Peace rides on momentum
San Francisco has a knack for creating oddly specific encounters—especially when niche sports, the city's dynamic urban landscape, and the intrigue of nighttime adventures collide. The odds of meeting an urban ecology consultant who spends her days designing functional landscapes… and their nights bombing 10–17% grade slopes on a longboard under the midnight city lights? Not zero.
Guest Profile:
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Ava
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Rabbit
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Sonoma County
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Environmentalist and Urban Ecology Consultant
Parapack:
Is nature a big part of your life growing up?
Ava:
Yes, I grew up in and around nature, however, I also grew up in a quaint small town in the suburbs. So I suppose the nature I grew up around in my day to day was more of an urban nature, but not necessarily the wild-untouched nature we might think of. I mean, I would go with family and friends, hiking throughout Sonoma and Mendocino County. We’d have beach days out in Bodega Bay or on the Russian River. However, those were more excursions than a daily occurrence.
In town, I spent A LOT of time outdoors. Biking around town in the summer sunshine, and to and from school. I would hike some shorter local trails, or go for runs through the vineyards. Playing softball, gardening, climbing Redwood trees in the parks. My connection to nature deepened in my later high school years, once I was able to drive and explore independently. I loved hiking at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, within the Mayacamas Mountain Range, and worked in Jack London State Park for a couple years.
While I spent a lot of time outdoors, my connection to the natural world really grew and flourished in my college years. And those experiences really changed the way I see the world today.
Parapack:
How did you find the Friday Night Skate meet-up in San Francisco?
Ava:
I discovered FNS through a group called Bay Area Longboarders—a community of longboard enthusiasts who come together to skate and learn from one another. It’s a smaller, more casual group than FNS, with meet-ups that aren’t routine and typically include 3–15 people. Even so, it’s an incredibly welcoming and supportive space, and I feel fortunate to be part of it.
Last year, we had a meet-up in Golden Gate Park with just three of us. One of the skaters was new to longboarding, so we spent the session teaching her how to carve and build confidence on her board. She mentioned FNS, and her enthusiasm piqued my interest. A few weeks later, I decided to check it out. I expected it to be fun, but it turned out to be even more exciting and inspiring than I had imagined.
Parapack:
Can you describe what carving through the 12-mile urbanscape feels like?
Ava:
The first time I skated FNS, I said it felt like real life Mario Kart. I would say that still feels true; riding through the city, going through different neighborhoods, up and down parking garages, and through little alleyways (like a game Mario Kart, you get used to the course the more you do it, so you know what to expect, so you can grow and improve each time).
I love skating FNS on my longboard because I feel pretty comfortable on it, especially given the route has some downhills and challenges. So I like the security, and stability, but I also enjoy carving and grooving down the street to the music. I would love to do it on inline skates one day soon, but for the time being, I’ll stick to the longboard.
Parapack:
Do you have a favorite part of the night?
Ava:
Oh, hard to say a favorite part because every stretch of the route is so different. But if I had to choose, I’d say the section from Fort Mason through the Marina Neighborhood. I really enjoy going down Oak St there, and each time getting a little faster and carving a bit more. And there’s something magical about howling up at the folks watching and cheering us on from their windows. Then ending that stretch underneath the Palace of Fine Arts.
Parapack:
Besides longboarding adventures, what are some small & big moves you’re planning to make peace with time in 2025?
Ava:
I’m someone who is often very busy, balancing work, social commitments, hobbies, and life’s endless errands. Even in free moments, I’m often stuck worrying about my to-do list and impending tasks.
This year, I’m working on being more present. I plan to meditate, worry less, and focus on what’s in front of me rather than what’s next. I’m also building better routines; waking up earlier to start my mornings slower, with time to meditate, read, and feel grounded before diving into the day. I think these changes will help me make peace with time in 2025.
