Pre-Contest Skateboarding: A Special Feature on Pump-Up Theme Songs and Cheer Anthems
For skateboarders, the mindset before a competition is a crucial key to success.
And nothing elevates that mindset quite like the power of music that resonates with the heart.
The right song that pushes you through those pre-start jitters can even change the quality of your performance.
In this article, we’ll introduce music that fires you up before a contest—from iconic tracks memorably used in skateboarding anime to pump-up anthems beloved by real athletes.
Why not meet that precious moment of mixed nerves and excitement with the perfect song?
[Before a Skateboarding Competition] A Collection of Pump-Up Theme Songs and Cheer Anthems (1–10)
Windy DayNEW!ELLEGARDEN
An emotional fan favorite from ELLEGARDEN that gently stays by your side when you feel like you’re about to break.
Its kind message—that you don’t have to force a smile and it’s okay to be your natural self—has surely encouraged many fans.
It’s a track from the album “DON’T TRUST ANYONE BUT US,” released in April 2002, and it was also used as the ending theme for OVA I’ll Volume 2.
There’s a well-known story that it was created after the band parted with a beloved hamster, but this song gives you not only a sense of sorrow, it also empowers you to look forward.
Recommended for listening when you’re feeling down after a fall while snowboarding, or while riding the lift and feeling the mountain wind on the slopes.
It will give you the courage to enjoy yourself in your own way, without pushing too hard!
TAKE ME HOMENEW!MAN WITH A MISSION
A rock tune brimming with MWAM’s signature sense of speed, featuring all-English vocals and a driving beat! Included on the album “Beef Chicken Pork,” released in February 2014, it packs the power to instantly amp up the energy at live shows.
The music video is also known for being filmed at Nekoma Ski Resort in Fukushima Prefecture, making it a perfect match for snowy mountains.
You can practically picture them enjoying snowboarding—this track is guaranteed to lift your spirits not only in the car on the way to the slopes, but also as the perfect soundtrack while you ride.
One Way TicketNEW!ONE OK ROCK
A number that captures a powerful resolve: if it’s to see someone precious far away, a one-way ticket is enough.
Co-written by ONE OK ROCK and overseas songwriters, it boasts a polished pop-rock sound brimming with a Western vibe.
Included on the album Ambitions, released in January 2017, it’s a song that symbolizes the period when the band evolved toward a world-class production style.
Its soaring melody and expressive vocals will resonate even more deeply when heard in a snowy, silver-white landscape, adding a dramatic touch to your memories on the slopes.
The future is in our hands.NEW!THA BLUE HERB
A soul-stirring track by THA BLUE HERB, a hip-hop group based in Sapporo.
It was released as a single in May 2003.
While paying respect to THE BLUE HEARTS, this work reconstructs that spirit with its own beats and words, overflowing with a strong resolve not to rely on success guaranteed by someone else, but to carve out the future with one’s own hands.
The determination to push toward one’s dreams—overcoming harsh realities and days of labor—will likely resonate deeply with the heart of a snowboarder who keeps challenging new tricks while falling time and again.
Listen to it when you want to practice with stoic focus or when your spirit is about to break, and you’ll feel a fierce energy welling up from within.
EVERNEW!UVERworld
A track by UVERworld chosen as the theme song for TV Tokyo’s “Winter Sports 2026.” While victory isn’t everything, its passionate message that seems to push the backs of challengers who still want to win really resonates.
First unveiled at their Yokohama Arena show in December 2025, the song, as TAKUYA∞ describes, lets you feel the greatness of sports that unite people across countries and languages.
Its powerful ability to affirm not only results but even the struggles in the process might blow away the fear and anxiety that come with attempting new tricks in snowboarding.
Even on an icy slope, your heart will burn hot—perfect as a companion when you want to fire yourself up for a run!
together; along with; bothNEW!WANIMA
A popular song brimming with WANIMA’s signature positive energy that gives listeners a powerful push forward.
Its passionate message—overcoming past hardships and future anxieties to move ahead as your true self—resonates deeply.
Included on the single “JUICE UP!!” released in August 2016, this track also reflects thoughts on the Kumamoto earthquakes that occurred during its production; its lyrics about the preciousness of life and gratitude for friends will leave a lasting impression.
The exhilarating, fast-paced melody pairs perfectly with the thrill of carving swiftly across snowy slopes on a snowboard! It’s also perfect for amping up the vibe with friends on the way to the ski resort.
SNOW SOUNDNEW![Alexandros]
![SNOW SOUNDNEW![Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e7GvXNOxhng/sddefault.jpg)
A winter song that turns the season’s chill into instant heat, fusing a sense of speed with dazzling digital sounds.
[Alexandros]’s signature piercing high-tone vocals ring warmly through the cold air.
Widely praised as one of the band’s finest love songs, it captivates with a bittersweet yet romantic worldview.
Released in February 2017 as their 14th single, it drew major attention as the theme for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercial.
Perfect for winter drives or gliding across snow-covered slopes.
If you ride the rhythmic groove while you ski, you’re in for an exhilarating rush.