By: Madelyn Moore

Sports are encouraged and even praised within schools. Football, basketball and volleyball are only a few examples of sports that are possibilities for students to participate in. But for Salem High School student Finn Kritzer, his beloved sport has no affiliation with school. 

For over a year, Kritzer has been learning to ride a scooter after school with a group of students that share the same interest. He explained that he enjoys his hobby because,“it is fun to overcome the challenges in skating.”

The Salem skatepark has recently undergone advancements such as repavement, and new equipment is soon going to be installed. 

“The skatepark is really important to me because it brings people who like extreme sports together,” said Kritzer.

His favorite trick is a “360 shuvit,” which involves techniques from both the “360 flip” and the “shuvit.” 

After mastering this trick, Kritzer has started to begin learning how to complete a varial flip. This trick involves serious focus on foot positioning and the flip itself. 

When the topic of safety concerns arose, Kritzer explained that safety does not actually worry him.  

“I do not try to stay safe, I honestly just fall how my body wants me to at that moment,” he said. 

Kritzer’s biggest goal regarding skating right now is to continue to learn and improve. The best part about riding skateboards and scooters is being with friends that support each other and continue to learn together. 

Gary Wells, a fellow skateboarder and SHS graduate, said, “it is fun riding with Finn and I can’t wait to do it again soon.”