Professional skateboarder Braden Hoban started skating like most kids do by cruising around and spending hours at his local park. For him, that park was the Encinitas YMCA.
If you grew up skating in Southern California, you already know how much that spot means. Braden would hit the rails and ledges there almost every day, figuring stuff out on his own and just having a good time. No filming. No pressure. Just skating.
He remembers getting his first shop board from McGill’s and being hyped to be part of something, even if it was just a fresh setup and a sticker on his helmet. Back then it was all about having fun and getting better.
Those early sessions laid the foundation for how he skates today. He’s got a calm, locked-in style that feels like it came straight out of long YMCA sessions and soaking up everything from older locals.
Braden’s not the type to talk himself up. He just shows up, puts in the work, and lets the skating speak. From YMCA sessions to van tours and his own shoe, it’s all come together naturally. He’s not chasing anything. He’s just doing what he’s always done since day one.