Today we’d like to introduce you to Lenin Pena.
Hi Lenin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started skateboarding when I was around 13 or 14. I used to play on a basketball team and one of my teammates was getting into skating. One day I was at his house and he was like “watch this” and did a flip trick on a skateboard. I was mesmerized, I wanted to learn how to do it too. We ended up spending 6 hours in the garage practicing after that. I knew I was hooked, I’m very competitive. I skated almost everyday after that. With such a high drive, I started seeing results in just a few years. I did a couple of local contests growing up and realized I was getting pretty good. I continued practicing daily or as often as possible. In 2017 one day while I was practicing, a parent on the sideline started waving their arms in air signaling me to come over. When I did, she told me that she loved watching me skate & mentioned how my skating stands out from anyone that skates around here. She told me she has a nine years old son that wants to learn but she doesn’t know how to help him. She asked me if I would be open to the idea of giving him skate lessons. I thanked her and told her I’d never given lessons before. She ended up giving me her info and told me to think about it and let her know. I went home and made a rough sketch of a lessons guide, pricing list, schedule, etc. I reached back out to her and she immediately said yes! Later on down the road, four other parents did the exact same thing. Stopped me while I was skating and asked if I could teach their kids. So without planning, I’ve been giving skate lessons for about 3-4 summers now. To make things better, I got a skateboard sponsor a few weeks ago and it sparked a new fire in me. I’m sponsored by 223 Skateboards & they help me travel for contests. Latest of which was in Tampa. We also got a team video that we are recently started filming for. Lately skateboarding is starting to consume my life and I love it. Seems like lately, If I’m not traveling for a contest or learning a new trick. I’m probably giving a skate lesson or networking with brands and companies that want to work with me. I love waking up in the morning and being able to skate everyday. I truly enjoy what I do in life. Someone once told me, “If you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life” and I totally understand now.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been easy. Skateboarding is an individual sport. So not only do you have to learn everything on your own without a coach, but you also must find your own motivation daily. Also, just like any other sport. You have to deal with injuries. About two years ago, I broke my leg practicing. I broke my fibula all the way at the bottom where it connects to the ankle. I wasn’t able to walk for five months. It was a long road. Not only physically but mentally & emotionally as well. I had no option but to relearn how to skate all over.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Skateboard lesson instructor and an amateur skateboarder. I just genuinely enjoy helping people & love to be able to help them grow in their skating ability. I see how kids look up to me now and it reminds me of how I used to look up to the older kids that were good when I started skating. I try to give tips to anyone that asks me for advice, not just the students I teach. I didn’t come from a wealthy upbringing. Now that I get help from my sponsors, I try to always give back to kids who need it. I usually keep all my previous shoes and skateboards in the trunk of my car in case I ever see anyone that may need some. I don’t mind giving them away and sharing my blessings.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Being a skateboarder, there’s no specific blueprint for being successful so I just try to stay busy. I do have a flyer/business card for anyone that would like to help me share my business & spread the word. Also, being a skateboarder, I’m very into sneakers and clothes. I have done apparel photoshoots for brands in the past and that’s something I really enjoy as well. I love meeting new people & networking with different companies so feel free to reach out. Lastly, I will have a video part coming out at the end of the year for 223 Skateboards so be on the lookout for that.
Pricing:
- 1 lesson a week – $40
- 2 lessons a week – $70
- 3 lessons a week – $100
Contact Info:
- Email: Lenin_pena_12@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loose.cruise/?hl=en
Image Credits
Artur Bocchi Photo
