The first thing 9-year-old Phoenix Nakaishi learned about skateboarding was how to fall. The second was how to get back up.
“I take a deep breath, and I try again,” he says. “Because what I want to do is master the trick. And if I want to do it, then I’m going to have to take some risks.”
Phoenix's first time skating the spine: He fell right after but was so proud of his accomplishment.
Skateboarders appear fearless and daring as they spin and flip through the air, but behind every trick is real courage and fierce determination. They often repeat tricks hundreds of times before landing them. The cycle of trial and failure might be frustrating, but it also builds critical thinking, problem solving, and resilience – all things Phoenix’s mom, Island Scene writer Summer Nakaishi, has noticed.
“One week, Phoenix wouldn’t feel comfortable going down a high ramp. And that’s OK,” Summer says. “But a few weeks later, he’s able to tackle it, and it doesn’t feel so hard anymore.”
Fear may be inevitable, but Phoenix’s determination to learn new skills helps him get through it, along with all his protective gear: a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.
“There are tricks I used to think were scary, like going down a 6-foot drop,” he says. “It’s pretty hard in the moment, but once you get started, you get the hang of it. It just takes practice and patience to learn.”
Small board, big start
Phoenix was just 6 years old when he started skateboarding. He borrowed his little sister’s small plastic board and practiced tricks while holding onto a railing outside his home.
“I wanted to learn because I saw skateboarders doing tricks, and they looked really cool,” he says.
Phoenix's first time on a skateboard.
His parents enrolled him in classes shortly after, where he’s since learned skills like pumping on a half-pipe and dropping in on a six- or seven-foot ramp. He’s currently working on the ollie, a jumping technique that launches both rider and board into the air.
“Every class I get to learn and try the skills again that I couldn’t master,” Phoenix says. “It’s an opportunity to keep trying.”
Life lessons on four wheels
As Phoenix’s skateboarding skills grow, so does his confidence.
“He was always a cautious kid, but skateboarding has helped him see the kind of things he’s capable of doing,” Summer says. “It’s taught him how to take safe risks and do the best he can. Because you can’t fake your skill or go into it halfway. You have to commit, trust your body, and trust that you’re going to be OK.”
Phoenix dropping in.
Summer has also seen that confidence extend to Phoenix’s life outside of skateboarding. Besides breakdancing, hip-hop classes, and gymnastics, he’s also learning how to swim. A year ago, he wasn’t comfortable in the water, but recently, he’s been less fearful of jumping into the deep end.
“I remind him that just like skateboarding, it was hard, but now you can do it,” Summer says. “I tell him he’s shown that he can learn something and accomplish things. So, we do actually use skateboarding as a metaphor for how he can keep trying and overcoming challenges.”
Learning side by side
Phoenix isn’t the only one in the Nakaishi family learning about resilience through skateboarding. His younger sister, Indie, took up the sport after watching her brother skate.
“I saw Phoenix do it, and it looked like fun,” she says. “When I started, I couldn’t even go down one stair. Now I can go down three.”
Indie skateboarding with all her protective gear.
Indie knows all too well that falling is part of the learning process; she recently had to get stitches after falling while practicing an ollie.
“I’m happy I didn’t give up after stitches,” Indie says. “I don’t give up because I want to keep going. I know I’ll get it someday.”
Overcoming the drop
The fear of falling may often cross the kids’ minds when they skate down a steep ramp or perform a new trick. But the ability to master a skill they’ve been working on for weeks or even months makes their hard work worth it.
“When I skateboard, I feel a little nervous and a little excited,” Phoenix says. “Because I’m nervous that I might fall. But I’m excited that I have an opportunity to try new things.”
That thrill of learning has helped shape his love for skateboarding, as well as his growing confidence.
“Anyone can skateboard if they try. Just believe in yourself,” he says. “You can do it. And if you fall, keep trying.”
“Skateboarding teaches you to never give up,” Indie says. “Because sometimes you get scars, but for some reason, you just want to keep going.”
For Phoenix and Indie, courage isn’t about failing. It’s about getting back on the board and trying again.
The sibling bond!
Find your movement
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