear of injury or failure.
Imagery: Action sports athletes use imagery to practice scenarios mentally, creating a “mental blueprint” for successful landings.
These studies suggest that engaging in skateboarding and other action sports can be beneficial for developing resilience, overcoming fear, and building confidence through the application of various psychological skills and techniques.