I came to Belgium with just my cruiser board. I always love cruising in Knokke-Heist. I especially love the never ending boardwalk.

But this time I checked out the Skatepark at Duinenwater, which is part of an amazing compound of activities. As soon as I saw the other skaters, I was missing my other board.

I missed it so much that I got up my nerve and asked a stranger if I could borrow his board. Thankfully he said YES!

I ended up borrowing several boards throughout my stay. Next time I’ll bring mine for sure. I just wanted to share this because I think it’s important to be afraid and still do something. It was scary asking strangers who speak a different language for help. Plus it’s important to be helpful to strangers. My fellow skaters did not know me. The risk was low that I would skate off with his board, the park is fenced in, but there was risk. Take some risks, the world truly is a better brighter place when we help and trust each other both on and off the board.

Dropping in is a right of passage in skateboarding. It looks amazingly graceful when you see someone with confidence doing it.

But those first times that it’s you that’s going to do it – well that’s scary. A few feet can look like thousands of feet because it’s you that’s going down them.

What can stop the fear is that helping hand. I love every picture I see of someone getting help dropping in.

As the person who’s been in both positions, I can assure you the helper has as much fun and maybe more joy when the person makes it.

How are you helping others? Whether it’s on or off the board, a helping hand boosts all hand up!

Check out Skate Girls Berlin – they are passionate about connecting and empowering Girls who love skateboarding – they are building community!