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Ernie Ibarra's skateboarding story is unlike any other, starting with a plastic skateboard at age three, which his orthopedic doctor gave him as a mobility aid. Ernie's journey is one of resilience, overcoming surgeries and setbacks to rise as a notable figure in adaptive skateboarding. From witnessing Tony Hawk's legendary 900 trick to thriving in adaptive competitions, Ernie's tale is filled with passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the sport he loves.

Throughout our engaging conversation, Ernie opens up about the unique challenges of mastering tricks like kickflips and varials without the use of legs, a feat that took years and eventual breakthroughs made only in 2019. His story is one of overcoming significant personal and professional challenges, including the loss of his mother, which deeply impacted his path. Yet, it is the camaraderie in the adaptive skateboarding community that rekindled his love for the sport. The supportive environment and unexpected competition invitations shifted his focus from financial gains to the sheer joy of skating, leading to impressive achievements such as a second-place world championship finish.

As we discuss Ernie's aspirations and future goals, his dream of building an inclusive skate park for kids takes center stage. He's set on creating adaptive-friendly spaces and hopes to leverage social media platforms like TikTok to support this vision. Ernie's admiration for skateboarding legends and his commitment to innovation in skating techniques are evident in his narrative. Join us for this heartfelt episode filled with encouragement and hope, capturing Ernie’s inspiring journey and the vibrant community that supports him.