By Camille Juton
Staff Writer
Over the course of the last eight years, skateboarding has gone from a hobby to a lifestyle for senior Jared Cleland.
Cleland first took an interest in skating at the Hope Chapel skate park. It was there that he first met junior Andrew Freeman, who has been Cleland’s official videographer since 2006.
“What I enjoy most about skating is the freedom you have,” Cleland said. “You can just go skate whenever you feel like it or not skate for a few days if you are tired.”
Since the age of 13, Cleland has been competing in contests all over the country. This past summer, he had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe to various skate competitions.
“All the contests in Europe were the most fun,” Cleland said. “I’m glad I had the opportunity to go out and see new countries as well as do well in the contests and improve my skills.”
One of Cleland’s most prestigious accomplishments was winning fifth place at the Copenhagen AM, an amateur skateboarding competition in Denmark. Cleland has also won first place in local competitions, such as the Volcom Contest and Wild in the Parks.
“My dream in skating is to, of course, become professional and be able to travel the world,” Cleland said. “I have met so many people through skating across the world, and I want to continue being able to do that.”
Between traveling and practicing his tricks, Cleland juggles schoolwork and skating by doing independent study through Mira Costa. The program allows him to have time to go out and skate as well as study.
“I am planning on going to college next year at El Camino,” Cleland said. “That way, I will still have the majority of my time to pursue my skating career.”
Cleland and Freeman want to continue to have careers in the skateboarding industry for many years to come.
“I especially love filming Jared because he is one of the most hard-working skaters I’ve ever filmed,” Freeman said. “He never gives up because he knows one day this is going to be his job.”
Leave a Reply