When 36-year-old Andy Duran decided to return to his favorite high school hobby—skateboarding（玩滑板）—in January 2021, the only problem he expected to meet was his own ability to master the sport after such a long time. However, the 340-pound skateboarder soon realized that was the least of his problems. Duran's challenges began before he even stepped on a skateboard. "I couldn't find any resources for fat skaters, what types of boards to try, or where to buy pads or shirts," he said.
What Duran did find instead was a false belief that plus-sized people should not be skating. To change this, Duran founded Chub Rollz—a skating and skateboarding community for overweight skaters. "I knew that not only did I need to get back into it to prove people wrong, but I needed to create a safe space for other overweight skaters to enjoy skateboarding without worrying about being laughed at," Duran said.
To encourage plus-sized people to join in the fun sport, Duran created a list of recommended products for fat skaters. He also held roller skating and skateboarding classes, teaching beginners in person. So far, the reaction to Chub Rollz has been "really positive". Duran has also been contacted by some skateboarding brands offering to create larger clothing sizes and been offered free equipment by skating organizations like Skate Like a Girl.
Though encouraged, Duran believes a lot more needs to be done. "I want to see more changes in communities. Maybe skate shops can create a more welcoming environment for all types of skaters," he explains.
For those hesitant to join in their desired activity due to their body size, Duran has this to say: "Be confident, as you're often your worst critic."
