Sound plays a major and often touching role in skateboarders’ connection to their sport, according to a recent study.
Sound plays a major and often touching role in skateboarders’ connection to their sport, according to a recent study.
Skateboarders hone their ability to attune to the sounds of urban environments. They not only hear but also feel these sounds, which indicates that watching videos or seeing images alone fails to capture the full essence of skateboarding. They rely on sound to gauge the success of their moves, assess the suitability of surfaces, and as a form of social interaction. For some, the sensory intensity of skateboarding provides a therapeutic escape and fosters a sense of community with other skaters nearby.
However, the study uncovers a “skatesound paradox,” revealing that skateboarders are mindful of the disruptive effects their sounds may have on people around them, and they sometimes modify their behavior to minimize this impact.
Participants in the research expressed that the sounds associated with skateboarding could be both unpleasant and delightful. For many, the auditory experience is fundamental to their enjoyment of the sport and serves as a healing sensory tool, especially for those who identify as neurodiverse.
The results showcase how this visually dynamic sport is rich in sensory experiences that cannot be appreciated through mere observation. Skateboarders truly hear and feel their actions and can understand and appreciate the actions of others through the sounds they create.
Dr. Paul O’Connor from the University of Exeter conducted interviews with 18 adult skateboarders aged between 19 and 51, all with an average skateboarding experience of 12 years. The least experienced skateboarder, at 22, had three years of experience, whereas a 44-year-old participant had been skating for 36 years. The group included seven individuals from the UK, three from the USA, three from France, two from Canada, and one each from Sweden and Germany.
The study highlights that skatesound can foster an inclusive environment for those who may feel alienated by more structured sports. Three participants wore hearing aids, although only one utilized them while skateboarding. Additionally, four participants reported diagnoses placing them on a sensory spectrum related to autism, ADHD, or both.
Dr. O’Connor noted: “Skateboarders expressed their fondness for the sounds of skateboarding but also characterized it as noisy and harsh. Many described the challenging sounds of the sport with vivid sensory language, using terms like ‘clattering,’ ‘sounds like drills and angle grinders,’ ‘an irritant,’ ‘the clinking of beer bottles,’ ‘bone on concrete,’ ‘the rolling, rough, smooth tickling in my ear,’ and ‘loud in the best way.'”
“As a result, they sometimes opted not to skate near residential areas or in loud tunnels, or they felt overwhelmed by the repetitious sounds of skateparks.”
“Skateboarders are aware that their noise can be bothersome, yet they also appreciate its significance. So the next time you find yourself annoyed by the sounds of skateboarding in your neighborhood, remember that the skaters recognize their noise. You might also consider that they are likely engaged in deep sensory learning, finding a calming focus in today’s chaotic minds, and, above all, bonding with friends.”
One notably skilled skateboarder, Alfie, shared that tuning into the rhythm of skatesound helped him become more empathetic. He explained how his sensory involvement in skateboarding allowed him to manage anxiety, discover joy, and increase awareness of his neurodiversity.
About half of the participants opposed skateboarding with music through headphones, feeling it was anti-social and detracted from the community aspect of the sport. Gavin felt so strongly on this matter that he would approach individuals wearing headphones while skating, encouraging them to join him and his friends to engage socially. Eddy remarked that he couldn’t envision skateboarding with earbuds due to safety concerns.
Dr. O’Connor explained: “Those who did choose to wear headphones had various reasons for it. For example, 22-year-old Andy sought music to enhance his focus and motivation, while Fiona used headphones as a protective barrier when she was often the only female skater, boosting her confidence. Conversely, Steph wore headphones to manage the overwhelming sensory environment common in indoor skateparks.”
The study, conducted in collaboration with Professor Brian Glenney and Dr. Max Boutin, also utilized elements from Boutin’s texturologies art installation. This interactive experience allows individuals to explore the sensory landscape of skateboarding through video, sound, and touch. It emphasizes that a skateboard is not merely a piece of sports equipment but also serves as an ear beneath one’s feet.
