Philosophy

Safety First Philosophy

Andy Anderson's most distinctive philosophical stance in skateboarding is his unwavering commitment to safety, particularly his consistent use of a helmet. In a sport where helmet-wearing is often seen as uncool or unnecessary, especially among professional street skateboarders, Andy has made safety advocacy a core part of his identity.

His decision to always wear a helmet while skateboarding, regardless of the setting or audience, represents a fundamental belief that safety should never be compromised for the sake of image or peer pressure. This philosophy extends beyond personal protection to influencing the broader skateboarding community and younger skaters who look up to him.

"Safety isn't about being scared or uncool - it's about being smart and respecting the sport. I want to skate for a long time, and wearing a helmet helps ensure that."

Blending Styles and Breaking Boundaries

Andy's skateboarding philosophy centers around the idea that skateboarding shouldn't be limited by traditional categories or styles. His approach of blending freestyle, street, and vert skating represents a belief that creativity and self-expression should transcend conventional boundaries.

This philosophy challenges the notion that skateboarders must choose one discipline and stick to it. Instead, Andy demonstrates that skateboarding is about exploration, creativity, and finding your own unique voice within the sport. His willingness to incorporate elements from different eras and styles of skateboarding shows his respect for the sport's history while pushing it forward.

The Anti-Ollie Approach

One of the most fascinating aspects of Andy's philosophy is his initial resistance to the ollie, which is considered the foundational trick of modern skateboarding. This approach wasn't born out of inability, but rather from a desire to explore skateboarding from a different perspective.

His early "anti-ollie" stance represents a philosophy of questioning conventional wisdom and exploring alternative paths to creativity. Rather than following the typical progression of tricks that most skateboarders learn, Andy chose to develop his own unique set of skills and techniques. This approach ultimately led to the development of his distinctive style.

Authenticity and Individuality

At the core of Andy's philosophy is a commitment to authenticity and individuality. He believes that skateboarding should be a form of personal expression rather than a pursuit of trends or external validation. This philosophy is evident in his unique style, his unconventional approach to tricks, and his willingness to stand out from the crowd.

Andy's philosophy encourages skateboarders to find their own voice and style rather than simply copying what's popular or what others are doing. His success as a professional skateboarder while maintaining his unique approach proves that authenticity can be both personally fulfilling and professionally successful.

Respect for Skateboarding History

Andy's philosophy includes a deep respect for skateboarding's history and the pioneers who came before him. His incorporation of classic freestyle tricks and techniques from earlier eras demonstrates his appreciation for the sport's roots while adding his own modern interpretation.

This respect for history is balanced with a forward-thinking approach that pushes skateboarding into new directions. Andy's philosophy suggests that honoring the past doesn't mean being stuck in it - instead, it means building upon the foundation laid by previous generations to create something new and exciting.

Community and Mentorship

Andy's philosophy extends beyond personal skateboarding to include a responsibility to the broader skateboarding community. His commitment to safety advocacy, his willingness to mentor younger skaters, and his positive influence on the sport reflect a belief that successful skateboarders have a duty to give back to the community.

This philosophy of community involvement and mentorship is particularly important given Andy's unique position as a professional skateboarder who challenges conventional norms. By being a positive role model and advocate for safety, Andy demonstrates that being different doesn't mean being isolated - it means contributing to the community in meaningful ways.