This week we are featuring Kerryann De La Cruz who we originally met at a Kateboards skate meet up this past summer. After learning more about Kerryann we wanted to share her story. The most inspiring aspect of Kateboards is getting to know people with all different backgrounds who all share a love for skateboarding, pushing their own limits, and leading a life that is beyond what is traditionally accepted and believed. In our interview with Kerryann she tells about how she got started in skateboarding, her experiencing racing cars + motorcycles, and the people who inspire her.
When did you start skateboarding and how did you get involved?
I skated some as a kid with my best friend, but only picked up a skateboard and spent real time on it in the last 2 years, again with friends. I was going through some life changing things a few years ago and it was a good distraction for me. I really enjoy diving into technical hobbies and activities that require patience and practice. I love the process, well not always but the juice is definitely worth the squeeze!
What are some of your interests?
I feel like I’ve lived a few different lifetimes when it comes to interests. In this stage of my life I have made a big effort to simplify anything that takes my time - I try to be mindful about where I put my energy. I try things that I feel “check the boxes” for me and keep an open mind as best as I can to things that may not, recently I went rock climbing and rappelling, I’m pretty sure I’ll be doing that again but it is one of those things many years ago I had no desire to even try. In the meantime surfing and skating are activities I really enjoy. I consider myself a creative person and try to give myself an outlet so I write songs, poems and draw when I have down time. I LOVE listening to music and am keen to pretty much every genre. I love storytelling podcasts. I like to exercise and meditate. Jeeeez, I sound like such a San Diegan, and I’ve only been here 2 years. Whatever!
We hear you’re into racing cars and have worked in the industry, can you tell us more about your experience?
Well, that was a really big chunk of my life, still is to some degree. I have been into cars since I was a kid. Not kidding. It started with being a passenger on off-roading camping trips with my mom and her FJ back in Australia. I began my own path around 19 years old adding modifications to my little Civic and taking it to the drag strip. From there I dabbled in a few fun project cars and took them to the track just as an enthusiast then began competing around 2006 or 2007.
I absolutely loved it, the growing pains and the triumphs. For the most part I was accepted by my male counterparts, but every so often i would encounter a person who had absolutely no discretion with their sexism. I never really let it get to me, I just blew it off and hoped they didn’t have daughters. It occurred to me early on that I can’t take it personally and some people just have trash attitudes and honestly in the end it just makes me want to go out of my way to be a kinder person.
Who or what constantly inspires you?
Seriously...I am inspired by complete strangers on a daily basis! I look for inspiration in small acts. I feel like in my past my insecurity and perfectionism was mistaken for seeking inspiration, instead of getting motivation I would compare myself to others, that is crazy! Without even being mindful of doing it I just get completely STOKED and inspired by small acts of genuine compassion that I observe…. I let myself get silly happy and don’t feel bad about it. I don’t give a damn if I’m mushy or corny, THAT feeling of love filling up your soul when you see another human be kind to someone is addicting and rad. SPREAD. THAT. SH*T.
What would an ideal day look like for you?
Wake up at 6:30am, coffee, surf, lunch, surf, snack, surf, skate to get dinner. Alone or with homies. I’m a simple creature.
What do you love about skateboarding?
The people. The community is the MOST supportive group out of any hobby I’ve had. Where else can you go to hang out with kids, seniors, moms, dads, girls, dudes, whatever...and everyone just supports and gets stoked for you, no judgements just the desire to see another human progress. Skaters are RAD humans.
When was the last time you stepped outside of your comfort zone? Big or small?
Just last weekend, I went to Joshua Tree and rappelled down a probably 80ft wall of death(well that’s what I thought anyway). Once I got over the edge I was ok but it took me 2 attempts to make that happen, I was shaking, I felt weak, I questioned myself but then didn’t want to let fear take over. At some point I was able to fact check and technical talk my way through the fear and then I did it again without any fear at all. That was big for me, I’m not scared of heights but I just don’t really “do” heights. It turned into an amazing day and I was super proud of myself.
What advice would you give girls + women who want to try skateboarding, but are feeling nervous or intimidated to try it?
I would let them know that people at the skatepark are nice people. They are accepting. They had to start somewhere too, so when you show up looking like a kook, it’s ok because chances are they’ll give you some tips and pointers and definitely some encouragement! Also, PAD UP!!
Feel free to share anything else you’d like….
See one. Do one. Teach one.
Give back! Once you’re strong enough to hold yourself up, give someone else a hand.
Thank you for sharing with us, Kerryann! We’re inspired by YOU!