From the Streets of Lexington to a Pro Skateboard Deal
Leandre Hayes is now the first Black professional skateboarder from Kentucky. But his journey has not been easy. The Lexington native battled addiction, a crushed leg, and years of self-doubt before earning his title.
Today, Hayes is a sponsored pro athlete with Pardon My Thrashing, a Chicago-based skate brand. He uses his platform to inspire others, especially young people in his community.
A Love for Skateboarding Born in the 90s
Hayes first fell in love with skateboarding in 1998. He was walking home from football practice when he saw another boy perform an “ollie” — a popular skateboard trick.
That boy’s mom later gifted Hayes his first skateboard. From there, he was hooked. Woodland Park became his second home. “I had a crew, I had friends,” Hayes said. “I’d spend 10 to 12 hours up here.”
Despite the lack of Black skaters in the area, Hayes never gave up. Every fall and failed trick pushed him to try harder.
Addiction Nearly Ended His Dreams
By the early 2000s, Hayes was struggling with substance abuse. Then one day, while skating, everything changed.
He attempted his favorite trick, a “crook around,” but landed badly. His leg broke in multiple places. “I was so drunk and high I thought I’d only rolled my ankle,” he said.
Hayes made the injury worse by walking on it. At the hospital, doctors suggested amputation. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. But he was left with a limp and deep regret.
Sobriety Brought New Life and a Second Chance
Hayes decided to focus fully on sobriety. “Skating was the last thing on my mind,” he said. “I just wanted to stop shaking.”
But recovery brought more than peace. It led him back to skateboarding—and this time, with a new purpose. Five years into his sobriety journey, Hayes got a sponsorship deal and turned pro.
He said, “It wasn’t on my sobriety BINGO card. I didn’t think I’d be the first pro Black skater from Kentucky.”
Giving Back Through Skateboards and Style
Today, Hayes gives free skateboards and gear to kids at the same park he grew up skating in. He also gives lessons and shares his story on Instagram (@hayescleandre).
Through his clothing brand, Involved Clothing Co., he continues to spread a message of belief and resilience. His advice: “Keep believing in yourself. Don’t give up. It’s easy to give up.”
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