Skate. Inspire. Unite

The skateboarding community in Northeast Ohio is thriving, with passionate skaters pushing the culture forward. Among them is Jarod Pierce, a skateboarder making a positive impact.

Pierce discovered his love of skateboarding at around nine years old. His sister received a skateboard as a Christmas gift but never used it. Curious, Pierce picked it up and started skating—an experience that sparked his lifelong passion for the sport.

Northeast Ohio is home to a wealth of talented skateboarders, many of whom Pierce believes deserve more recognition. Pierce said, “I think there's a ton of underrated skateboarders in the Northeast Ohio area like people who I think if they could be seen on a larger scale would impress a lot of people.” 

Skating in Northeast Ohio comes with its own set of challenges. Cracks in the pavement, gravel, and unpredictable weather conditions shape how local skaters develop their skills. According to Pierce, these elements often make skaters more aggressive in their approach.

He draws inspiration from skaters of all ages and specifically credits Ed Honse and Gabe Vigliotti as influences.

As an avid skater, Pierce is well-versed in the region’s skateparks. His go-to spot is Lakewood Park, thanks to its variety of skating options. His love for the park was a key factor in his decision to move to Lakewood.

Known for his technical skills, Pierce regularly pulls off tricks such as double kickflips, crooked grinds, and laser flips. A double kickflip involves the board flipping twice in the air. A crooked grind occurs when the front of the board locks onto a ledge or rail while grinding. A laser flip combines a frontside 360 shuvit with a heelflip, making it one of the more advanced tricks in skateboarding.

In the skateboarding world, sponsorships play a crucial role in gaining exposure, much like in golf, tennis, and snowboarding. Pierce is currently sponsored by Reform and Half Baked Brew, brands that support his journey.

Although he competes in contests, he isn’t looking to make the leap to major leagues like Street League Skateboarding. Instead, his focus is on enjoying the sport and encouraging others to do the same.

Beyond skateboarding, Pierce is passionate about the outdoors and staying active. He mentioned, “My whole goal is really just to motivate people to get out and skate…”

Skateboarding is more than just a sport—it’s a unifying force. It brings together individuals from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of community. Pierce explained,  “...Skateboarding has a unique way of bringing people together from all different areas and all different backgrounds…”

Each year on June 21st, skaters worldwide celebrate Go Skate Day, a global event dedicated to the love of skateboarding. In Cleveland, Pierce plays a key role in organizing the event. He emphasized “...That's all I want. Creating in my opinion what could be a core memory from someone is one of the best things, the best feelings you can get,” he said.

Through his skating and community efforts, Pierce continues to leave a lasting impact on Northeast Ohio’s skateboarding scene.

Follow Pierce:

• Instagram: @juicyjarod