Bryan Woodland

From gliding through his neighborhood streets to calculated aerial concoctions on shopping center loading docks, skateboarder, Bryan Woodland, is determined to let his individuality shine.

Bryan has loved skateboarding ever since he was a kid and his passion for the art has continued to get stronger as time has progressed. He says skateboarding allows him to freely express himself and it constantly invigorates him. “There’s just something about landing new tricks and just being able to go out and do it whenever you want. It gives you a certain sense of accomplishment that I think only skateboarders know about.”

In fact, Bryan decided to select his major in college based on his love for skateboarding. He recently graduated with a degree in graphic design from Virginia Commonwealth University. “One of the things that really drew me to graphic design was just the whole skateboarding industry. I’ve always loved it from the skateboard deck designs, T-shirts, magazines, and also the videos that come out. I’ve always been intrigued by it.”

Bryan said that skateboarding is not just his hobby but he feels that God has created him to be a skateboarder for a purpose. “Christ gave me the passion to skateboard and I’ve stuck with it even when I’ve been in slumps.” He said that his faith in Christ is not just limited to his desire to skate but it’s also helped him in other areas of his life. “I was going through some really horrible times and I wouldn’t have been able to make it through those times without the Lord, constant praying, and my family constantly supporting me.”

Bryan’s personal relationship with Christ has given him the confidence he needs to be in the industry. It has also helped him to know his purpose in life. “I know the Lord is there for me and He’s there for you. He created you, and to find your purpose or your passions, the Lord helps you with that.”

Because he knows God has a purpose for his life it has been easy for him to share that with friends. “If someone is having a bad day then you have to uplift them. I think through my high spirits I’m pretty much always in a good mood. I just try to be a genuinely nice person and accept everyone. I try and help out with whatever I can, just through the support while skating.” And everyone who knows him knows that’s true!

By Andrea Faith Camp