Guest Interview Luci

Hi, what is your name and how old are you?

I’m Luci Lee and I’m 33 years young.

Tell us a little about yourself, what do you do, why you started to skateboard and how long have you been skating?

I’ve always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie from loving rollercoasters, riding motorbikes and going on adventures. You wouldn’t find me jogging, cycling or at the gym so I needed something to get me outdoors that had an edgy fun element to it. I now attempt adulting in an office job in London and I picked up a skateboard for the first time 6 months ago.

How does it feel to do something as cool as skateboarding?

You feel absolutely on top of the world when you nail that first manoeuvre or trick and seeing progress from day one is just an incredible feeling. I’m hooked!

What do your friends and family think about it?

There’s always a hint of surprise in their reactions but always followed by a smile. Skateboarding still seems to carry a rebel teen image but in reality its full of such a wide spectrum of people from all ages, genders and lifestyles.

Have you had any injuries since you started? And if so has it deterred you from skateboarding in any way?

Nothing too serious – I did fall and landed on the back of my head once but fortunately I was wearing a helmet. My cousin was a pro-skater (blades) in the 90’s and had a nasty accident a few years ago and wasn’t wearing a helmet which led to him being in a coma for a few months. He’s made an amazing recovery, is now back on skates, and campaigns for #lidssavelives so I have a personal constant reminder that wearing safety gear should always be considered.

How has skating changed you as a person?

I am definitely more confident and hold more confidence in myself knowing that I’ve set out to personally achieve something (even just getting to confidently ride around on my board near other people) and actually achieving and smashing those goals alongside many many other goals. I’ve met some amazing friends through skateboarding too and their friendships have such a positive effect on me.

What do you think about skateboarding being in the Olympics now?

I think it’s fantastic. Skateboarding isn’t just about technical tricks and transition skating but an activity that really teaches perseverance, commitment, joy and community like any other sport – what’s not to love and encourage about that?

What’s your opinion on the girls skate scene now?

I never really had an opinion on this before nor did I even think about it when I first brought my first skateboard. It was just something I’ve always wanted to do but then again I’ve never let my gender stop me from doing the things I want to do. Having said that, from my experience in the last 6 months, the girls skate scene has been a hugely positive one. There certainly is a lot going on to facilitate female skaters with girls nights, girl group lessons and skate jams to provide a non-intimidating environment for girls. Genuinely, everyone I’ve met at these events has been so welcoming and friendly – more so than any other community I’ve been involved with (general skate events and not just girls nights!).

Where do you see yourself in the skate scene in 10 years time?

When I’m in my mid-40’s I want to be able to do at least 100 different tricks! Right now, I can count the ones I’ve landed at least once (that counts right?!) on one hand. Haha! But mostly, I can see myself being as motivated as I am now, if not more, to keep improving and practicing