From Reality TV's Romantic Scars to Family Bliss: Ryan Sheckler's Journey with Emma Roberts and Abigail Balou

Professional skateboarder and former reality television star Ryan Sheckler has navigated a complex romantic history, marked by the intense public scrutiny of his early career and a subsequent journey toward lasting love. His path has seen high-profile relationships, a period of self-imposed dating hiatus, and ultimately, a commitment to family life. Sheckler's experiences in the spotlight profoundly shaped his approach to romance, leading him to prioritize privacy and genuine connection.

Sheckler's early romantic endeavors began while he was still a rising star in the skateboarding world. Among his first publicly known relationships was with Kayla Kudla, which lasted from 2006 to 2008. This period coincided with the lead-up to and initial run of his MTV reality series, "Life of Ryan," providing an early glimpse into his relationships under public scrutiny.

As his fame grew, Sheckler was linked to other young personalities. He dated actress AJ Michalka in 2008, a relationship that garnered media attention due to their public profiles. Around the same time, there was a rumored encounter with model CariDee English in May 2008, though this was never officially confirmed.

One of Sheckler's most notable early relationships was with actress Emma Roberts, which spanned from November 2008 to April 2009. This romance occurred during the latter part of his reality show's run and its immediate aftermath, placing it firmly in the public eye. The intense scrutiny of "Life of Ryan" significantly impacted Sheckler's perception of relationships.

Sheckler later revealed that the pressures and alleged manipulations by producers on "Life of Ryan" left him "borderline traumatized" regarding dating. He stated that he was sometimes instructed to stage breakups for television ratings, leading to profound emotional distress. This experience caused him to avoid serious romantic relationships for approximately five years after the show concluded in 2009, as he sought to heal from the public nature of his past dating life.

Following his reality TV experience, a brief relationship with Melissa Pastrana occurred in September 2009, but Sheckler largely stepped away from public dating for a significant period. He focused on his skateboarding career and personal growth, allowing himself time away from the pressures of televised romance. This hiatus was a direct result of the emotional toll the show had taken on his personal life.

Sheckler eventually re-entered the dating scene around 2015, marking a new chapter in his romantic journey. He had a relationship with Mia Bonde from 2015 to 2016, signifying his return to publicly acknowledged partnerships after his self-imposed break. This period showed a more mature approach to his personal life, away from the constant glare of reality television cameras.

His dating life continued with Christina Perrault, with whom he had a relationship from 2017 to 2019. These relationships demonstrated Sheckler's gradual return to a more conventional dating experience, albeit still under the watchful eye of the public as a well-known athlete. He was consciously seeking more private and authentic connections.

The turning point in Ryan Sheckler's romantic life came with his relationship with Abigail Balou, a registered nurse. The couple began dating in early 2020, and their connection quickly deepened. Their relationship blossomed away from the intense media circus that characterized his earlier years, allowing for a more organic and private development.

Sheckler proposed to Abigail in November 2021, and they celebrated their wedding on March 3, 2022, following a short 90-day engagement. The ceremony was a private affair, reflecting Sheckler's desire for a more grounded personal life. He publicly expressed his joy, stating, "When you know, you know," regarding their quick decision to marry.

The couple has since welcomed two daughters, marking a significant new phase in Sheckler's life. Their first daughter, Olive Oleta, was born on March 3, 2023, coincidentally on their first wedding anniversary, a detail Sheckler cherishes. Their second daughter, Lilah Fox, arrived on July 8, 2024, further expanding their family.

Sheckler has openly discussed how fatherhood and his commitment to sobriety have transformed his life, attributing much of his current happiness to his family. He reached a significant milestone of five years of sobriety in March 2025, a journey he credits his wife and daughters for supporting. His current focus is on his family and maintaining a healthy, private life, a stark contrast to his early experiences with fame and romance.