Too many people gatekeep skateboarding. I hate it. Toxic AF. I also hate that it's "trendy" to hate on skaters for no reason. More than anything I hate rocking up to a skatepark and getting "Cool guyed" by people. I feel your anger and frustration mate!
I didn't know it was like this. I skated as a teen and back then there wasn't many skate parks at all. Now there's quite a bit, but I'm 37....starting all over again...and man..reading stuff like this makes an already discouraged mind feel more discouraged. I've just been finding abandoned flat ground spots to at least learn basic stuff so far...but I feel like I'd run into this problem fast living in California. It already kinda sucks riding alone, but it would suck more feeling alienated in a place where I just want to learn and be a part of. Like there's nice people here and there over here...but generally speaking...man people just aren't all that nice here. It was the first thing I noticed when I traveled across the states. Like wow, strangers greeting me and even talking to me. I go back to the city I'm in and get mad dogged for a head nodd with a good morning... I hope I'm wrong of course. I haven't gotten to that point yet and don't know if I even can starting again this late.
It’s exactly this reason that I stopped doing tricks and park skating. I just cruise around now because if your not as good as everyone else then you’re just shamed away from any community in skateboarding
As I kid that grew up not being able to afford the cool clothes and riding hand me down skateboards I got a lot of shit also but it’s made me accept everyone and have a positive attitude because I don’t want them to know that feeling. I don’t regret my experiences at all, your right you eventually find your crew. Keep up the good work John
Man honestly everything you mentioned is why it took so long for me to come back to skateboarding at 32 years old. I was worried about being judged or labeled as a poser or something because that was my experience when I was a young teenager and I thought skating was my life. Honestly man, your videos and some others on this platform that spread positivity are why I got the courage to even go into a skate shop and eventually skateparks and spots. Keep on keeping on!
You're awesome John, keep doin' your thing, you are in the right. Speaking as a fan who has watched you since LA, I watch you because you are a young person living your dream, and its inspring af. That is the main draw that keeps me tuning in. Your positivity is your strength, progress daily is such a strong message that fits into anything in anyone's life. Fuck the haters, if you dig deep in any group or hobby you are going to find a toxic cross section people. As I get older, I have learned to chalk it up to the fact that some people just suck and aren't worth redemption or your time. As you say, keep killin' it and try not to worry what others think. Sara too, you're both inspring young people, its a treat getting to watch you two live your lives the way you want.
Damn bro, NGL. I get a little teary eyed watching and listening to you rant. Its so much truth in your words. TBh I feel like ive given so much to BMX, my entire youth, my college experiences, my ACL-MCL-Meniscus, Thousands of hours stressing about content and going viral and keeping people entertained.. Just to to feel drained, beat up and literally like a dry bucket with nothing more to pour out. And now that opportunity has come my way to change it up a bit and dive into other industries.... I dont even have anything else to give. barely Love myself some days... Maybe this is the type of shit i should start talking about on my channel... I feel others could relate.. 😭 Anyway thanks for being real and transparent. 👌🏾
blowing up a spot for views to make money for an industry that cares nothing for skating, (youtube) a spot that may be locals only spot, that they have built and not made money from. Vs turning up not filming, and just skating with them and perhaps vlogging it after. ones a youtuber who skates the is a skater who youtubes.
@@nickhilbert750 I don't understand how he would blow the spot up if he didn't show were it was or how to get there. Also as skateboarders, we skate spots we're not suppose to skate all the time, people put hard work and money into those things and skateboarding make money on filming at these places and don't care about those public places either, that's a double standard.
I've always found that skaters are insanely nice. Maybe ive just been lucky in my area. Coming from surfing where most people you meet are rude ive found skaters have always been friendly and encouraging.
I’ve lucked out with skaters too. For a while I rode at this one spot where there were serious hard core riders. They ignored me for the most part but eventually after a few weeks of seeing me trying and putting in the work on some tricks, I got some much unexpected deck taps when I finally got the tricks I was after. They were watching, just didn’t have the comfort to show their appreciation right away.
@@robertborden2666 I just find it so fun when you land something that pales in comparrison to what they can do but they freak out like you just did el toro
@@SirStringBean I think it’s a namaste kind of moment. They recognize the battle you’re having and it reminds them of their own battles. They appreciate the warrior spirit. I get that way when I see someone working up the courage the drop in, which was always my big fear. When I came back at 43 that was my biggest piece of unfinished business. I finally figured it out and now it’s one of my favorite things to do.
You're very thoughtful and nice. Totally empathize. I was called a poser by some kids when I was a young skater. Funny thing is I could skate pretty OK and they sucked - but I didn't buy the right type of shoes, I didn't buy the right stuff. I've been in the music business a long time and its the same experience there. You'd think other people with the same interests as you would naturally get along. But I dislike a lot of the people I meet in my corner of the music business, even though it's a very specific niche. Sharing an interest does not mean you share personalities or ideals. People are all different, being a skater doesn't induct you into some sort utopian society..There are millions and millions of us from all walks of life. Keep your positive and thoughtful attitude John, much appreciated
Damn John, I can really relate to those feelings… throughout high school I basically couldn’t skate a specific park because the other skaters there were super against non-locals (even though I went to school across the street). There were only a couple of parks that I felt comfortable skating at and slowly they got worse and worse, to the point that I stopped skating right around 17-18 for a couple years (among other personal reasons). A few years ago I got back into it though and have found MY skatepark, because 1. I just love the obstacles & flow of the park, but mostly because 2. the people there are just wonderful. I’ve been working in the industry now for a couple years and unfortunately still see the shitty side of it at my 9 to 5, but I’m happy I’ve found a small group of people in the community that are just simply good human beings 💚 thank you for your content, have been a fan for many many years, even when I wasn’t skating anymore you were the one connection I still had to this thing that I love and will never again allow to leave my life 💚
I've only been skating for 2 months now and I feel very lucky to have a group of friends who are way better than me yet support and teach me as much as they can. Thanks for the content!
What I've come to realize over time is that a lot of people have a hard time communicating. And you know, dealing with emotions and putting them into words is difficult. That said. Being able to self reflect and change the way you think is a skill everyone can learn but it takes some effort. It's much easier to hate and be salty about something. Especially if u surround yourself with like minded people. Look a social media. Love your vids John. Been lurking for years.
Honestly I recently hit a point in skateboarding where I don’t even want to try pursuing sponsorships anymore because the industry is just more toxic then it is good. I feel the second skateboarding becomes my job I will hate it. The whole reason I started 18 years ago in the first place was because it looked fun and because I didn’t like the “normal” sports. And it’s sad I put so many years into trying to become a professional skateboarder and every opportunity that I had ended up just being companies that were all talk but couldn’t provide anything at the end of the day. It left me bitter because it happened multiple times but I kept trying until last year when I said fuck it and almost stopped skating completely, after a few months I found myself walking out the door with a board in my hand and it made me feel like I was 10 again. The only thing that mattered was that it brought me happiness and it fun and that’s how it’s going to remain now for as long as I can ride. There’s a saying that really stuck with me and it’s “if you’re not having fun then you’re not doing it right”. Remember that whoever reads this!
I grew up super poor living in the middle of nowhere, I totally see where you are coming from John. Anyone who is angry at you is just jealous, you have come so far from nothing, you are insanely good at skating and your videos are really entertaining. I don't skate anymore but I've started a UA-cam channel where I build fun and crazy stuff. I'd be thrilled if I had 1/4 of your success! Keep up the great content and don't let anyone get you down!
That’s so crazy I’ve never once felt this stigma in my almost 20 years of skateboarding, of course I wasn’t ever going to be pro or be a recognizable person
Dude I always enjoy your videos so much, nice real vibes. Also live in the DFW, I’m yet to find you in one the skateparks, it would be Awsome to see you skate live! Stay safe ✌🏼
This is definitely a pertinent topic and one that's very relatable on a lot of levels. The sort of industry and competition problems you're describing strikes me as very similar to the music industry too and of course plenty of other things too. Thank you for sharing.
John, I just found you a little while ago and you have inspired me to walk into a skate shop and buy my first skateboard since I stopped skating over 15 years ago! I hope to find a good group of people I can enter back into this activity with. Thanks for spreading the positivity brotha!
Used to watch back in the day something like 4-6 years ago i cant really tell, u were back then with Sara this is so great to see you both still together kicking things off!
I'mma be real, this is why I learned ASL -- I think culture in general these days is petty and competitive, but the rules of success vary based on any given individual/group's experiences, so you're always someone's punching bag, and alway someone's idol -- neither are fun positions. Finding equals is hard, so I put my headphones on, turn on active noise cancelling, blast my music, and whenever somebody comes up to me, I sign "hello, do you sign" and the usually leave me alone. Those that sign back have unanimously been my equals who neither glorify nor vilify me for who I am.
I love your videos and watching you scate. I have done both aggressive inline and skateboarding. There was this one inliner who said most of skating is sitting around and talking shit about other peoples skating. He was so right!!!
Very well said John. Every skater has felt hate from our community but I know that you have felt much more. You are a pioneer of utube and anything new tends to bring allot of hate especially from our people!! Its fucked but in life you can not please everyone so the people that do not get you or understand are not important. you need to realize they do not affect your life when it really boils down to it and you work hard doing what you love and try to make it in this world like any hard working person does! The only thing you you need to do is what makes you happy and always be nice to your fans and give them time and you will be successful!!!thanks for all of your hard work🤙
I enjoy the raw John, it’s very important to vocalize your frustrations. And I agree that skate culture can be the pits unrelated but I love gundam and that community is really bad too but ya gotta cultivate a new community that is about positivity. I believe In ya John. Your the goat.
Rob Dyrdek built a 1-million-dollar skatepark in my area, and it is fantastic. It's the only skatepark in this state that has actual street obstacles and not just bowls for vert. I'm very thankful he decided to give back to the skateboarding community.
Yooo John, It was nice to meet you this day bro.. Also, you really crooked that whole ledge 👀🔥 I can alwasy go grab extra biikes from the warehouse. we should go mob on the Zooz Ebike if you are down.
I hate the stupid "Locals Only" mentality of some skaters. I love that when my kids and I go to the Texas skateparks, lots of Gen X skaters like to help out the young Gen Z skaters and make it feel like a community. The beginning of World Industries was about defeating the corporate non-skater owned skate companies, and then they became the very thing they despised so much. I have given skateboards to poor kids who cannot afford real skateboards, and there is nothing better than paying it forward in skateboarding. There are companies like Death Skateboards who do not make much of a profit just to make good quality skateboards available to kids of all economic backgrounds. They are of the mindset that skateboarding is "Skating with mates" and not about gatekeeping, fashion standards, listening to the right music, having the haircut, or anything. They are true ambassadors of skateboarding.
I remember when I first started skating and even if it wasn't happening, I always felt like I was being judged and made to feel quite uncomfortable. I put this down to being new and needing to prove myself so, I kept skating and learning new tricks in hope that one day I would feel more accepted. This never changed whilst I was still concerned with what other people thought of me. After a couple of years, my crew had developed and we were all okay at skating until one day when a group of new skaters came down to "our" local I remember me and my crew just labelled them as "posers". They came back a few times, but all slowly started dropping off. To this day I have never seen one of those kids on a skateboard again. Since then, over the past 6/7 years, I have heavily picked up and put down skating. Over the past couple of years, my enjoyment for skateboarding has come back and now I'm out at least 2/3 times a week. The difference now is that all of my crew have stopped skating, so I just skate alone, which occasionally depresses the life out of me. I look back now as an adult and think "if only I was nicer to those kids, they might still be skating and we'd be able to skate together". Even if we weren't skating together, they might have been the people to have had a more positive impact on the tiny skate community in my town than I ever could have had whilst I was flittering with picking it up/putting it down.
Kinda why I left skating and started mountain biking. I still have a skateboard, live close to a decent skatepark, but I’m just tired of the whole “proving ground” schtick.
I hope u see this u inspire me to go back out and skate and and be afraid cause I'm 47 and I always skate o. My own. I found a dope spot at reunion arena
Jealousy is a bitch. In every trade where skill is involved that needs talent, there is jealousy. I'm in classical music, same thing. They should stop making art a contest. Art is a matter of the soul, you can't compete with that.... Competition ruins everything, same goes for sports. Keep up the good work. It's entertaining and educational as hell John!
my recent decline in interest in skateboarding over this past year is largely due to the community surrounding it, i love skating and going to skate parks but i get there and i just feel looked at, and watched, and judged for not being able to land a clean kick flip or something, and it’s amplified by the fact that i’m not a very good skateboarder by any means, on a good day i can land 5 kickflips in a row and 3 out of the 5 will be really clean, and on a bad day which is most days for me i can barely land 1 clean or not. it just sucks that something i loved so dearly has started to feel more uncomfortable to me, and a weird side effect of this has formed in me feeling scared to try new hobbies. i just feel like i’m gonna get told that i shouldn’t even be in a music store if i don’t know everything about guitars or pianos, or that i’m gonna get told to leave a motorcycle dealership because i don’t know the difference between two bikes. the skating community has done wonderful things for me in the past, i had a dude carry me to a car after i broke my ankle at a skatepark, but it also presented me with this feeling that if i don’t know or can’t do something than i shouldn’t even be allowed to be interested in something, it’s a very mixed bag and not having friends that are better than me or challenge me in skateboarding is a very tough thing to not have. that’s just my take on it though.
TBH, that spot did not look like anything that needed to be kept secret. I can’t imagine going out of my way to go there. No hate toward those that built it but come on. Either way, great job on both vids and keep it up.
John as nice people we need to get the bad end of the stick A LOT of the times, but in my heart I feel good for the right rather then wrong and at the end of the day I get to go to sleep being myself. I don't know if I will get back into UA-cam but YOU my friend are an inspiration and just saying "acuna ma tata" it means don't worry be happy my skateboarder friend :)
Is skating a rich kid sport now? It was a poor kid sport when I was growing up. The poor kids harassed the rich kids for getting new decks or new shoes too soon. Bottom line, what you’re getting at is: the divide between those who believe skating is a counterculture sport, with rights of passage, rooted in its history, and those who believe it’s just a commodity to capitalize upon, with no right of passage. In a more macro view, you’re literally talking about the fight against tribal sovereignty and Babylon. You’re talking about whether selling a tribe’s soul is essentially a thing or not, or if it even matters since its soul was already sold. That’s really the crux of what you’re talking about. Just remember tolerance is the last virtue of a dying society.
Sarah was right, she used to be a lot better which means she could be better pretty quickly. I'm so glad you have such a caring person in your life. You are worth it.
Skate culture is so demeaning alot of the time, I unfortunately agree. When going to the skatepark, I am reluctant to talk to people there because of this. At any rate, I respect your resolve and passion for skateboarding that causes you to stay regardless of the negativity. It shows that you are skating because you like skating and not to be cool or accepted by other people. Finally, I like that you speak publicly against negativity in skate culture. It gives positivity a voice and grows positive community.
It's so funny that a lot of skaters have this "outsider/chip-on-my-shoulder/rebel" attitude and can be so unwelcoming and judgmental at the same time. Typically when someone has been through a bunch of crap they understand that it sucks and don't subject others to the same treatment. I'm fine with you telling it like it is. People need to do better. Be kind. Treat others like you want to be treated. It's not too hard, honestly.
Totally can relate. Growing up in Ohio I got into skating mostly from video games like the old arcade Sega Top Skater, Skate or Die and of course THPS!! But skating was an outcast activity in Ohio and when I would skate people would yell out their car windows and call me a loser, skater f*g, and all sorts or derogatory names. Some people would even throw drinks or garbage at me. And then when I bought Airwalks the kids at school started calling me a poser. I’m like…uhhh I skateboard, how the hell does wearing Airwalks make me a poser? But whatever I quickly learned to not give a $hit what people think or say to me or about me and do what I love. That includes Soaping and making content on UA-cam. I’m having a blast and if people enjoy it cool. If not, there are a trillion other videos to watch. I thought I would get flack at the skateparks here in San Diego for Soaping and filming but it actually has been quite the opposite and most skaters give me props or tell me just do your thing, I’ll stay out of your way or they’ll ask me about my shoes and cheer me on when I grind a hubba or hand rails. Keep KILLIN’ IT John! You have so many loyal fans that love your content and get inspired by your words of wisdom. I am definitely one of them! Shred4Life
Always enjoy the content, screw those guys who got mad at ya I feel ya I jus started not long ago and I’ve already met a hella awesome dude and a pree toxic one at my local but keep on keepin on don’t let it get ya down fam we love ya 💜💜💜🤘🤘🤘
You are a better skater and person than 95% (arbitrary estimate) of the people hating on you. Do what you do. Also your Texas homies are rad and I enjoy the videos with them. Het Zach, Foster and Irvine g out to Texas to skate with you.
7:55 i meeaaannn, teeeeechnically (LOL) "Skate-In" isn't wrong lol 🤣 right action, just wrong word for it.. in my book she still got it right there 🤷🏾♂️ hahaha and i couldnt agree more with you on you feelings toward the community..
Hey John, I really agree a lot with what you said about the skate industry. However, I don’t believe that all of these people are ‘bad people’. Truthfully if anyone goes out of their way to make someone else feel bad about anything, they have to be hurting inside themselves. So I actually empathize with those that do. I just wanted to share my perspective on it but as an industry we do have a lot to change and improve. Keep doing you man and much love.
Dyrdek is a bit of a goof but that dude's dedication to skateboarding should never ever be questioned. Nor should his business sense. The AWS purchase has a lot of layers as well. He bought it, sold it to Burton (or well owners of Burton) bought it back and then gave it to the original owners. Huge dedication to a brand that he really was part of their DNA for the majority of the company's life.
wow, i'm kind of shocked cuz here in Brazil the skateboarding culture is totally different. Almost everybody is humble enough and will treat you with respect. Here the people are amazing and don't care if you are good, bad, rich or poor. People skate and laugh together, celebrates when someone lands a trick and i am so grateful for the culture here. (I'm speaking biased on my city which is Florianópolis, the same city from Pedro Barros
I feel like skateboarding is going through the same situation car culture went through, which eventually killed the community in general. People shit on these guys that spend tons of blood, sweat, tears (not to mention MONEY), building a fast, old JDM car (most likely a Civic) because their favorite UA-camrs have 2000HP twin turbo Huracans; I also feel like the same people have a lot of personal demons; self-doubt, a feeling of worthlessness, fear of being left out, etc. and target those with passion, but not a 6+ figure bank account. It's really sad, and I feel that Social Media is the catalyst nowadays.
You tube is an industry that pours negativity into skateboarding for views, Just look at the thumb nail to this video. Why the ''Don't' Calling locals dicks for protecting a spot over views that make money. Its not skaters being dicks to skaters, its you tubers being dicks to skaters. You may not 'owe' skating ( i don't think it has ever meant money, skate companies make very little wit few exceptions). But skating certainly doesnt owe youtube As for defending RD against the 'ills' that skateboarding has given him after all the 'love' he has put in, That's like thanking an invading army for turning the water back on
This is why I love street skating because I found out that being in a skate park you get that alot at skate park that's why I love street I can just put my head phones in and skate
yo john, big fan bro all the way from perth , western australia, luv ya vids, i stopped skating for a bit becuse i hurt myself and your videos gave me the motivation to come back and skate, so i did. i went so hard the first day i broke my ankle now im in a cast for 6 weeks atleast lol good shit homie
Too many people gatekeep skateboarding. I hate it. Toxic AF. I also hate that it's "trendy" to hate on skaters for no reason.
More than anything I hate rocking up to a skatepark and getting "Cool guyed" by people. I feel your anger and frustration mate!
Hey Nick! Fancy seeing you here!!
@@SeaTacky wassup!
I didn't know it was like this. I skated as a teen and back then there wasn't many skate parks at all. Now there's quite a bit, but I'm 37....starting all over again...and man..reading stuff like this makes an already discouraged mind feel more discouraged. I've just been finding abandoned flat ground spots to at least learn basic stuff so far...but I feel like I'd run into this problem fast living in California. It already kinda sucks riding alone, but it would suck more feeling alienated in a place where I just want to learn and be a part of.
Like there's nice people here and there over here...but generally speaking...man people just aren't all that nice here. It was the first thing I noticed when I traveled across the states. Like wow, strangers greeting me and even talking to me. I go back to the city I'm in and get mad dogged for a head nodd with a good morning...
I hope I'm wrong of course. I haven't gotten to that point yet and don't know if I even can starting again this late.
Some skaters are just in it for the “lifestyle” and not actually skating, those are the gatekeepers
It’s exactly this reason that I stopped doing tricks and park skating. I just cruise around now because if your not as good as everyone else then you’re just shamed away from any community in skateboarding
As I kid that grew up not being able to afford the cool clothes and riding hand me down skateboards I got a lot of shit also but it’s made me accept everyone and have a positive attitude because I don’t want them to know that feeling. I don’t regret my experiences at all, your right you eventually find your crew. Keep up the good work John
Same
Man honestly everything you mentioned is why it took so long for me to come back to skateboarding at 32 years old. I was worried about being judged or labeled as a poser or something because that was my experience when I was a young teenager and I thought skating was my life. Honestly man, your videos and some others on this platform that spread positivity are why I got the courage to even go into a skate shop and eventually skateparks and spots. Keep on keeping on!
Skaters nowadays are very welcoming in my experience nowadays
“Don’t bring your girlfriend to the skate park”
Not trying to brag, but im really good at this 😏
I don’t even bring my girlfriend into existence, checkmate
@@ItMeJayB touché
I bring my wife to the skatepark I win
You're awesome John, keep doin' your thing, you are in the right. Speaking as a fan who has watched you since LA, I watch you because you are a young person living your dream, and its inspring af. That is the main draw that keeps me tuning in. Your positivity is your strength, progress daily is such a strong message that fits into anything in anyone's life. Fuck the haters, if you dig deep in any group or hobby you are going to find a toxic cross section people. As I get older, I have learned to chalk it up to the fact that some people just suck and aren't worth redemption or your time. As you say, keep killin' it and try not to worry what others think. Sara too, you're both inspring young people, its a treat getting to watch you two live your lives the way you want.
Damn bro, NGL. I get a little teary eyed watching and listening to you rant. Its so much truth in your words. TBh I feel like ive given so much to BMX, my entire youth, my college experiences, my ACL-MCL-Meniscus, Thousands of hours stressing about content and going viral and keeping people entertained.. Just to to feel drained, beat up and literally like a dry bucket with nothing more to pour out.
And now that opportunity has come my way to change it up a bit and dive into other industries.... I dont even have anything else to give. barely Love myself some days...
Maybe this is the type of shit i should start talking about on my channel... I feel others could relate.. 😭
Anyway thanks for being real and transparent. 👌🏾
Never ever EVER should this have happened, screw those guys, you should have left the video up, we have your back John.
what happened in that video?
blowing up a spot for views to make money for an industry that cares nothing for skating, (youtube) a spot that may be locals only spot, that they have built and not made money from.
Vs turning up not filming, and just skating with them and perhaps vlogging it after.
ones a youtuber who skates the is a skater who youtubes.
@@nickhilbert750 overthought
@@trueskateclips7073 better over thought than unthinking
@@nickhilbert750 I don't understand how he would blow the spot up if he didn't show were it was or how to get there. Also as skateboarders, we skate spots we're not suppose to skate all the time, people put hard work and money into those things and skateboarding make money on filming at these places and don't care about those public places either, that's a double standard.
I've always found that skaters are insanely nice. Maybe ive just been lucky in my area. Coming from surfing where most people you meet are rude ive found skaters have always been friendly and encouraging.
I’ve lucked out with skaters too. For a while I rode at this one spot where there were serious hard core riders. They ignored me for the most part but eventually after a few weeks of seeing me trying and putting in the work on some tricks, I got some much unexpected deck taps when I finally got the tricks I was after. They were watching, just didn’t have the comfort to show their appreciation right away.
@@robertborden2666 I just find it so fun when you land something that pales in comparrison to what they can do but they freak out like you just did el toro
@@SirStringBean I think it’s a namaste kind of moment. They recognize the battle you’re having and it reminds them of their own battles. They appreciate the warrior spirit. I get that way when I see someone working up the courage the drop in, which was always my big fear. When I came back at 43 that was my biggest piece of unfinished business. I finally figured it out and now it’s one of my favorite things to do.
You're very thoughtful and nice. Totally empathize. I was called a poser by some kids when I was a young skater. Funny thing is I could skate pretty OK and they sucked - but I didn't buy the right type of shoes, I didn't buy the right stuff. I've been in the music business a long time and its the same experience there. You'd think other people with the same interests as you would naturally get along. But I dislike a lot of the people I meet in my corner of the music business, even though it's a very specific niche. Sharing an interest does not mean you share personalities or ideals. People are all different, being a skater doesn't induct you into some sort utopian society..There are millions and millions of us from all walks of life. Keep your positive and thoughtful attitude John, much appreciated
Damn John, I can really relate to those feelings… throughout high school I basically couldn’t skate a specific park because the other skaters there were super against non-locals (even though I went to school across the street). There were only a couple of parks that I felt comfortable skating at and slowly they got worse and worse, to the point that I stopped skating right around 17-18 for a couple years (among other personal reasons). A few years ago I got back into it though and have found MY skatepark, because 1. I just love the obstacles & flow of the park, but mostly because 2. the people there are just wonderful. I’ve been working in the industry now for a couple years and unfortunately still see the shitty side of it at my 9 to 5, but I’m happy I’ve found a small group of people in the community that are just simply good human beings 💚 thank you for your content, have been a fan for many many years, even when I wasn’t skating anymore you were the one connection I still had to this thing that I love and will never again allow to leave my life 💚
I've only been skating for 2 months now and I feel very lucky to have a group of friends who are way better than me yet support and teach me as much as they can. Thanks for the content!
What I've come to realize over time is that a lot of people have a hard time communicating. And you know, dealing with emotions and putting them into words is difficult.
That said. Being able to self reflect and change the way you think is a skill everyone can learn but it takes some effort. It's much easier to hate and be salty about something. Especially if u surround yourself with like minded people. Look a social media.
Love your vids John. Been lurking for years.
Yoo John jus landed my first 3 stair today so hyped
I really appreciate the John TRUTH Hill the Most!
Keep telling the raw truth brotha!
Dude- you have 1.3M subs....what?! CONGRATULATIONS
I've been here for years and I just now noticed how much support you've gained.
Let's go!!!!!
Honestly I recently hit a point in skateboarding where I don’t even want to try pursuing sponsorships anymore because the industry is just more toxic then it is good. I feel the second skateboarding becomes my job I will hate it. The whole reason I started 18 years ago in the first place was because it looked fun and because I didn’t like the “normal” sports. And it’s sad I put so many years into trying to become a professional skateboarder and every opportunity that I had ended up just being companies that were all talk but couldn’t provide anything at the end of the day. It left me bitter because it happened multiple times but I kept trying until last year when I said fuck it and almost stopped skating completely, after a few months I found myself walking out the door with a board in my hand and it made me feel like I was 10 again. The only thing that mattered was that it brought me happiness and it fun and that’s how it’s going to remain now for as long as I can ride. There’s a saying that really stuck with me and it’s “if you’re not having fun then you’re not doing it right”. Remember that whoever reads this!
Brandon Westgate looks like he's having a great time in his pro career and Jahmir Brown.
I grew up super poor living in the middle of nowhere, I totally see where you are coming from John.
Anyone who is angry at you is just jealous, you have come so far from nothing, you are insanely good at skating and your videos are really entertaining.
I don't skate anymore but I've started a UA-cam channel where I build fun and crazy stuff.
I'd be thrilled if I had 1/4 of your success!
Keep up the great content and don't let anyone get you down!
Much love and respect to you and your channel. I hope that all is well for you and your family and friends.
That’s so crazy I’ve never once felt this stigma in my almost 20 years of skateboarding, of course I wasn’t ever going to be pro or be a recognizable person
Dude I always enjoy your videos so much, nice real vibes.
Also live in the DFW, I’m yet to find you in one the skateparks, it would be Awsome to see you skate live!
Stay safe ✌🏼
I love you guys! Such a power duo in my eyes 🤩 we need more stuff from the both of you!
I’ve been a subscriber for years now, and I just want to say seeing you drop in on that huge bowl was unexpected, and rad!
This is definitely a pertinent topic and one that's very relatable on a lot of levels. The sort of industry and competition problems you're describing strikes me as very similar to the music industry too and of course plenty of other things too. Thank you for sharing.
John, I just found you a little while ago and you have inspired me to walk into a skate shop and buy my first skateboard since I stopped skating over 15 years ago! I hope to find a good group of people I can enter back into this activity with. Thanks for spreading the positivity brotha!
Used to watch back in the day something like 4-6 years ago i cant really tell, u were back then with Sara this is so great to see you both still together kicking things off!
that rollerblade disney movie was fire as a kid lmao
I'mma be real, this is why I learned ASL -- I think culture in general these days is petty and competitive, but the rules of success vary based on any given individual/group's experiences, so you're always someone's punching bag, and alway someone's idol -- neither are fun positions. Finding equals is hard, so I put my headphones on, turn on active noise cancelling, blast my music, and whenever somebody comes up to me, I sign "hello, do you sign" and the usually leave me alone. Those that sign back have unanimously been my equals who neither glorify nor vilify me for who I am.
thanks for sharing......
The industry is full of kooks. Don't let it get you down, John. You're doing amazing things for many people, including skaters. Please keep it up!
I love your videos and watching you scate. I have done both aggressive inline and skateboarding. There was this one inliner who said most of skating is sitting around and talking shit about other peoples skating. He was so right!!!
Very well said John. Every skater has felt hate from our community but I know that you have felt much more. You are a pioneer of utube and anything new tends to bring allot of hate especially from our people!! Its fucked but in life you can not please everyone so the people that do not get you or understand are not important. you need to realize they do not affect your life when it really boils down to it and you work hard doing what you love and try to make it in this world like any hard working person does! The only thing you you need to do is what makes you happy and always be nice to your fans and give them time and you will be successful!!!thanks for all of your hard work🤙
if you made a podcast i'd totally listen. everything you have to say is so interesting and fascinates me
I enjoy the raw John, it’s very important to vocalize your frustrations. And I agree that skate culture can be the pits unrelated but I love gundam and that community is really bad too but ya gotta cultivate a new community that is about positivity. I believe In ya John. Your the goat.
i like hearing this there is definatly good and bad in everything its really toxic that stuff has to be so complex but just keep on rollin
Felt this so much . Keep up the grind brotha.
Rob Dyrdek built a 1-million-dollar skatepark in my area, and it is fantastic. It's the only skatepark in this state that has actual street obstacles and not just bowls for vert. I'm very thankful he decided to give back to the skateboarding community.
It really is cool of you to talk about these moments.
Ironic that you can get more respect from certain security guards kicking you out of somewhere than you can from certain fellow skaters 😂
Yooo John, It was nice to meet you this day bro.. Also, you really crooked that whole ledge 👀🔥
I can alwasy go grab extra biikes from the warehouse. we should go mob on the Zooz Ebike if you are down.
damn! I haven't watched your videos since when you lived in NY and I see you now have over 1 mil subs. Dang. time flies! congrats!
🎶Pop it!.. Drop it!…. Roll it!… Skate it!😂
Phenomenal video John your the man I hate What you went through such a good skater and guy overall
I hate the stupid "Locals Only" mentality of some skaters. I love that when my kids and I go to the Texas skateparks, lots of Gen X skaters like to help out the young Gen Z skaters and make it feel like a community.
The beginning of World Industries was about defeating the corporate non-skater owned skate companies, and then they became the very thing they despised so much.
I have given skateboards to poor kids who cannot afford real skateboards, and there is nothing better than paying it forward in skateboarding.
There are companies like Death Skateboards who do not make much of a profit just to make good quality skateboards available to kids of all economic backgrounds. They are of the mindset that skateboarding is "Skating with mates" and not about gatekeeping, fashion standards, listening to the right music, having the haircut, or anything. They are true ambassadors of skateboarding.
Those skate park shots looked awesome
John, love the vids man, been watching you since I started skating and learned so much and gained more confidence skating.
Saludos from Deep South Tx (Edinburg)!!!✌️😎
I’ve watched you for years but I don’t skate. Just like how positive you are. Watching you do tricks is cool.
I remember when I first started skating and even if it wasn't happening, I always felt like I was being judged and made to feel quite uncomfortable. I put this down to being new and needing to prove myself so, I kept skating and learning new tricks in hope that one day I would feel more accepted. This never changed whilst I was still concerned with what other people thought of me.
After a couple of years, my crew had developed and we were all okay at skating until one day when a group of new skaters came down to "our" local I remember me and my crew just labelled them as "posers". They came back a few times, but all slowly started dropping off. To this day I have never seen one of those kids on a skateboard again. Since then, over the past 6/7 years, I have heavily picked up and put down skating. Over the past couple of years, my enjoyment for skateboarding has come back and now I'm out at least 2/3 times a week. The difference now is that all of my crew have stopped skating, so I just skate alone, which occasionally depresses the life out of me. I look back now as an adult and think "if only I was nicer to those kids, they might still be skating and we'd be able to skate together". Even if we weren't skating together, they might have been the people to have had a more positive impact on the tiny skate community in my town than I ever could have had whilst I was flittering with picking it up/putting it down.
wawww lol not even a link to her channel? i see how it is lol
Kinda why I left skating and started mountain biking.
I still have a skateboard, live close to a decent skatepark, but I’m just tired of the whole “proving ground” schtick.
I hope u see this u inspire me to go back out and skate and and be afraid cause I'm 47 and I always skate o. My own. I found a dope spot at reunion arena
Jealousy is a bitch. In every trade where skill is involved that needs talent, there is jealousy. I'm in classical music, same thing. They should stop making art a contest. Art is a matter of the soul, you can't compete with that.... Competition ruins everything, same goes for sports. Keep up the good work. It's entertaining and educational as hell John!
my recent decline in interest in skateboarding over this past year is largely due to the community surrounding it, i love skating and going to skate parks but i get there and i just feel looked at, and watched, and judged for not being able to land a clean kick flip or something, and it’s amplified by the fact that i’m not a very good skateboarder by any means, on a good day i can land 5 kickflips in a row and 3 out of the 5 will be really clean, and on a bad day which is most days for me i can barely land 1 clean or not. it just sucks that something i loved so dearly has started to feel more uncomfortable to me, and a weird side effect of this has formed in me feeling scared to try new hobbies. i just feel like i’m gonna get told that i shouldn’t even be in a music store if i don’t know everything about guitars or pianos, or that i’m gonna get told to leave a motorcycle dealership because i don’t know the difference between two bikes. the skating community has done wonderful things for me in the past, i had a dude carry me to a car after i broke my ankle at a skatepark, but it also presented me with this feeling that if i don’t know or can’t do something than i shouldn’t even be allowed to be interested in something, it’s a very mixed bag and not having friends that are better than me or challenge me in skateboarding is a very tough thing to not have. that’s just my take on it though.
Love your videos man ❤
We like you bro. I haven’t even skated in 8 years and I watch your videos regularly.
Been skating for 14 years I wouldn’t even have said roll in 😂😂
Wow in my town I welcome fellow skaters! We need more skaters in my town! People be so petty
TBH, that spot did not look like anything that needed to be kept secret. I can’t imagine going out of my way to go there. No hate toward those that built it but come on. Either way, great job on both vids and keep it up.
John as nice people we need to get the bad end of the stick A LOT of the times, but in my heart I feel good for the right rather then wrong and at the end of the day I get to go to sleep being myself. I don't know if I will get back into UA-cam but YOU my friend are an inspiration and just saying "acuna ma tata" it means don't worry be happy my skateboarder friend :)
W John
Love this. Thanks John.
Get ‘em John
Is skating a rich kid sport now? It was a poor kid sport when I was growing up. The poor kids harassed the rich kids for getting new decks or new shoes too soon. Bottom line, what you’re getting at is: the divide between those who believe skating is a counterculture sport, with rights of passage, rooted in its history, and those who believe it’s just a commodity to capitalize upon, with no right of passage. In a more macro view, you’re literally talking about the fight against tribal sovereignty and Babylon. You’re talking about whether selling a tribe’s soul is essentially a thing or not, or if it even matters since its soul was already sold. That’s really the crux of what you’re talking about. Just remember tolerance is the last virtue of a dying society.
We want Judy to skateboard.
Never give up on your dreams and aspirations and remember to be kind and uplifting to each other and open minded and genuine.
Sarah was right, she used to be a lot better which means she could be better pretty quickly. I'm so glad you have such a caring person in your life. You are worth it.
OMG sooo relatable John! I thought i was getting trash talked only in my local, but now i know that is just people are like that 😭
Skate culture is so demeaning alot of the time, I unfortunately agree. When going to the skatepark, I am reluctant to talk to people there because of this.
At any rate, I respect your resolve and passion for skateboarding that causes you to stay regardless of the negativity. It shows that you are skating because you like skating and not to be cool or accepted by other people.
Finally, I like that you speak publicly against negativity in skate culture. It gives positivity a voice and grows positive community.
It's so funny that a lot of skaters have this "outsider/chip-on-my-shoulder/rebel" attitude and can be so unwelcoming and judgmental at the same time. Typically when someone has been through a bunch of crap they understand that it sucks and don't subject others to the same treatment. I'm fine with you telling it like it is. People need to do better. Be kind. Treat others like you want to be treated. It's not too hard, honestly.
Totally can relate. Growing up in Ohio I got into skating mostly from video games like the old arcade Sega Top Skater, Skate or Die and of course THPS!! But skating was an outcast activity in Ohio and when I would skate people would yell out their car windows and call me a loser, skater f*g, and all sorts or derogatory names. Some people would even throw drinks or garbage at me. And then when I bought Airwalks the kids at school started calling me a poser. I’m like…uhhh I skateboard, how the hell does wearing Airwalks make me a poser? But whatever I quickly learned to not give a $hit what people think or say to me or about me and do what I love. That includes Soaping and making content on UA-cam. I’m having a blast and if people enjoy it cool. If not, there are a trillion other videos to watch. I thought I would get flack at the skateparks here in San Diego for Soaping and filming but it actually has been quite the opposite and most skaters give me props or tell me just do your thing, I’ll stay out of your way or they’ll ask me about my shoes and cheer me on when I grind a hubba or hand rails. Keep KILLIN’ IT John! You have so many loyal fans that love your content and get inspired by your words of wisdom. I am definitely one of them! Shred4Life
Are those the Kyle Walker shoes?! if so. By far my favorite shoe to skate. tightness of laces without laces. with the slip on comfort.
Loving the spooky deck, very seasonally appropriate 💀
John, your skating has never been better. Dust off the haters.
Always enjoy the content, screw those guys who got mad at ya I feel ya I jus started not long ago and I’ve already met a hella awesome dude and a pree toxic one at my local but keep on keepin on don’t let it get ya down fam we love ya 💜💜💜🤘🤘🤘
You are a better skater and person than 95% (arbitrary estimate) of the people hating on you. Do what you do. Also your Texas homies are rad and I enjoy the videos with them. Het Zach, Foster and Irvine g out to Texas to skate with you.
was just about to jump a plane from Scotland and hit up that DIY aswell......
7:55 i meeaaannn, teeeeechnically (LOL) "Skate-In" isn't wrong lol 🤣 right action, just wrong word for it.. in my book she still got it right there 🤷🏾♂️ hahaha
and i couldnt agree more with you on you feelings toward the community..
Hey John, I really agree a lot with what you said about the skate industry. However, I don’t believe that all of these people are ‘bad people’. Truthfully if anyone goes out of their way to make someone else feel bad about anything, they have to be hurting inside themselves. So I actually empathize with those that do. I just wanted to share my perspective on it but as an industry we do have a lot to change and improve. Keep doing you man and much love.
It’s nice seeing her again
Dyrdek is a bit of a goof but that dude's dedication to skateboarding should never ever be questioned. Nor should his business sense.
The AWS purchase has a lot of layers as well. He bought it, sold it to Burton (or well owners of Burton) bought it back and then gave it to the original owners. Huge dedication to a brand that he really was part of their DNA for the majority of the company's life.
wow, i'm kind of shocked cuz here in Brazil the skateboarding culture is totally different. Almost everybody is humble enough and will treat you with respect. Here the people are amazing and don't care if you are good, bad, rich or poor. People skate and laugh together, celebrates when someone lands a trick and i am so grateful for the culture here. (I'm speaking biased on my city which is Florianópolis, the same city from Pedro Barros
i wish you skated transitions more, you’d have the sickest style for it, just skate fast man ( in the bowls of course)
I could write an essay now, but I keeo it short.
Yes, if Skateboarding ows you a slap, give it one !
Bro I go to the skate park it Chisholm Trail Skate Park
There’s the response I was waiting on!!! 🔥
youre real john thanks for not folding
Shes a very good filmer
I wish i Could skate with you
Woah those slow motion shots were crazy good.
Honesty is always appreciated and remembered among the genuine :) Best wishes :)
I feel like skateboarding is going through the same situation car culture went through, which eventually killed the community in general. People shit on these guys that spend tons of blood, sweat, tears (not to mention MONEY), building a fast, old JDM car (most likely a Civic) because their favorite UA-camrs have 2000HP twin turbo Huracans; I also feel like the same people have a lot of personal demons; self-doubt, a feeling of worthlessness, fear of being left out, etc. and target those with passion, but not a 6+ figure bank account. It's really sad, and I feel that Social Media is the catalyst nowadays.
Can you go to the Tulsa Oklahoma Gathering Place skate park?
Street League is pivotal in terms of broadcasting skating to the masses. It hasn’t reached its peak for sure. Ten years and it will be HUGE.
I hope that all is well for everyone here.
You tube is an industry that pours negativity into skateboarding for views, Just look at the thumb nail to this video. Why the ''Don't'
Calling locals dicks for protecting a spot over views that make money.
Its not skaters being dicks to skaters, its you tubers being dicks to skaters.
You may not 'owe' skating ( i don't think it has ever meant money, skate companies make very little wit few exceptions).
But skating certainly doesnt owe youtube
As for defending RD against the 'ills' that skateboarding has given him after all the 'love' he has put in, That's like thanking an invading army for turning the water back on
I love skateboarding.
It's weird because I grew up in such an inclusive skate community, but going to larger cities and different places people talk.
This is why I love street skating because I found out that being in a skate park you get that alot at skate park that's why I love street I can just put my head phones in and skate
Keep doing you John!
yo john, big fan bro all the way from perth , western australia,
luv ya vids, i stopped skating for a bit becuse i hurt myself and your videos gave me the motivation to come back and skate, so i did.
i went so hard the first day i broke my ankle now im in a cast for 6 weeks atleast lol
good shit homie
john b winning