On March 24, 2023, Chad Caruso stepped onto a standard skateboard in Venice Beach, California, and pushed his way eastward with a single goal. He planned to cross the United States by skateboard without a support vehicle. Exactly 57 days, 6 hours, and 56 minutes later, he arrived at the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
He covered a massive 3,162 miles (5,088 kilometers) using physical effort. This trek broke a Guinness World Record and subjected the skater to harsh weather, physical pain, and unexpected hurdles. The daily grind involved navigating highways, fighting the elements, and finding places to sleep, all while carrying minimal supplies on his back.
A Solo Trek With Minimal Gear
Caruso refused to use a specialized longboard for his cross-country attempt. He chose a hybrid deck fitted with large wheels. He carried everything he needed in a single backpack weighing between 10 and 15 pounds (4.5 and 6.8 kilograms). His packing list was extremely brief, containing only one outfit, simple food items, essential tools, and a few spare parts.
Because he rode entirely solo without a support crew or motorcade, he relied entirely on himself. He averaged 55 miles (88.5 kilometers) every single day. He navigated through seven states: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Virginia. The journey mostly took place on busy two-lane roads where he had to dodge cars and large transport trucks.
Battling Weather And Physical Exhaustion
He sustained physical injuries immediately. Caruso started the ride with a previously injured meniscus and a history of severe knee ligament tears. As the days progressed, he suffered from shin splints, severe blisters, chafing, and sunburn. At one point, a moth even flew inside his ear.
The environmental conditions presented strict challenges. Out of the 57 days he spent on the road, he experienced 27 days of rain and heavy clouds. He wore garbage bags to protect himself during rainstorms and completely ran out of drinking water while crossing the desert. His daily routine consisted of waking up at sunrise, skating, eating gas station snacks, finding a place to sleep, and uploading daily logs.
Reaching The East Coast
Despite the strict conditions, Caruso never changed his wheels or his bearings for the entirety of the 3,162-mile (5,088-kilometer) route. As he closed in on his destination, his solitary ride transformed into a community event. Local skateboarders joined him for brief stretches, though few could maintain his demanding pace. Strangers routinely offered him food, water, and temporary lodging.
During the final 10 miles (16.1 kilometers) of his trek, a police escort safely guided him toward the ocean. Upon reaching the Virginia Beach boardwalk on May 19, 2023, he rode straight into the Atlantic Ocean. To mark his arrival and his new world record, the local mayor officially declared the date “Chad Caruso Day.”