400 Pound skate fluencer Joey Walder is rewriting the narrative. Breaking free from stereotypes, he's defying gravity on his skateboard and challenging perceptions about body image in the skateboarding community.
In a recent interview with Jenkem Magazine, Walder candidly discussed his surprise when people find inspiration in his skating despite his weight. "Genuinely surprised," he admits when asked about the reactions he receives. "I'm just skating. I'm just doing what I've been doing since I was a kid."
His unique skating skills challenge the norm, as few individuals of his size navigate the ramps and streets with the same passion and skill.
Walder's resilience shines through every slam, getting back up and pushing forward, becoming a source of inspiration for many.
"People see me slam and get back up and keep going, and they find it inspiring," Walder explains. It's not just about the tricks he lands but his determination and perseverance, breaking down the walls of preconceived notions about what a skateboarder should look like.
The impact of Walder's skating goes beyond the confines of street spots. He shares a powerful encounter with a fan who reached out during a vulnerable moment. "Some dude hit me up one time telling me he was ready to end his life, and watching my videos helped him get through it," he reveals. The weight of such a revelation is evident in his voice, "That just blows my mind."
Walder kept the heartfelt message as a reminder to keep going, even when faced with challenges and judgment from those who may not understand his journey. For him, the joy people find in what he does outweighs the negativity. "Outside of all the people who make jokes and judge me, it's all worth it for the enjoyment of a dude like that," he says.