Wilmington man skateboarding across the country

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington man is making a cross-country trip without the help of planes, trains or automobiles—just a skateboard.

John Underhill, who has lived in Wilmington for more than 30 years, recently sold his car and most of his belongings before setting out on a journey across the United States. He began the trip in Shallotte, North Carolina, and after 116 days on the road, he is currently in Arizona.

Underhill said the trip started as a personal journey to slow down, meet new people, and learn more about himself. Along the way, he has gained more than 100,000 followers on social media by sharing updates and videos of his progress.

“All in all, the social media experience has been very overwhelming. I have thousands of unread messages, but I am very grateful for the followers and the chance to be able to reach people,” Underhill said.

He added that his final destination is Venice Beach, California.

“There is a skate park right on the beach, and at this point I am ready to just walk into the sand and fall face first into that water,” he said.

Underhill estimates it will take him about two more weeks to complete the final 450 miles of the journey.