Ryan Sheckler
Ryan Sheckler (born December 30, 1989) is an American professional skateboarder, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Read about his journey, struggles, faith, and memorable quotes in this in-depth profile.
Introduction
Ryan Allen Sheckler is a name that resonates across skate parks, competitive events, and popular culture. Rising from a precocious talent to a global skateboarding icon, Sheckler has faced injuries, personal challenges, media scrutiny, and addiction, yet rebuilt himself with resilience and purpose. His life is a testament to persistence, reinvention, and faith.
Early Life and Family
Ryan Sheckler was born on December 30, 1989 in San Clemente, California.
His introduction to skateboarding came remarkably early: by around 18 months, he was already riding his father’s skateboard.
His family supported his ambitions, navigating the challenges of early fame, travel, and balancing a “normal” upbringing with extraordinary opportunity.
Skateboarding Career & Achievements
Turning Pro Early & Breakthroughs
Ryan officially turned pro in 2003—at age 13 or 14.
He joined Almost Skateboards early in his career, contributing to videos like Almost: Round Three. Plan B Skateboards, joining a team with big names like Paul Rodriguez, Danny Way, and Colin McKay.
A signature moment: he cleared a 55 ft gap on Bob Burnquist’s mega ramp—a daring feat that captured public imagination.
Media & Public Exposure
From 2007 to 2009, Ryan starred in the MTV reality show Life of Ryan, offering viewers a view into his life as a teen pro and celebrity.
Later, he produced Sheckler Sessions, a short-format series on Red Bull TV that showed skate culture, tricks, and lifestyle.
Challenges, Injuries & Reinvention
As with many extreme sports athletes, injury has been a recurring part of Ryan’s journey. In Rolling Away (a documentary project), he chronicles serious injuries: a torn ACL, a broken vertebra, and pulverized bones in his left ankle from a failed rail grind.
In 2022, he announced a new chapter: launching his own skate brand Sandlot Time Skateboards.
Additionally, after 16 years, he left Plan B in January 2022.
Business & Philanthropy
Ryan founded the Sheckler Foundation in 2008, aimed at supporting children and injured or recovering athletes.
He remains sponsored by major brands such as Red Bull, Etnies, Oakley, Independent trucks, Grizzly, and others.
Personal Life, Struggles & Faith
Battle with Addiction
Ryan has been candid about his struggle with alcohol addiction. He said that after his MTV fame, his passion for skateboarding was overtaken by drinking. “the best decision I made for my life.”
Faith & Redemption
Ryan describes himself as a born-again Christian.
Relationships & Family
In March 2022, Ryan married Abigail Baloun after a brief engagement. Olive was born, followed by their second child, Lilah Fox, in 2024.
He often speaks about his priority of family, health, and legacy beyond skateboarding.
Philosophy & Public Persona
Ryan Sheckler’s public image has shifted over years—from teenage prodigy and reality TV star, to athlete overcoming personal trial, to someone seeking authenticity. He emphasizes honesty, faith, resilience, and giving back.
He has spoken about not wanting to chase sponsors or fame, but instead skate because he loves it.
Famous & Memorable Quotes
Here are a selection of notable quotes attributed to Ryan Sheckler, reflecting his mindset and journey:
“Don’t ever give up. You gotta keep trying, and never give up.” “I won the first contest I ever entered, when I was 6.” “I’ve cut down on a lot of stuff this summer, just so I can hang out and be a normal kid for a while.” “For me, skateboarding is a lifestyle. I really don’t know anything different. My life revolves around skating.” “Every time somebody calls me out or tries to start something, it’s motivation.” “The world is just waiting to be skated.” “If you go out there and your main purpose is to get a sponsor, then it’s not gonna work. Just go out there and have fun. That’s how I got sponsored.” “I’m living with every step. I can’t live with regret. The past is the past. I’m not worried about it. I can’t change it. I can’t fix it. It is what it is. I’m just living.”
These quotes highlight his commitment to authenticity, perseverance, humility, and love for his sport.
Lessons from Ryan Sheckler’s Life
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Early passion can become lifelong mission
His journey shows how a childhood love, nurtured, can sustain a lifetime of purpose. -
Success doesn’t shield from struggle
Even with fame and achievements, real challenges—mental health, addiction, identity—remain. -
Reinvention is possible
Through injury, setbacks, and personal crisis, Sheckler redefined his identity around what matters most: faith, family, integrity. -
Authenticity over image
In resisting the trap of chasing sponsors or public approval, he reminds us that purpose aligns with something deeper. -
Use influence for good
Beyond skateboarding, through his foundation and public transparency, he uses his voice to support others.
Conclusion
Ryan Sheckler’s story is one of soaring ambition, human frailty, redemption, and resurgence. From a toddler on a skateboard to a global icon re-centering his life on faith and family, his path inspires beyond trick scores and competition titles. His quotes resonate because they reflect someone who’s been through the fire—and kept skating.