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Interview With A Skater ✨ Meet Passion
Meet Passion Jackson! Chicago skater, skate teacher, photographer, and proof that one random skate video can accidentally change your whole personality.
After discovering skating during the pandemic, Passion went from “wait, what is this?” to teaching others how to skate with intention.
Read on to find out Passion’s skate origin story…
First things first… what is your skate origin story?! How did you get into skating?
I started skating in the fall of 2020 during the pandemic. I randomly came across a reposted video of skater Oumi Janta from actress Viola Davis, and I was instantly fascinated. I remember watching the video and thinking, whatever is happening in this video… that’s what I want to be doing!
At that point in my life, I wanted to challenge myself to try something completely different from my usual photography activities. I wanted something that would push me outside of my comfort zone while also keeping me active, because traditional forms of exercise were honestly pretty boring to me.
So I went online, found myself a pair of skates, and just started figuring things out as I went. Within about three months, I knew skating was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. What started as something new to try during the pandemic quickly became a huge part of who I am.
As a skate teacher, what’s your favourite thing about teaching people how to skate?
One of my favourite things about teaching people to skate is seeing the joy on their faces when they discover that they can actually do something they may have been nervous or unsure about. Watching someone experience that excitement and freedom for the first time is priceless.
There’s something really special about knowing someone has found happiness through something you helped them figure out. I love being able to remind people that they’re capable of more than they think.
What song instantly puts you in the mood to skate?
Honestly, probably any house music song or anything by Kaytranada! 😂 It’s really hard not to want to dance on skates when those vibes come on. House music especially makes street skating feel like you’re living in your own music video.
Give us a list of your fave skate locations… no gatekeeping here!
My favourite skate locations at the moment are:
- Anywhere Downtown Chicago
- The Estro Den Ranch
- Inglewood Pumptrack
- Big Marsh Park
- Grant Park Skate Park
- The 606 Trail
- The Rink Fitness Factory
- MLK Skating Center
What’s one skate essential you never leave home without?
Wrist guards! As much as I love skating and pushing myself, I’m a big believer in protecting your body so you can keep doing what you love.
What’s your best tip for anyone wanting to get into skating, or for beginners who’ve just started?
HAVE FUN and skate with intention!
It’s so easy to become overwhelmed or discouraged during your skating journey, especially when you’re constantly comparing yourself to people who have been skating for years. My biggest advice is to stay solid and locked in on your why.
If you’re skating for wellness, freedom, creativity, community, or simply because it makes you happy, keep coming back to that. Skate with intention and always find ways to make skating fun for YOU. Don’t worry so much about what anyone else thinks. As long as you’re enjoying yourself, that’s what keeps the passion alive.
