Riding the Flow: An Interview Study on Flow in Skateboarding Competitions

Gröne, A, Swettenham, L ORCID: 0000-0002-7010-6543, Whitehead, A ORCID: 0000-0003-0611-364X and Leis, O Riding the Flow: An Interview Study on Flow in Skateboarding Competitions. International Journal of Sport Psychology. ISSN 0047-0767 (Accepted)

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Abstract

Optimal psychological states, such as flow and clutch, are critical for peak performance in sports. While the Integrated Model of Flow and Clutch States in Sport (Swann et al., 2017a) provides a framework for understanding these states, its applicability across diverse sports contexts, including technical compositional sports like skateboarding, remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the factors that precede a flow state, the characteristics experienced during flow, and post-flow experiences in the context of skateboarding contests. Event-focused interviews were conducted with four female and four male skateboarders (Mage = 25.3; SD = 6.1), as close as possible after excellent competitive performance (M = 6 days later; SD = 3.4). Data were interpreted using reflexive content analysis. Skateboarders discussed factors preceding their flow states, including feeling comfortable, managing thoughts and emotions, preparation and enjoyment, and landing tricks. In addition, skateboarders emphasized that flow was characterized by effortless attention, optimal arousal levels, and an immersive experience. Participants reported post-flow experiences of euphoria, satisfaction, and a paradoxical combination of physical exhaustion and mental refreshment. This study contributes to the broader understanding of flow by highlighting how supportive competitive environments, including familiarity and positive social interactions, may foster psychological readiness and create conditions conducive to flow. Future research should explore optimal psychological states across other technical sports and consider within-subject designs to examine variations in performers’ experiences.
Keywords: peak performance, optimal experience, sport psychology, positive psychology

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1701 Psychology; 1702 Cognitive Sciences; Sport Sciences; 4207 Sports science and exercise; 5201 Applied and developmental psychology; 5205 Social and personality psychology
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV561 Sports
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Edizioni Luigi Pozzi
Date of acceptance:	7 April 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	16 April 2026
Date Deposited:	16 Apr 2026 14:49
Last Modified:	16 Apr 2026 14:49
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28350

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