In a surprising turn of events, Aaron Kyro, best known as the face behind the popular YouTube channel Braille Skateboarding, has transitioned from a struggling business owner to a prominent leader within the Church of Scientology’s San Francisco chapter.
Kyro’s journey began in early 2021 when he announced to his staff that he would be taking a leave of absence to attend business school for five months.
However, unbeknownst to them, he was not on a traditional educational path but rather at the Church’s Clearwater headquarters engaged in leadership training.
His absence created uncertainty among employees, with reports of confusion and anxiety growing during the two months of silence from Kyro.
Upon his return in 2024, Kyro was greeted not as a businessman revitalizing his skate company but as a freshly minted executive director within Scientology, having been elevated to a leading role within the church’s efforts to rebuild its San Francisco operations.
As Kyro stepped into this role, Braille Skateboarding had seen a dramatic decline.
In its heyday, the channel amassed millions of followers and substantial revenue, but by 2024, it was clear that the business was in disarray.
Kyro’s dual life as a skater and church leader quickly became a focal point for discussions about Scientology’s strategies for revitalization.
Kyro’s early life was marked by struggles with confidence and direction, finding refuge in skateboarding and later, unexpectedly, in Scientology.
The church approached him at a vulnerable moment, presenting him with a personality test that he felt transformed his communicative abilities, thus beginning his association with the organization.
The story of his rise through Scientology’s ranks illustrates a commitment to its principles, with Kyro earning accolades and ascending to the status of Operating Thetan VI.
In March 2024, at a lavish Scientology event commemorating founder L. Ron Hubbard’s birthday, Kyro received prestigious awards for his contributions to the church.
His leadership was credited with boosting recruitment numbers in San Francisco, a critical region for the church in its attempt to regain influence and attract a younger demographic.
Despite his achievements within Scientology, Kyro faced criticism regarding the fate of Braille Skateboarding.
Many former employees expressed discontent over the abrupt end of their roles in an operation they had dedicated years to promoting and building.
Their frustrations reflect a deeper struggle within the skateboarding community and the challenges facing creators in adapting to changing media landscapes.
The transition away from a full-fledged team to a smaller operation highlights the sacrifices that Kyro made in pursuit of dual commitments to the church and skateboarding.
Efforts to revive Braille Skateboarding involve a strategic pivot back to tutorial-style content, which had originally garnered success for the channel.
Although the current iteration of Braille operates with fewer people, it continues to engage with audiences through regular uploads from various skate spots throughout San Francisco.
The relationship between Kyro’s ventures in skateboarding and his involvement in Scientology raises questions about influence and authenticity in content creation.
As Kyro navigates this complex landscape, both congratulations and condemnations follow.
While he seeks to fulfill his vision of promoting skateboarding and contributing to the community, critics remain skeptical of his alignment with the controversial church.
Many fans have expressed mixed sentiments, ranging from support to harsh critiques in video comments, reflecting the tension that often exists between public personas and private beliefs.
As Braille continues to adapt in the face of evolving digital media trends, Kyro’s commitment to his passions—both skateboarding and Scientology—presents a unique case study in the intertwining of personal and professional ambitions.
image source from：sfstandard
