By Jake Powell
Skating is more than just a pastime; for Micah Rivera, it’s a lifestyle. This Dana Hills skater shared his story about how he got into skating, what inspires him, and how the new San Juan skate park has already started shaping the community. Rivera first stepped on a skateboard back in preschool, but he says his true skating journey began in 2019. Since then, skating has become a big part of his life. Inspired by his older brother, who has been skating for years, he decided to dive into the sport and hasn’t looked back since. When asked about his preferences, he admitted he’s most drawn to street skating: “I prefer street skating, but I’m trying to get into parks and bowls,” he said. His favorite trick right now is a nollie flip, but the hardest trick he has learned so far is a hard flip. The very first trick he ever learned was simply dropping in, and he states that he felt happy to accomplish this. Style is something every skater develops as they skate. For him, it’s all about balance. He states, “I like being flowy and chill, because if I’m too aggressive, it is harder to control.” This approach shapes the way he moves on a board and makes skating feel more natural instead of a forced movement. As for skate spots, he explained “Anywhere with a good ledge or good stairs,” though he admits Long Beach is one of his top picks. He’s also a fan of Chocolate boards, a brand known for its great quality. When it comes to inspiration, his favorite professional skater is Tyshawn Jones, who’s made a name for himself with powerful tricks and a raw style. Rivera states that “Probably to be like my older brother” is how he sums up his first spark of motivation in the sport, showing how family played an important role in him starting skating. At the end of the interview, we asked his opinion on the new skate park in San Juan. Rivera shared his thoughts on the brand-new San Juan skate park: “I think it’s really nice. They’ve been trying to get it built for a super long time, and I’m glad I have a local skate park now because the nearest one was in San Clemente before this one. It’s very clean and nice.” For him, skating is more than just a sport; it’s creativity and expression. And with the new skate park now open, his journey is only just starting. Rivera thinks the park is a great spot to practice and hang out with friends, and he hopes it gives more people in the area a chance to get into skating. He also mentioned that having a place nearby makes it easier to skate more often and meet other skaters from the community.
Photo Provided by Rain Pryor