WHY SKATEBOARDING IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE (AND MOST FUN!) "SPORT" OUT OF ALL SPORTS.

• Posted on 14 April 2025
• By George Stix
• Posted in skateboarding, SKATEBOARDING IS FUN, STIXSGVSKATEACADEMY
• 0

WHY SKATEBOARDING IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE (AND MOST FUN!) "SPORT" OUT OF ALL SPORTS.

When it comes to sports, people often gravitate toward what their community plays or what they see on TV. Football on Friday nights, basketball in the gym, or baseball in the park. But if you're looking for something truly affordable, insanely fun, and endlessly creative, there is no competition: skateboarding wins every time.

Skateboarding is often misunderstood. To outsiders, it looks like a reckless hobby, but to those in the culture, it's a lifestyle built around progression, expression, and community. And best of all, it doesn’t break the bank. Unlike most sports that require extensive gear or access to specialized facilities, skateboarding thrives on simplicity.

Take ice hockey, for instance. The average cost to equip a youth player with decent gear (helmet, pads, skates, sticks) can easily exceed $500, not to mention monthly ice time fees and league dues. Ice isn’t free, and access to rinks is limited depending on your location. Compare that to skateboarding: a solid complete setup might cost around $100-$150, and you can skate a curb, schoolyard, or parking lot for free.

Baseball may seem simpler, but the costs add up quickly. Bats, gloves, cleats, and team uniforms aren’t cheap. Add in tournament fees, travel expenses, and batting cages, and it’s easy to spend hundreds each season. Skateboarding? Once you’ve got your board, the streets are open. You don’t need permission, a league, or anyone else’s schedule.

Football is another heavy-hitter. Helmets, pads, cleats, and jerseys are just the beginning. Even in school-funded programs, parents often shell out money for camps, travel, and team fees. Not to mention the physical toll of repetitive full-contact hits. Skateboarding might be tough on the shins, but it’s not sending you into a scrum every weekend.

Rugby, while less gear-intensive, is still team-based and requires field access and consistent group participation. It’s intense, exhilarating, but geographically limited in many areas. Skateboarding, in contrast, is everywhere. No fields, no time slots, no coach. Just your board and whatever terrain you can find.

Let’s talk about tennis. A sport of finesse and skill, yes, but one that requires a court and often lessons or clubs. Court availability is an issue in many urban areas. Good rackets and shoes aren’t cheap either. Skateboarding develops similar coordination and timing, but doesn’t require you to book a spot at the country club.

Even something as wholesome as swimming can rack up costs. Pools require memberships or drop-in fees. Competitive swimming? Add in goggles, suits, caps, coaching, and early mornings. Skateboarding lets you progress at your own pace, whenever you want, without chlorine in your eyes or lane assignments.

Volleyball? Fun, no doubt, but again, you need a net, a court, and often an entire squad. While it may be low-cost recreationally, it still relies on space and other people. A skateboarder, however, only needs a patch of concrete and an idea.

Soccer is often heralded as the world’s most accessible sport—and for good reason. A ball and some open space can go a long way. But even soccer has its team dynamics and league fees when taken seriously. Skateboarding retains that low barrier to entry while being 100% customizable to the rider.

Basketball is a close rival to skating when it comes to access. A ball and a public hoop? You're good to go. But there’s a catch: basketball still demands a team environment to be fully enjoyed. You can shoot around solo, but full games require a crew. Skateboarding lets you ride alone or with friends, no expectations.

On top of affordability, skateboarding is one of the only sports that offers a truly creative outlet. Every skater chooses their lines, their tricks, their style. It’s athleticism with imagination. There are no referees, no points, no timers—just personal expression and self-set goals.

Another key difference is ownership of progress. In traditional sports, improvement often hinges on coaches, drills, or structured competition. In skateboarding, your learning curve is yours alone. You film your clips, you set your challenges, and your victories are personal.

The community around skateboarding is also uniquely inclusive. While team sports can be political or cliquey, skateboarding celebrates individuality. It welcomes misfits, artists, introverts, extroverts, and anyone willing to get up after a slam. The shared respect comes from showing up and pushing through.

Lastly, skateboarding offers a lifelong connection. While many sports phase out with age or injury, skateboarding adapts. You may not be kickflipping a 10-stair at 50, but you can still cruise, carve a ditch, or film a buddy. It stays with you in a way most sports don’t.

In a world where everything costs more each year, skateboarding remains one of the few passions you can pursue with minimal money and maximum fun. It’s not just a sport. It’s a culture, an outlet, and a gateway to creativity, resilience, and joy—for the price of a board and a little pavement.

And if you’re just getting started, or want to sharpen your skills, the Stix SGV Skate Academy is hands down the best place in the area to learn. Whether you're pushing for the first time or locking in your first front feeble, we got you.