The glitz and glamour of competitions and skate video parts often steal the spotlight in professional skateboarding.
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However, the truth behind the scenes is that most pro skateboarders lead double lives, juggling their passion for skating with the demands of day jobs.
One skater who embodies this reality is Luis "Moose" De Los Reyes, who showcases the grit and determination required to make a living while keeping the skating fire burning.
Unless you want to be a corporate contest skateboarder like Nyjah Huston, Yuto Horigome, Shane O'Neill, and other successful energy drink riders, you can become a millionaire if you ever want to sell your soul to corporations.
But for many pro skateboarders, the journey takes much work. While the top echelon might enjoy lucrative sponsorship deals and endorsements, the reality for the majority is vastly different.
Despite Moose's impressive skills on the board, he straddles two worlds - the world of grinding tricks and packing boxes.
Moose's story is not one of defeat but of resilience and passion. His day job at Home Depot, where he packs boxes, exemplifies the everyday hustle that sustains his skateboarding endeavors.
This duality showcases these skateboarder's commitment to their craft, ensuring that their dreams stay alive while ensuring their financial stability.
Despite the challenges of maintaining a day job, Moose has found a way to fuel his passion for skateboarding.
He takes to the streets between shifts, perfecting his tricks and pushing forth non-stop skating.
His life reminds him that dreams don't come without sacrifices, and the balance between these worlds keeps him grounded.