Didnt skate for 20 years, now 42 and started since a couple of months, and finaly progressing again by overcoming FEAR :))) brused my ribs though this week :v
I´m not afraid of falling...I´m afraid of what comes after that...mostly due to me not falling correctly... BUT with all those videos showing how to do certain tricks, I´m sure I´ll get those some day soon...if only I lifted up my backfoot more - responsible for 99% of my chickenfeet landings tsehehehe - you see, progression! Now, streets need to dry up...
38 and still progressing. Picked up the board after 15 years of not skating. First rule..... Do it because its fun. Don't push beyond your limits. Get comfortable with being on the board, know your surroundings and be happy just rolling around. Then start getting out of your comfort zone. Mid-life crisis on a skate is way more fun than blowing money on an expensive sports car.
puggz deathmarch....me too dude. Im 36 years old and I picked up skateboarding after 15 years of stopping. I became an electrician so I feel what this guy is exactly talking about, I can relate to you too. I can care less about progression. I picked up skateboarding again for my mental and physical health. Skateboarding is just fun and I sponsor myself at 50 Grand a year. I don't need to skate for Nike....lol no hate....sooo much changed since the late 80's
41, picked up after 26 years, basically restarting from scratch. Skate almost everyday, had already 2 falls, enjoying life more than ever. My 5 cents: Get some pads cause bones hurt more at 41 (also you need to work next morning), get a wide deck if you are big to believe you will land it, grow balls again after years of being married and shoot.....
Ben Degros Hi Ben, thank you for your reply. I learned to cruise when I was 14, then I got on a skateboard again 35 years latter. My two sons are skateboarders, and they always motivate me to do it. I don't skate too often, and lately, injuries are making me stop for a month (I recently suffered a rotator cuff tear dropping in). I am definitely going to take your advice on strenghtening my body through exercise. My diet is good, I have been a vegetarian for 34 years, and one year vegan. I'm sure that helps me to be able to skate at my age.
I'm 74 and male. I took up longboarding in 2012. I never rode anything similar as a child. I also have taken it upon myself to learn to Ollie just for fun as a goal. I use plywood in my room. I'm very close to getting my front foot to the front of board. It took forever to learn to jump again and keep my balance. Most people think I'm weird and stupid. These activities have made my ankles, hips, and knees stronger. If someone goes into it older, they should wear the safety gear until they get good to prevent injuries. It's the best thing I have ever done in my life.
Awesome, man! I'm 31 and picked up longboarding 2 years ago. Riding cruiser setup, cause it's smoother on my knees. Spent all last summer trying to ollie, ended up with 50% success rate. My goal is to learn to cruise without getting off my board on every curb. You give me inspiration to continue this summer!
I'm a 35 yr old skate rat..I've been skating along dam time..the older I get..the less I care about how good Iam..or what tricks I can or can't do..all I give a shit about is having fun..that is truly all that matters
This makes me feel better! I’m 35 and have been skating for a year, but all time put together, less than 24 spread out hours of skating for a whole year! I can ollie in place and cruise around. I’m a nurse and work 12 hour shifts. I’ve fallen pretty hard a few times and worry about being injured. I have to have full range of motion of all extremities to do my job and have two children to take care of! But I don’t want to give up! Just have little time or opportunity. No skate park, crappy sidewalks. I live in the country. But my daughter and I scout for places in town and found a cool ramp at a school!
I need 4 working limbs too. It's so hard for us parents to find the time to skate. I can also appreciate the added difficulty when there is a lack of terrain. I'm glad you have found skating and are having fun:)
Skated from 10-17, was the hobby of my childhood, just started again in last few months at 27 and I feel I've learnt more in the last few months than in the 7 years as a child, mainly due to having more self discipline to see tricks through. Those younger years for sure helped with the basic confidence/balance on a board.
@@WuvPain had a similar experience from the comment you replied too. Yea I’m better now than in my youth. There are some tricks I can’t do but I’ve replaced those with similar or better tricks. Best advice I could give is skate early weekends, eat well and learn how to fall properly.
Same, I started at the age of 9 but been into it since I was 4. Been on and off due to mental health problems and injuries. I’m 20 about to be 21 in a few months, and haven’t skated in almost a year, and honestly I regressed and back to the basics, can’t even Ollie sometimes. started working 50 hours a week and been getting really out of shape. My depression got worse and I just stay Inside now. But reading some of these comments and watching young adults-adults get into skating again makes me wanna get up and skate again. Not trying to accomplish much, other than have fun and atleast make a video part since it was some I wanted to do from the beginning
I'm 44 and skate everyday instead of driving..age means shit all..it's more a question of your drive and willingness to sacrifice. I'm not the well oiled machine I used to be but then again. ..I never started skating to get a sponsor!
No one is gonna get sponsored in there 30s it's more fun to just be out there ripping having fun we just got an awesome 1.25 million dollar skate park built here so that's awesome but I prefer actual street skating
That's awesome Nick. At 20 you still have lots of time to progress. May it bring you much more joy than pain and frustration. Otherwise, what's the point.
It is easy to get discouraged. Our ego is our biggest enemy. I am still prone to comparing myself to skaters with more ability than myself but I have gotten a lot better at accepting my skill level with age. No matter how good you are there is always someone better.
44 years old. Hadn't really skated since 14. Been skating everyday or about a year now. Progress is slow, pop is low, fun level higher than ever. The rain of the Pacific Northwest in the fall/winter/spring really sucks though. I like your videos so far. Keep it up.
Thanks Jason. Do you mind me what part of the beautiful pacific northwest you hail from. I know I struggle in the winter too. I try to skate indoor whenever I can although I know that's not an option for everyone.
So you have exactly the same weather as us. I like Seattle. We visit sometimes but we don't know it too well so it is a bit overwhelming finding our way around in the traffic with four whining kids.
I'm 31 getting back into it and loving it. Deffo progressing! This guy has good intentions but somewhat negative. In you 30's your in your prime and skateboarding makes you way stronger. He's not right I'm saying it just brakes you down and your muscles. That's like saying exercise doesn't strengthen muscles. Skateboarding saved my life . Bless bless up up up
I’m almost 30 now. Just got back into skating after almost 10 years off the board (my kids want to skate now). I’ve noticed it takes a more considerable toll on my body to do tricks that were easy in my teens. And I seem to be more injury prone, but that may stem from years of hard labor and damaging my spine.
This thread and channel is the best motivation ever!!! Thanks to all you +30 boarders out there writing about your experience and not least love for skating...I did not progress from 19 to 33 due to kids, college and work but I always kept riding and maintained the basic flips. But now after a ripped Achilles tendon and broken foot last year my perspective on life has changed and skating is yet again my modus operandi - thanks Ben and everyone else contributing to this channel
I'm 49 years old and I Street Skate and I've had a Kidney Transplant, yes I don't want to break anything and it does take longer to heal but I just do my own thing and have fun I only took up Skateboarding about a year or so ago! 🤔🤙🤘
@Bobby Schmurda I never said that. But someone learning to skate in their 20s will never be on the same level as the pros who start skating as toddlers.
I started skating when I turned 36. I have progressed from not even being able to ride a board to dropping into bowls within 4 weeks. It's all mindset!!! I tell myself no pain no gain and make sure that when I do fall I get right back up and get on the board. Age isn't the factor it's all about how bad do you want to learn!
Hi sill.Twice a week will definitely help you keep what you have but as you mentioned progress is often not as fast as one would hope. The plus side is you have good recovery time between sessions.
I'm 30 and started skating hard again. Im finally starting to see progress after months of skating, and it's so freaking rewarding, words can't express my happiness. Today I landed a backside pop shuv going relatively quick. Also landed a real good kick flip. Some words of inspiration... For those who are practicing a trick or even learning how to skate for the first time, and are not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel despite the blood and sweat you keep pouring into the sport, the light is there. However, at first it's very faint, nearly invisible. But the more you push trough the tunnel, the brighter that light will get, and with enough willpower and dedication you'll always reach what you aim for.
I’m 22 I began skating 3 months ago and I recently started to wonder am I too old to start trying to get good at skating because I know usually everyone starts in their early teens but this video helped me to realize that you’re never too old to start skating. this is something I genuinely love and want to do. I feel really good when I’m skating and I’m urged to go out and skate everyday. One thing that upsets me tho is I feel like I’ve wasted so many years of my life not skating, I love this so much I wish I started earlier when I was 13 I would be so good by now.
I started with 9 and skated till 18 and I'm back now at 22, I think I'm getting a better evolution now that i can afford the best equipment and I got more balanced and body conscience. Keep pushing bro, you are young af and you will be riping when before the 25 yet kk
Like many here, I skated when I was a youth then life happend... To cut a long story short, I dug my old santa curz out of the loft 2 yrs ago and started riding again. I turn 50 this year and I'm still pushing myself to learn new tricks and I'm loving it. I tumble fall and ache, I bash beat bruise and I cut and graze, but hey ,that's part of the enjoyment... No pain, no gain...LoL
Just wanted to say “Thank you. Been a passionate skater from ages 8-15. I’m in my 30’s now and these that little voice in my head telling me I should of never stopped, and should get back on the board. Being a skater there’s that hunger that just never leaves. Us. It’s part of your soul’s identity.
I skated through some of middle school and all of high school. I'm also in my 30's and just bought a new board. I'd rather spend some time skating than sitting around drinking.
Hey, I’ve been watching only for a little while but I just wanted to say your channel is really wonderful! I quit skating for about ten years at 17 due to stressful life events, injuries, and fluctuating weight (I also was not very good at skating). Last year I started getting back into skating very consistently again which led me to reevaluate my physical and mental health and take them both seriously. Seeing you as someone who’s ten years older and progressing has been getting me really sparked to continue to progress myself. After taking the winter to get into better shape I’ve been learning a new trick almost every week (tricks I wasn’t able to come close to in high school). So thank you for being so inspiring and for sharing your positive outlook!
I’m 13 and I started skating about a year ago. I was really depressed and couldn’t find happiness in anything I enjoyed. After my friend Miles showed me how to Ollie on his board I realized that I had found something I actually enjoyed again. Skateboarding changed my life.
I appreciate the video, along with the other videos. But I feel like this is over thinking it. As a 37 year old, battling anxiety and depression, getting back into skating is the only thing that I do where it all goes away. "Progression" is secondary to the fun of just being on a board. Be in the moment.
Late to this video. I am 41. I started skating 85 days ago after a 30 year break. Math says that was late 80s Skateboarding so, I didn't have a good foundation to begin with. I skate every night now. 1 hour at a time, 800 calories if you ever wanted to know. I make time. I slam and I get back up.
Where is your Father I’m 64and recovered from a torn ACL and Acute bilateral Achilles tendinitis. Couldn’t ultra run any more and decided to get back into skating. Because of the ACL and my age I realized a skateboard was not the path.. I’m now happily longboarding on a drop deck (less flexion and extension stress on the Achilles ) and expanding my longboard repertoire. Think about it and good luck w that recovery it took me almost two years
I blew out my ACL two November's ago. I'm 40 it was my 1st week back on the board and I had quit for 14yrs to do stupid stuff like heroin. I can say if I didn't get back on the board I'd be dead. Just listen to your body and it should be ok.
Okay so I tore my ACL completely about a year ago and I went the non-surgical wrote I did hard physio for a few months and tried not to limit my leg once I felt I had regained the muscle mass. The last 4 months I've been riding my dirt bike and I just started skateboarding a couple days ago after skating for 10 years as a kid. I'm 35 years old with 5 kids if I can do it you can do it. Just landed a 3 flip with my brother in the driveway and I haven't been that happy in a long time. You can do it bro don't give up.
Great video, inspiring stuff! Im 30 and i started skating again last year after being away from the board for almost 10 years.. and the good news is that skateboarding now is more fun than ever!
I'm 47, still as stoked as i ever was. After a 7 year break i'm back re learning and learning new stuff. Your leg exercise video really helped me man, thank you
you're never too old to learn tricks, i completely stopped from 2001 till 2012, then picked it up again and surprisingly I learnt a few tricks that i couldn't do at 25. Just skate whenever you feel and have fun!
I’m 32 and thinking about skating again. Stopped skating at 20 because a twisted ankle when you’re a welder just doesn’t work so I gave it up. Now I’m an engineer and just want to enjoy doing something I use to love and get some good exercise. Thanks for the video didn’t even know the boards changed that much. Should be interesting to get back into it.
Stopped skateboarding after high school. Class of 04. I'm 31 now and have 2 boys 9 and 7. Started skateboding again a month ago with my oldest son. Man did I forget how much fun I would have back in my younger days. I love it and practice everyday day now. It's never to late :)
Ben, Thanks for your videos. I'm 35 and getting back on the board again. My kids actually inspired me to awake my inner child. I often get out with them, as I'm working on their balance and techniques. They're 4 and 6 years old. I went out with a new board for the first time in 17+ years and landed my first kick flip in years and on the second attempt at it. That is a big deal for me and so much fun. I'm just concentrating on flat land street at the moment to work on regaining my pop and balance. The new board came with way too soft a bushings, so that was not good for me but I have now popped some hard replacements in and it is now just right. Your videos are inspirational for young and old folks alike. 👏 🤟
It's all in the mind, if you exercise, eat well and stay focused you'll progress. Don't get frustrated and push by 10% more each time. I started back after 20 year break I was 39 when I started now 41 and I'm progressing well.
Great words, Ben! I can resonate with much of what you've said here. I'm 37 now, and there was about 15 years where I didn't skate much at all, and 7 years where I really didn't even skate (also focused on my career, kids, etc). I really just got back into it about a year and a half ago, and have also found it's more fun than ever, but also more challenging than ever. Diet, cross training, sleep, stretching, and being smart about what I even try to do has all been really important in my progression as a late 30's skate dad. But I'm more excited about skating than I've ever been and having so much fun these days, especially as I share it with my kids. Keep on rolling!!
I started skating at 8 and left at 14. Last year I pick it up again with 41! and surprisely I remembered ollies and a couple of tricks more. Now I'm 42 and still learning flips, shove its, no complies, etc... even a bit of ramp. Skate within your possibilities and be conscient of your own limits. Set your own goals, but keep skating. And always have fun! Congratulations for your channel. Greetings from Spain.
I started skating after a 15 year break. I'm 33 and learning tricks I never had as a kid. Your videos are great. Thank you. It's never too late as long as you have the drive!
Same story, I just turned 35 got back to it at 33. 15y break from street/ramp skateboard, just did a couple simple tries like ollie-shove-kickflip-180 spead in 15 years. I only cruised on a very longboard during this time. (had physical minor disabilities that pushed me away from snowboarding and skateboarding + lack of money as young adult and as I was progressing aka breaking boards, shoes faster.) Coming back, spending a little money for BIG RETURNS in happyness, physical workout, endurance, joints and articulation maintenance, balance, digestion... hell all the benefit of it is just worth the money and time spent no other way !! and I found the slickest affordable shoes EmericaRomero no laces which I still didnt change since 2 years ( I use other shoes to go to the park.. but I did add "Jaws" pads in and a little glue to maintain the shoes for longer) In not many sessions I progressed so much !!! tough getting back to it takes a couple weeks for sure! God bless the revival/olympics with new skateparks and ramps)
Glad you spoke about this. Reaffirms the thoughts I've had over the past year, getting back into skating after almost a decade. Letting go of ego is probably the biggest thing, but once that happens - a person is in a better place to tackle the mental game of skating and develop a practical approach. Being around 30, it's good to hear about someone else skating while balancing work, family, etc. Keep making these videos!
I still have a hard time with the ego. Especially if there are people around that knew me when I was better and they are still ripping. It's darn near impossible to balance everything but I am a much better human to be around when I skate regularly. In all honesty though, my bank account is not what it was when I was skating less and being more of a workaholic. I'm self employed so I usually sacrifice an hour of work for skating a couple of days a week. The skate bank account has been nice and full though:)
Difference is, he never really stopped skating. I think it's a whole lot different if you stopped skating for many years. Age, weight, etc change things a lot, but with dedication, you can improve. But you can't expect to be pro or anything lol. Know your limits.
Great video. I'm 32 and my boys are starting to Skate. I haven't been on a board since I was like 17. They're having so much fun that I want to join them.
Hey man, I've commented before. Love this vid. because at 50-believe me I understand everything you are saying. I am a painter plasterer who is finally moving away from the reno. industry to pursue skating and making custom decks. I am a beginner but have been taking it easy to get comfortable on the board. I plan to train hard this winter to be able to push myself way harder next skating season. I'm in Ontario Canada so winters are long and brutal so I need to stay on top of my game to keep progressing. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Scott. I need to put in some time at the gym again. It's been a few weeks. My latest job I just wrapped up was so demanding I just couldn't make it. It's cold out here on the West Coast today. It's snowing which is highly unusual for this time of year out here. Although I can't complain to an Ontarian.
Havent been shredding much since my youngin was born 5 years ago. I thought i was just going to be maintaining for the rest of my days but you make me rethink things. I need to get my finesse back by the time my son is really interested in skating himself. Makes me feel better about having my son before i was ready.
I’m 42 and started skating seriously again about 6 months ago after about 20 years of just riding for transportation. There’s some stuff I could do at 16 that I’ll probably never do again (big stair sets, for example), but I’m some ways I feel I can skate better now that I did then. Everything you say in this video has been true for me. I could tell from the moment I stared again that when you’re young skating will make you fit, but when you’re old you need to be fit to skate..! I should mention I haven’t drunk alcohol for almost 8 years which I think has made a big difference to how my body feels.
I'm 44 and you helped me find a complete setup. I skated in the 90s qnd I had no idea how much things have changed. I copped and fa 8' with hollow thunders and spitfire formula 4s. Now I'm just waiting for it. I appreciate your insight and honesty and I'll maybe send you a few clips to show that the old man still got it.... layyyyy
Best advice ever... 'know when to quit whilst you're ahead' like he said gotta go work and I wanna skate again.. baby steps is the way.. I'm 30, been skating again after over 10 yrs out ... I basically said to myself I've got 3-5 years of skating hard and progressing to be better than i ever was.. providing no injuries.. this will be the footage I will be looking back at for the rest of my life , so i need to get my shit together and make it happen the best i can.. skating with an adult head is so much more fun, I didn't care about flipping sets or anything as much b4 now I cant do I get the fun of learning again and also the pleasure of knowing I 'deserve' to be able to flip stairs because I put in the blood sweat and tears !
I'm 34, i skated from 96-99ish then didn't skate properly aside from pushing to the shops for about 12-13 years. I started again in 2013 and these days, i can pretty much do everything i used to do (admittedly wasn't much in the first place but still..) plus in the last 4 years of skating I've learnt a whole bunch of tricks I never could do before and along the way extracted a whole lot more stoke out of skateboarding than I ever have before in my life. I think that's called progression. 22 is not old.
Great video! Super honest and upfront. Thank you for the knowledge from your life experiences. I am picking up a board after 30 years of life. My son has pulled me into the fun, challenges, and comradery of skateboarding.
I skated from 11 to 20 now I started skating at 33 and it's just as fun but I started running everyday and working out just to get into shape otherwise I would happen as easy
I had a feeling you might be an older skater. It's funny, I pretty much imagine every subscriber is a 12 year old from the midwest but there is probably much more diversity than that. It's amazing how much cross training helps your skateboarding.
Ben, this is crazy how parallel our stories are in a nutshell I skated in my teens but got married focused on my career in the trades I even feel the same way as you on the jobsite but I still suffer that feeling. I had kids and now they have grown up and wanted to learn skateboarding so now I’m teaching 3 kids how to skateboard and realized how much I missed it. I appreciate both of your channels as they are both helping me in my career and in my hobbies!thanks!
I'll be 28 in afew months and I haven't stepped on a skateboard in almost 10yrs. After watching skate videos and thinking about it I wanna give it another try. I feel like I have a better understanding of tricks now more so that when I was 15-16. But really I just miss riding a board.
I used to skate sincero was 13 until my mid 20's and then i quit. I started again a few months ago and it's amazing; i regret leaving aside skateboarding to focus on music but at the same time i feel awesome when i land shitty tricks hahaha. Your videos are inspiring man! Keep up the good work. Cheers from Argentina!
Thanks poppunk. I haven't been putting out many videos lately but I will when my knee gets better. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying being on your board again.
Im 22, started skating 3 months ago to keep fit for work after years of sitting on a couch smoking bongs. Best thing i have done for myself. My body was starting to feel like an old man's from not using it. Skating has loosened up my back problems and just made me generally alot more pro active in other aspects of my life. I tried skating and riding bikes when i was younger and got nothing out of it but frustration from sucking. Now the challenge of learning something new everytime i step on the board has completely given me new life. The fact that i could be the oldest person at the park and also be the worst is the greatest thing to happen to my ego. Cause before i was worrying about looking cool and being the best ever whereas now im just skating for my own enjoyment. Which in turn has helped me progress so much more. It has brought back the feeling of being a child and discovering something new and amazing, and being totally immersed in it. I can't go a day without thinking of something to do with skating. I don't think i could ever give it up now. I agree with what you say about getting older and needing to look after your body. I was generally fit and athletic growing up but never exercised, ate junk and smoked all through highschool. Thinking i wouldn't lose that level of fitness till i was atleast 30. Well skating definitively showed me how unfit i am. After not playing sport for a good 6 years i now get cramps, stitches, and jelly legs just from an hour skate sesh. If i don't stretch and warm up before hand i am shocking. Almost like i forgotten how to skate. It's alot harder to start skating as an adult but so worth it once you start landing tricks.
Your so young dont worry just keep pushin i started at 20 now 21 at your age im gonna be happy to accomplish 2 years of skatin and you too at 24 you gonna be good we just need to dont give up we are young
I started skating basically from scratch at 27. I can't really speak to street skating as I haven't put much time into it but bowl skating, GOD DAMN that shit is fun! Progress has felt super quick and injuries fewer and less severe than street skating (maybe because falls are easier to anticipate)? Either way get after it! If anything I've progressed quicker as an adult than as a kid. Side note: Don't be afraid the put on a f**cking helmet! It definitely gives me a bit of extra confidence to push harder. The ultra stylin' cool guys might throw a bit of shade but it only takes one bad fall to properly ruin your life.
I agree completely. Mini ramp and bowls are my favourite to skate. And I also agree with wearing a helmet. I'd rather be an uncool skater than a cool guy with brain damage.
I got my first skateboard at 15. I learned to drop in at age 16 and learned to ollie before i turned 21. I know i could have learned faster but living on a gravel road and winters made finding good spots hard. Now i can skateboard from my appartment to the skatepark and its all downhill. Just keep skating and dont give up.
this is my current story. thanks for the good content man! we just give up somethings for other things and people that need us more than we need our sport. But yes, you have to grab what you want!
Ben thank you for making this video! It helped quite a bit! And I definitely agree with you as far as needing to make it a priority amongst a lot of other responsibilities including work. I've noticed that I'm at the point of needing hobbies again besides work and skateboarding again is great for getting into shape. Well I'm gonna keep trying to get better even though I'm not necessarily in the best time period. Again thank you for these great videos!!
I'm 38, and didn't skate that much in my 20s and later cuz lots of things. I love skateboarding and basketball. I returned to basketball and training at 31, but a few years ago I just started to get lazy, more tacos and beer, and work; now I'm struggling to on getting back to training, getting to work on bike (7 km), and start skating and balling again. Thanks for this video, it´s inspirational. That dude from NKA also helps to motivate with a video on this topic. Saludos desde México!
Everything you said was true. I started skating at 12 and stop when I was about to turn 14. Now Im 30 and starting to skate again. My body is different and in bailing it hurts. When youre young also its natural mentally to have no fear. So its easy to learn tricks and adapt to it. As you go older it will be different.
Im back into it in my 30s just so I can teach my 11 yr old. most of the battle was getting back what I had, got my shoves and nollie shoves back, fs 180s, can almost ollie to an indy grab again. new things I learned are nose mannys (sorta) , 180 boneless and no complys. and im nailing 5050s on a short ledge, something I never really did before. I feel like a million bucks when something small actually goes right. And I take pride in the fact that im not the person the song Thrasherboyz is angled at!!!
I skated from 85' to 91'. Just started skating again 2 months ago. 43 years old and already progressed further then when I was young. It helps I work out 5 days a week and make sure I'm warmed up and stretched out before I go RIP IT! Visualization and confidence!! Shout out from the midwest!! ✌❤
The one thing I would quibble with here is that, if you primarily ride transition and you don't do flip tricks, skating definitely keeps you in great shape (I'm 37). It's the street skating and technical stuff that "breaks you down". Pumping transitions and doing simple grinds and ollies on the vert is really mellow on your body compared to other types of skating. I just quit street skating as I got older. Hurts too much.
Very good video, as usual. I'm 45, I resumed skating after 23 years and now, after eight months and one injury, I am progressing, but the tradeoff is excercising every day, stretching, etc. It was frustrating at first, but now rewarding and all the more fun. Another thing: I quit trying to ollie high since it is hard for me to do. I notice that older skaters refuse to take falls, that is useless, do something else. You adjust to sk8 not otherwise. Your bright times are shorter as You point out, but I all the more enjoyable. Nice videos on tech and sk8 performance!!
Ben, you inspired me to go out and skate and I truely am thankful for that. I blame myself for not taking all the advise you gave in this video. I went too hard (I thought I wasn't!) on my first outing and injured my left knee. As a result, I'm determined to get my physical condition to a level that can take the impact of skating! Slowly, but surely, I'll be back out there!
Love your channel and content. I am 46 and my wife never gave skating a try. Bought her a Powell cruiser and realized I wanted to give er a shot again. Bought myself a street park board, my first one. So much smaller than the Caballeros and Mcgills we used to skate back in the day. But after a couple weeks... so much fun. Seeing tricks and progression so differently than when I was 14. I have a way more systematic approach in allocating about 5 minutes to each and every trick I cannot do. Being 40 lbs heavier does not help LOL!
That was awsome man. I learned some things from what u said and im in the same boat as you. Skated hard to early 20's and kinda stopped until 30. And a TON has changed and is taking getting used to
At 43 I couldn't stay away from the skatepark because of the blooming interest my sons had in skating and scootering. After using their boards for about a month, I had to get my own setup. Now, after more than a 30 year break, I'm definitely better at skating than I ever was at the time I gave up regular riding. I crashed hard a few times in the first weeks and it took some weeks to not feel the bruises, but I'm more limber, balanced, in control than I think I ever was. The major advantage I have no is to be able to break down and reverse-engineer the tricks and moves - to equate what I want to try to what I've already accomplished. It's rewarding to be able to feel like I can rewind the clock. I've lost weight, had much more energy, and I'm able to help my boys overcome their challenges with their progress.
So happy i found your channel. Your really inspiring and a dope skateboarder. Im 37 years old, started sk8ing in 1993 up to about 2005 or so. Life happened and completely stopped skateboarding. Then i tried picking it up in 2014 but was so bummed I couldn't do anything close to what I used to do (big surprise right? Lol!) So i stopped again. Fast forward to now. Been skateboarding for about 8 months months or so. Try and sk8 as much as possible but usually 2 or 3 days a week so far. Regardless been having so much fun. Getting my basics down finally and now because of your channel I'm getting even more pumped and hopefully sk8 4 to 5 days a week soon. Awesom job brother. You rip.
Great topic. I'll be 52yo in April and just started skating again after thirty years not skating. Have I progressed in the short time I've been back? Yes. I've also picked up where I left of with certain tricks but I've definitely lost other tricks that I need to work on A LOT to regain. I also train hard in the gym these days and I'm way stronger than I was 30 years ago which definitely helps my skating now...and it would have definitely helped my skating 30 years ago.
i'm not saying that i'm superwitty but i got the impression it helps when you are a little wiser than the kids to learn and understand motions with your brain. i'm imagining how a trick works and how it feels, then i go out and often it works... still i wish i could risk a little more, but the price is too high and i got my disabilities already... ://
I was about 10 years old when my neighbors had penny boards. I was amazed at how talented they were! So I told my dad I wanted a skateboard. I picked out a Surf and skate Licence plate board maybe G&s? Can't remember? But it was super flat and had a cruiser shape. I couldn't ride that thing at all! Now I'm 42 and wanna get into skating as a hobby and get some exercise. My work is hard and I drive forklifts and pick dog/cat food for vets and kennels. They have a new parking lot and some high ramps for board slides. I'm just going to send it and see if I can get those wheels turning! Thanks for the advice Ben!
I skated for 10 years. Im 35 now married with kids and started skating again in october after 14years. I can still ride no problem, it feels like iv never been off my board but tricks on the other hand is a different story. Being 35 my knees are shot and the muscle memory in my legs have gone, iv also not exercised in 14 years either. For the first few weeks i couldnt even pop a clean ollie. I felt awful and embarrassed that i couldn't even pop a simple clean ollie anymore let alone anything else. So i started exercising and doing leg work outs and practicing in my garden and kitchen which the wife hates, i also go to the skate park as much as i can and skate the bowl and quaters. Now iv got my ollies back, not as good as they used to be but hey. Kickflips are there too. Now just gotta work on other tricks. I always thought it was to late to get back on it. Its never to late and you can only progress as much as your willing to.
Also - great advice! I have a bad habit of skating until I just can’t do it anymore. The problem is after a 2.5 hour session in the summer in South Carolina, I’m just destroyed and can barely keep my eyes open the rest of the day. More frequent but 1-1.5 hour sessions are much more productive!
Dude everything you mentioned about skateboarding and getting older, like the progressions, the regressions, career life and home life has been spot on! I'm 39 now and have been skateboarding since '86 - '87 and there's no need to do the math....that's a long time. I've also been an avid surfer since around '93. Lots of things happened (good and bad) throughout the years. I had my first son at 20, got married, had my second son a year and half later, got divorced at 24, moved up to NYC at 26 ish, moved back to Virginia Beach, VA about a year later. After close to a year of being back in VA I was struck by a car while I was riding a moped home from work, I pretty much died but while transcending into the after life I spoke with my (deceased) mother. In a nutshell she says, "its not time and there are people that need me", so I came back (obviously). Spent over a month in hospital, countless surgeries, rods in my spine, the girl who hit me didn't have insurance....about 4 years later I had to file bankruptcy (2012). I'm still skating and surfing during all of this but I can sense a decline ahead. I moved away from the beach and inevitably I stopped surfing but I actually started skating more. I built up my credit and this past September (2017) I bought my first home. Ok, so, I said a lot! Here's what I'm getting at, as of today 12-2-17 I've been having more fun skating than I can remember. During my prime i missed that small window of time to actually make skateboarding my profession, I blame my horrible marriage and lack of support from the ex wife. The thing about (in my case) skateboarding that I learned is something that you didn't mention but I know you understand is that age is just a number. How old you are is more so a state-of-mind. I started playing (ice) hockey about 3 years ago, something I've always wanted to do. I've also learned that you will only be as good as those you surround yourself with. I've always been driven by other's progression, otherwise, I get bored. Kids are doing gnarly shit and most of the people I skate with are significantly younger than me but it keeps me "youthful". I have the opportunity to mentor these kids I skate with, just as you are doing essentially and in return I can still be a kid at heart, with a wealth of wisdom and keep skateboarding fun. I'm learning new tricks and also revisiting tricks I never thought I could do again ahahaha, anyways thanks for posting this video, or revelation so to speak 🙏🙌✌🏆☕ Joe Eastman Vesta Skateboarding
Hi Joe. That's quite the experience. I just watched one of your videos of the breaktime. I also think it's crazy you have had a NDE. I have read a lot about those and definitely believe there is more to this life than we can see. Hockey seems like it could be a lot of fun but I never played. My brother played until he was 12. I hope you are doing well over on the east coast.🙂
Im 46 and on my second season. I live in northern Sweden and we have snow for 5 month so I snowboard during the winter. I learned to ollie and a nollie shuvit last season. Im gonna work on 180ies and popshuvs and maybe kickflips this season.
hi im a semi-unprofessional skater sponsored by myself, i skated from 1987 till now, (im a loner & pretty bad skater, but i cant stop its like addiction) im 43 years young & still progressing. i did in 2018 a varial kickflip over a 2 meter gap (i hadnt land this before), this year i aim to do a treflip from more then 5 stairs, which i never done before too . I do use ankle, ellbow,knee protection, its really need because at my age wounds heal too slow, so i can skate more often when protected,. ( is like i know i shuldnt kickflip but my feet dont listen to me!) , love that quote from Lance Mountain posted here by Mad Mike . SO you're deffo never too old to progress , but to get good ... thats another very relative question. --bytheway big up to ben , like your vids , like how you stay 'down to earth', dont make a whole 'show' out of it (like i see in alot sk8ter chnls)
Man I started skating again 6 months ago im 26 and im already almost better than when I was 16 you can always progress ... just gotta put your mind to it
"Skateboarding doesn't makes you a skateboarder, not being able to stop skateboarding makes you a skateboarder" - Lance Mountain
I love this quote, and so true. Thanks for sharing this Mike:)
Didnt skate for 20 years, now 42 and started since a couple of months, and finaly progressing again by overcoming FEAR :))) brused my ribs though this week :v
Darn injuries😠
ben degros"+you don't stop skateboarding cos you get to old,you get old cos you stop skate boarding" jay adams
i'm still skating at 58
You just can't be afraid of falling that's all the advise I would give, got into skating at 45 sill doing it and just turned 50!
Fuck yeah man. Make a fuckin skate edit with some music and friends!!!
I´m not afraid of falling...I´m afraid of what comes after that...mostly due to me not falling correctly...
BUT with all those videos showing how to do certain tricks, I´m sure I´ll get those some day soon...if only I lifted up my backfoot more - responsible for 99% of my chickenfeet landings tsehehehe - you see, progression! Now, streets need to dry up...
That’s awesome man I’m 18 and have just gotten into it. Been skating 5 days and can already ollie! I’m buzzing to keep going
@Joey Maxon ok
@Joey Maxon boomers were born in the 50's idiot. We're X'ers
38 and still progressing. Picked up the board after 15 years of not skating. First rule..... Do it because its fun. Don't push beyond your limits. Get comfortable with being on the board, know your surroundings and be happy just rolling around. Then start getting out of your comfort zone. Mid-life crisis on a skate is way more fun than blowing money on an expensive sports car.
You make some great points.
puggz deathmarch....me too dude. Im 36 years old and I picked up skateboarding after 15 years of stopping. I became an electrician so I feel what this guy is exactly talking about, I can relate to you too. I can care less about progression. I picked up skateboarding again for my mental and physical health. Skateboarding is just fun and I sponsor myself at 50 Grand a year. I don't need to skate for Nike....lol no hate....sooo much changed since the late 80's
That sounds better than getting a sports car
41, picked up after 26 years, basically restarting from scratch. Skate almost everyday, had already 2 falls, enjoying life more than ever. My 5 cents: Get some pads cause bones hurt more at 41 (also you need to work next morning), get a wide deck if you are big to believe you will land it, grow balls again after years of being married and shoot.....
You're right. Totally agree with you.
I'm a 53 mom, and trying to progress.
Hi Fanny. That's awesome. I just watched your video of dropping in. How long have you been at it?
Ben Degros Hi Ben, thank you for your reply. I learned to cruise when I was 14, then I got on a skateboard again 35 years latter. My two sons are skateboarders, and they always motivate me to do it. I don't skate too often, and lately, injuries are making me stop for a month (I recently suffered a rotator cuff tear dropping in). I am definitely going to take your advice on strenghtening my body through exercise. My diet is good, I have been a vegetarian for 34 years, and one year vegan. I'm sure that helps me to be able to skate at my age.
Fanny Bass You go bad momma!
48 yo mum, tired of watching started in my kitchen on sector 9
@@fannys941 ok i become à vegetarian for keep skatin at your age WHERE IS MY TOMATO
I'm 74 and male. I took up longboarding in 2012. I never rode anything similar as a child. I also have taken it upon myself to learn to Ollie just for fun as a goal. I use plywood in my room. I'm very close to getting my front foot to the front of board. It took forever to learn to jump again and keep my balance. Most people think I'm weird and stupid. These activities have made my ankles, hips, and knees stronger. If someone goes into it older, they should wear the safety gear until they get good to prevent injuries. It's the best thing I have ever done in my life.
Awesome, man! I'm 31 and picked up longboarding 2 years ago. Riding cruiser setup, cause it's smoother on my knees. Spent all last summer trying to ollie, ended up with 50% success rate. My goal is to learn to cruise without getting off my board on every curb. You give me inspiration to continue this summer!
Legend!
@ROCCO Pazzo ....I have a similar situation.....😆
Thanks for the advice on safety pads...🙃
Wonderful!
@-meow** He's not 74 lmao
I'm a 35 yr old skate rat..I've been skating along dam time..the older I get..the less I care about how good Iam..or what tricks I can or can't do..all I give a shit about is having fun..that is truly all that matters
This makes me feel better! I’m 35 and have been skating for a year, but all time put together, less than 24 spread out hours of skating for a whole year! I can ollie in place and cruise around. I’m a nurse and work 12 hour shifts. I’ve fallen pretty hard a few times and worry about being injured. I have to have full range of motion of all extremities to do my job and have two children to take care of! But I don’t want to give up! Just have little time or opportunity. No skate park, crappy sidewalks. I live in the country. But my daughter and I scout for places in town and found a cool ramp at a school!
I need 4 working limbs too. It's so hard for us parents to find the time to skate. I can also appreciate the added difficulty when there is a lack of terrain. I'm glad you have found skating and are having fun:)
Skated from 10-17, was the hobby of my childhood, just started again in last few months at 27 and I feel I've learnt more in the last few months than in the 7 years as a child, mainly due to having more self discipline to see tricks through. Those younger years for sure helped with the basic confidence/balance on a board.
Hey what about now, same shit for me but I started again at 24 a few months ago. You didn’t quit again right?
@@WuvPain had a similar experience from the comment you replied too. Yea I’m better now than in my youth. There are some tricks I can’t do but I’ve replaced those with similar or better tricks. Best advice I could give is skate early weekends, eat well and learn how to fall properly.
@@WuvPain nice me too! I picked up a board for the first time back in 2018 when I was 22 but I stop now I’m 26 and I’m picking up my board again
Yes
Same, I started at the age of 9 but been into it since I was 4. Been on and off due to mental health problems and injuries. I’m 20 about to be 21 in a few months, and haven’t skated in almost a year, and honestly I regressed and back to the basics, can’t even Ollie sometimes. started working 50 hours a week and been getting really out of shape. My depression got worse and I just stay Inside now. But reading some of these comments and watching young adults-adults get into skating again makes me wanna get up and skate again. Not trying to accomplish much, other than have fun and atleast make a video part since it was some I wanted to do from the beginning
I’m 26 and I honestly feel the same as when I was 17. But when I was 13 and younger that’s when you have unlimited energy
Diet and exercise to get that unbound energy back.The older you get the more nutrition becomes important
I’m 20 and feel like I’m 7 still 😂
Just wait
How are you feeling
@@sallgood4461 I’m feeling old now at 32 hahaha 🔥🔥🔥
I'm 44 and skate everyday instead of driving..age means shit all..it's more a question of your drive and willingness to sacrifice. I'm not the well oiled machine I used to be but then again. ..I never started skating to get a sponsor!
That's what I like to hear. I hope to have lots of life left in me at 44 as well.
Ben Degros ...and great channel..subscribed!
You'll still be skating at 50+ dude!
No one is gonna get sponsored in there 30s it's more fun to just be out there ripping having fun we just got an awesome 1.25 million dollar skate park built here so that's awesome but I prefer actual street skating
Im 20 and just started, just landed my first rolling ollie today after 4 sessions or so of practice! Not super high or anything, but im stoked.
That's awesome Nick. At 20 you still have lots of time to progress. May it bring you much more joy than pain and frustration. Otherwise, what's the point.
Ben Degros thanks man! You give me hope haha. so easy to get discouraged, but i just gotta keep getting back on when i fall off.
It is easy to get discouraged. Our ego is our biggest enemy. I am still prone to comparing myself to skaters with more ability than myself but I have gotten a lot better at accepting my skill level with age. No matter how good you are there is always someone better.
Congrats bro try that myself
25
44 years old. Hadn't really skated since 14. Been skating everyday or about a year now. Progress is slow, pop is low, fun level higher than ever. The rain of the Pacific Northwest in the fall/winter/spring really sucks though. I like your videos so far. Keep it up.
Thanks Jason. Do you mind me what part of the beautiful pacific northwest you hail from. I know I struggle in the winter too. I try to skate indoor whenever I can although I know that's not an option for everyone.
Ben Degros I live in Seattle. Only one indoor park in town. Marginal Way DIY is covered, but the highway above still leaks through.
So you have exactly the same weather as us. I like Seattle. We visit sometimes but we don't know it too well so it is a bit overwhelming finding our way around in the traffic with four whining kids.
Same for me exactly, 44 from Seattle and just getting back into it after a 20+ year break. I didnt feel that old until I jumped back on a board lol.
Keep it on mate!
I'm 31 getting back into it and loving it. Deffo progressing! This guy has good intentions but somewhat negative. In you 30's your in your prime and skateboarding makes you way stronger. He's not right I'm saying it just brakes you down and your muscles. That's like saying exercise doesn't strengthen muscles. Skateboarding saved my life . Bless bless up up up
I’m in the same boat. Thanks for your story!
True! Keep pushing
Yea that’s true some of the best skateboarders right now (jerry hsu; Chris cole; etc.) are in their 30’s with some others even in their 40’s
I’m almost 30 now. Just got back into skating after almost 10 years off the board (my kids want to skate now). I’ve noticed it takes a more considerable toll on my body to do tricks that were easy in my teens. And I seem to be more injury prone, but that may stem from years of hard labor and damaging my spine.
I'm 40 and dusted off my board cs the hunger to skate and freedom creativity and pure joy it gives ur soul.
This thread and channel is the best motivation ever!!! Thanks to all you +30 boarders out there writing about your experience and not least love for skating...I did not progress from 19 to 33 due to kids, college and work but I always kept riding and maintained the basic flips. But now after a ripped Achilles tendon and broken foot last year my perspective on life has changed and skating is yet again my modus operandi - thanks Ben and everyone else contributing to this channel
I'm 41 I just started 8 months ago. It's so fun. No flip tricks yet though. Thanks for the great videos
Your welcome Alpha2. Thanks for watching:)
you don't quit because you get old you get old because you quit.
That's Jay Adams quote you didn't quit Skateboarding because you got old you got old because you quit Skateboarding! 🤙👍🤘
Sensei
Cmon man! I got no dick! I gotta piss in a plastic bag man,cmon man! I got no dick!
I'm 49 years old and I Street Skate and I've had a Kidney Transplant, yes I don't want to break anything and it does take longer to heal but I just do my own thing and have fun I only took up Skateboarding about a year or so ago! 🤔🤙🤘
Point blank, if you wanna skate, go out and skate. The more you do it, the better you’ll get. Thats just facts.
26 and same
Nah not really. Neural plasticity is a big factor, and it starts to decline rapidly after childhood.
Nothing but FACTS
@Bobby Schmurda
I never said that. But someone learning to skate in their 20s will never be on the same level as the pros who start skating as toddlers.
@@nelsonvontitfuk1471 it will require more efforts but I think they can be the same level
I started skating when I turned 36. I have progressed from not even being able to ride a board to dropping into bowls within 4 weeks. It's all mindset!!! I tell myself no pain no gain and make sure that when I do fall I get right back up and get on the board. Age isn't the factor it's all about how bad do you want to learn!
ddyke2000 same here bro. Bowls are so much fun though
Dude your humble af. I remember watching your stuff a couple months ago, you're clearly progressing!
29 years old... 13 years since i was last on a board. Just started up. I need a way to de-stress and skating was always how i did it
I am 31 still skating 2-6 hours after work and still get better! Its never too late
exten one I'm 28 doin this same bro. Keep shredding
exten one That's great! I'm only managing 3 or 4 hours a week in a good week but having a blast and making progress
Good video! I'm 35 and I skate. I'm not great but I am having fun and progressing..slowly..but I only get to skate like twice a week
Hi sill.Twice a week will definitely help you keep what you have but as you mentioned progress is often not as fast as one would hope. The plus side is you have good recovery time between sessions.
You're super good!
I'm 30 and started skating hard again. Im finally starting to see progress after months of skating, and it's so freaking rewarding, words can't express my happiness. Today I landed a backside pop shuv going relatively quick. Also landed a real good kick flip.
Some words of inspiration... For those who are practicing a trick or even learning how to skate for the first time, and are not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel despite the blood and sweat you keep pouring into the sport, the light is there. However, at first it's very faint, nearly invisible. But the more you push trough the tunnel, the brighter that light will get, and with enough willpower and dedication you'll always reach what you aim for.
I’m 22 I began skating 3 months ago and I recently started to wonder am I too old to start trying to get good at skating because I know usually everyone starts in their early teens but this video helped me to realize that you’re never too old to start skating. this is something I genuinely love and want to do. I feel really good when I’m skating and I’m urged to go out and skate everyday. One thing that upsets me tho is I feel like I’ve wasted so many years of my life not skating, I love this so much I wish I started earlier when I was 13 I would be so good by now.
I started with 9 and skated till 18 and I'm back now at 22, I think I'm getting a better evolution now that i can afford the best equipment and I got more balanced and body conscience. Keep pushing bro, you are young af and you will be riping when before the 25 yet kk
i m 22 too and start recently, how is going, do you still skate?
DUDE
PLEASE
22 is so fking young. Don't even begin to worry about being too old 🤣 your body is still a spring
Like many here, I skated when I was a youth then life happend... To cut a long story short, I dug my old santa curz out of the loft 2 yrs ago and started riding again. I turn 50 this year and I'm still pushing myself to learn new tricks and I'm loving it. I tumble fall and ache, I bash beat bruise and I cut and graze, but hey ,that's part of the enjoyment... No pain, no gain...LoL
Just wanted to say “Thank you.
Been a passionate skater from ages 8-15. I’m in my 30’s now and these that little voice in my head telling me I should of never stopped, and should get back on the board. Being a skater there’s that hunger that just never leaves. Us. It’s part of your soul’s identity.
I skated through some of middle school and all of high school. I'm also in my 30's and just bought a new board. I'd rather spend some time skating than sitting around drinking.
Hey, I’ve been watching only for a little while but I just wanted to say your channel is really wonderful! I quit skating for about ten years at 17 due to stressful life events, injuries, and fluctuating weight (I also was not very good at skating). Last year I started getting back into skating very consistently again which led me to reevaluate my physical and mental health and take them both seriously. Seeing you as someone who’s ten years older and progressing has been getting me really sparked to continue to progress myself. After taking the winter to get into better shape I’ve been learning a new trick almost every week (tricks I wasn’t able to come close to in high school). So thank you for being so inspiring and for sharing your positive outlook!
I’m 13 and I started skating about a year ago. I was really depressed and couldn’t find happiness in anything I enjoyed. After my friend Miles showed me how to Ollie on his board I realized that I had found something I actually enjoyed again. Skateboarding changed my life.
so similar to my story good to hear aye
Bro me too
Depressed at 13? Did the vending machine stop working? Lol.
MiningBagsOfGoldProspecting O'Reedy pretty common at that age
MiningBagsOfGoldProspecting O'Reedy its more common than you think
I appreciate the video, along with the other videos. But I feel like this is over thinking it. As a 37 year old, battling anxiety and depression, getting back into skating is the only thing that I do where it all goes away. "Progression" is secondary to the fun of just being on a board. Be in the moment.
Ever since finding your channel, “quit while you’re ahead” has been my new motto. Love your content, Ben!
Late to this video. I am 41. I started skating 85 days ago after a 30 year break. Math says that was late 80s Skateboarding so, I didn't have a good foundation to begin with. I skate every night now. 1 hour at a time, 800 calories if you ever wanted to know. I make time. I slam and I get back up.
Im 30 with a torn acl. I REALLY want to build a board & skate.
I hope you heal well:)
Where is your Father I’m 64and recovered from a torn ACL and Acute bilateral Achilles tendinitis. Couldn’t ultra run any more and decided to get back into skating. Because of the ACL and my age I realized a skateboard was not the path.. I’m now happily longboarding on a drop deck (less flexion and extension stress on the Achilles ) and expanding my longboard repertoire. Think about it and good luck w that recovery it took me almost two years
I blew out my ACL two November's ago. I'm 40 it was my 1st week back on the board and I had quit for 14yrs to do stupid stuff like heroin. I can say if I didn't get back on the board I'd be dead.
Just listen to your body and it should be ok.
Okay so I tore my ACL completely about a year ago and I went the non-surgical wrote I did hard physio for a few months and tried not to limit my leg once I felt I had regained the muscle mass. The last 4 months I've been riding my dirt bike and I just started skateboarding a couple days ago after skating for 10 years as a kid. I'm 35 years old with 5 kids if I can do it you can do it. Just landed a 3 flip with my brother in the driveway and I haven't been that happy in a long time. You can do it bro don't give up.
Great video, inspiring stuff! Im 30 and i started skating again last year after being away from the board for almost 10 years.. and the good news is that skateboarding now is more fun than ever!
I'm 47, still as stoked as i ever was. After a 7 year break i'm back re learning and learning new stuff. Your leg exercise video really helped me man, thank you
you're never too old to learn tricks, i completely stopped from 2001 till 2012, then picked it up again and surprisingly I learnt a few tricks that i couldn't do at 25. Just skate whenever you feel and have fun!
I’m 32 and thinking about skating again. Stopped skating at 20 because a twisted ankle when you’re a welder just doesn’t work so I gave it up. Now I’m an engineer and just want to enjoy doing something I use to love and get some good exercise. Thanks for the video didn’t even know the boards changed that much. Should be interesting to get back into it.
Stopped skateboarding after high school. Class of 04. I'm 31 now and have 2 boys 9 and 7. Started skateboding again a month ago with my oldest son. Man did I forget how much fun I would have back in my younger days. I love it and practice everyday day now. It's never to late :)
Ben, Thanks for your videos. I'm 35 and getting back on the board again. My kids actually inspired me to awake my inner child. I often get out with them, as I'm working on their balance and techniques. They're 4 and 6 years old. I went out with a new board for the first time in 17+ years and landed my first kick flip in years and on the second attempt at it. That is a big deal for me and so much fun. I'm just concentrating on flat land street at the moment to work on regaining my pop and balance. The new board came with way too soft a bushings, so that was not good for me but I have now popped some hard replacements in and it is now just right. Your videos are inspirational for young and old folks alike. 👏 🤟
It's all in the mind, if you exercise, eat well and stay focused you'll progress. Don't get frustrated and push by 10% more each time. I started back after 20 year break I was 39 when I started now 41 and I'm progressing well.
I'm a 44 year old mom- got interested and started about a month ago. Sooooooo fun! Wish I has started sooner!
Awesome!
Great words, Ben! I can resonate with much of what you've said here. I'm 37 now, and there was about 15 years where I didn't skate much at all, and 7 years where I really didn't even skate (also focused on my career, kids, etc). I really just got back into it about a year and a half ago, and have also found it's more fun than ever, but also more challenging than ever. Diet, cross training, sleep, stretching, and being smart about what I even try to do has all been really important in my progression as a late 30's skate dad. But I'm more excited about skating than I've ever been and having so much fun these days, especially as I share it with my kids. Keep on rolling!!
wow this was so elaborate and articulate. struck a lot of key points. well done, man! i appreciate this.
I started skating at 8 and left at 14. Last year I pick it up again with 41! and surprisely I remembered ollies and a couple of tricks more. Now I'm 42 and still learning flips, shove its, no complies, etc... even a bit of ramp.
Skate within your possibilities and be conscient of your own limits. Set your own goals, but keep skating. And always have fun!
Congratulations for your channel.
Greetings from Spain.
I started skating after a 15 year break. I'm 33 and learning tricks I never had as a kid. Your videos are great. Thank you. It's never too late as long as you have the drive!
Same story, I just turned 35 got back to it at 33. 15y break from street/ramp skateboard, just did a couple simple tries like ollie-shove-kickflip-180 spead in 15 years. I only cruised on a very longboard during this time.
(had physical minor disabilities that pushed me away from snowboarding and skateboarding + lack of money as young adult and as I was progressing aka breaking boards, shoes faster.)
Coming back, spending a little money for BIG RETURNS in happyness, physical workout, endurance, joints and articulation maintenance, balance, digestion... hell all the benefit of it is just worth the money and time spent no other way !! and I found the slickest affordable shoes EmericaRomero no laces which I still didnt change since 2 years ( I use other shoes to go to the park.. but I did add "Jaws" pads in and a little glue to maintain the shoes for longer)
In not many sessions I progressed so much !!! tough getting back to it takes a couple weeks for sure! God bless the revival/olympics with new skateparks and ramps)
Glad you spoke about this. Reaffirms the thoughts I've had over the past year, getting back into skating after almost a decade. Letting go of ego is probably the biggest thing, but once that happens - a person is in a better place to tackle the mental game of skating and develop a practical approach. Being around 30, it's good to hear about someone else skating while balancing work, family, etc.
Keep making these videos!
I still have a hard time with the ego. Especially if there are people around that knew me when I was better and they are still ripping.
It's darn near impossible to balance everything but I am a much better human to be around when I skate regularly. In all honesty though, my bank account is not what it was when I was skating less and being more of a workaholic. I'm self employed so I usually sacrifice an hour of work for skating a couple of days a week.
The skate bank account has been nice and full though:)
Tony hawk is still doing flips and he's 50
But it's -Tony Hawk!
Difference is, he never really stopped skating. I think it's a whole lot different if you stopped skating for many years. Age, weight, etc change things a lot, but with dedication, you can improve. But you can't expect to be pro or anything lol. Know your limits.
Thank you, I think its so true about being balanced in life and also focusing on your own personal goals and enjoying the journey!
Great video. I'm 32 and my boys are starting to Skate. I haven't been on a board since I was like 17. They're having so much fun that I want to join them.
Dad of Three skateboarding is about having fun, DO IT
Do iiiiit! I am 33 and have three kids (14, 11 and 4)...I skate and you should too!
Hey man, I've commented before. Love this vid. because at 50-believe me I understand everything you are saying. I am a painter plasterer who is finally moving away from the reno. industry to pursue skating and making custom decks. I am a beginner but have been taking it easy to get comfortable on the board. I plan to train hard this winter to be able to push myself way harder next skating season. I'm in Ontario Canada so winters are long and brutal so I need to stay on top of my game to keep progressing. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Scott. I need to put in some time at the gym again. It's been a few weeks. My latest job I just wrapped up was so demanding I just couldn't make it. It's cold out here on the West Coast today. It's snowing which is highly unusual for this time of year out here. Although I can't complain to an Ontarian.
Havent been shredding much since my youngin was born 5 years ago. I thought i was just going to be maintaining for the rest of my days but you make me rethink things. I need to get my finesse back by the time my son is really interested in skating himself. Makes me feel better about having my son before i was ready.
I’m 42 and started skating seriously again about 6 months ago after about 20 years of just riding for transportation.
There’s some stuff I could do at 16 that I’ll probably never do again (big stair sets, for example), but I’m some ways I feel I can skate better now that I did then.
Everything you say in this video has been true for me. I could tell from the moment I stared again that when you’re young skating will make you fit, but when you’re old you need to be fit to skate..!
I should mention I haven’t drunk alcohol for almost 8 years which I think has made a big difference to how my body feels.
I'm 32 and I just started picking up skateboarding. Haha
Me too. Lol.
Great video. I just started skating again after a 30 year hiatus. 45 years old now and loving to skate with my daughter on the weekends.
When I was 18 I broke my two wrists and quit skating. Last week I went to the skatepark with 38 and only broke 1 wrist. So yeah it got better I quess😄
You ever consider wrist protectors? Or did you break them with them on?
I hope this is a joke.
@@deanlabayen true story :-(
I'm 44 and you helped me find a complete setup. I skated in the 90s qnd I had no idea how much things have changed. I copped and fa 8' with hollow thunders and spitfire formula 4s. Now I'm just waiting for it. I appreciate your insight and honesty and I'll maybe send you a few clips to show that the old man still got it.... layyyyy
Best advice ever... 'know when to quit whilst you're ahead' like he said gotta go work and I wanna skate again.. baby steps is the way.. I'm 30, been skating again after over 10 yrs out ... I basically said to myself I've got 3-5 years of skating hard and progressing to be better than i ever was.. providing no injuries.. this will be the footage I will be looking back at for the rest of my life , so i need to get my shit together and make it happen the best i can.. skating with an adult head is so much more fun, I didn't care about flipping sets or anything as much b4 now I cant do I get the fun of learning again and also the pleasure of knowing I 'deserve' to be able to flip stairs because I put in the blood sweat and tears !
I'm 34, i skated from 96-99ish then didn't skate properly aside from pushing to the shops for about 12-13 years. I started again in 2013 and these days, i can pretty much do everything i used to do (admittedly wasn't much in the first place but still..) plus in the last 4 years of skating I've learnt a whole bunch of tricks I never could do before and along the way extracted a whole lot more stoke out of skateboarding than I ever have before in my life. I think that's called progression. 22 is not old.
Great video! Super honest and upfront. Thank you for the knowledge from your life experiences. I am picking up a board after 30 years of life. My son has pulled me into the fun, challenges, and comradery of skateboarding.
I skated from 11 to 20 now I started skating at 33 and it's just as fun but I started running everyday and working out just to get into shape otherwise I would happen as easy
I had a feeling you might be an older skater. It's funny, I pretty much imagine every subscriber is a 12 year old from the midwest but there is probably much more diversity than that. It's amazing how much cross training helps your skateboarding.
I'm still progressing at 40 mate.
Ben, this is crazy how parallel our stories are in a nutshell I skated in my teens but got married focused on my career in the trades I even feel the same way as you on the jobsite but I still suffer that feeling. I had kids and now they have grown up and wanted to learn skateboarding so now I’m teaching 3 kids how to skateboard and realized how much I missed it. I appreciate both of your channels as they are both helping me in my career and in my hobbies!thanks!
I'll be 28 in afew months and I haven't stepped on a skateboard in almost 10yrs. After watching skate videos and thinking about it I wanna give it another try. I feel like I have a better understanding of tricks now more so that when I was 15-16. But really I just miss riding a board.
I used to skate sincero was 13 until my mid 20's and then i quit. I started again a few months ago and it's amazing; i regret leaving aside skateboarding to focus on music but at the same time i feel awesome when i land shitty tricks hahaha. Your videos are inspiring man! Keep up the good work. Cheers from Argentina!
Thanks poppunk. I haven't been putting out many videos lately but I will when my knee gets better. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying being on your board again.
Im 22, started skating 3 months ago to keep fit for work after years of sitting on a couch smoking bongs.
Best thing i have done for myself. My body was starting to feel like an old man's from not using it. Skating has loosened up my back problems and just made me generally alot more pro active in other aspects of my life. I tried skating and riding bikes when i was younger and got nothing out of it but frustration from sucking. Now the challenge of learning something new everytime i step on the board has completely given me new life. The fact that i could be the oldest person at the park and also be the worst is the greatest thing to happen to my ego. Cause before i was worrying about looking cool and being the best ever whereas now im just skating for my own enjoyment. Which in turn has helped me progress so much more. It has brought back the feeling of being a child and discovering something new and amazing, and being totally immersed in it. I can't go a day without thinking of something to do with skating. I don't think i could ever give it up now.
I agree with what you say about getting older and needing to look after your body. I was generally fit and athletic growing up but never exercised, ate junk and smoked all through highschool. Thinking i wouldn't lose that level of fitness till i was atleast 30. Well skating definitively showed me how unfit i am. After not playing sport for a good 6 years i now get cramps, stitches, and jelly legs just from an hour skate sesh. If i don't stretch and warm up before hand i am shocking. Almost like i forgotten how to skate. It's alot harder to start skating as an adult but so worth it once you start landing tricks.
Your so young dont worry just keep pushin i started at 20 now 21 at your age im gonna be happy to accomplish 2 years of skatin and you too at 24 you gonna be good we just need to dont give up we are young
I started skating basically from scratch at 27. I can't really speak to street skating as I haven't put much time into it but bowl skating, GOD DAMN that shit is fun! Progress has felt super quick and injuries fewer and less severe than street skating (maybe because falls are easier to anticipate)? Either way get after it! If anything I've progressed quicker as an adult than as a kid. Side note: Don't be afraid the put on a f**cking helmet! It definitely gives me a bit of extra confidence to push harder. The ultra stylin' cool guys might throw a bit of shade but it only takes one bad fall to properly ruin your life.
I agree completely. Mini ramp and bowls are my favourite to skate. And I also agree with wearing a helmet. I'd rather be an uncool skater than a cool guy with brain damage.
I'm 55 and still LOVE skateboarding!!
I got my first skateboard at 15. I learned to drop in at age 16 and learned to ollie before i turned 21. I know i could have learned faster but living on a gravel road and winters made finding good spots hard. Now i can skateboard from my appartment to the skatepark and its all downhill. Just keep skating and dont give up.
this is my current story. thanks for the good content man! we just give up somethings for other things and people that need us more than we need our sport. But yes, you have to grab what you want!
Ben thank you for making this video! It helped quite a bit! And I definitely agree with you as far as needing to make it a priority amongst a lot of other responsibilities including work. I've noticed that I'm at the point of needing hobbies again besides work and skateboarding again is great for getting into shape. Well I'm gonna keep trying to get better even though I'm not necessarily in the best time period. Again thank you for these great videos!!
You are very welcome. 22 is still very young. You have lots left in the tank.
Shianne Archer even a couple of minutes a day of practice will help out in the long run and remember skateboarding isn't a race is more than a hobby!
I'm 38, and didn't skate that much in my 20s and later cuz lots of things. I love skateboarding and basketball. I returned to basketball and training at 31, but a few years ago I just started to get lazy, more tacos and beer, and work; now I'm struggling to on getting back to training, getting to work on bike (7 km), and start skating and balling again.
Thanks for this video, it´s inspirational. That dude from NKA also helps to motivate with a video on this topic.
Saludos desde México!
Everything you said was true. I started skating at 12 and stop when I was about to turn 14. Now Im 30 and starting to skate again. My body is different and in bailing it hurts. When youre young also its natural mentally to have no fear. So its easy to learn tricks and adapt to it. As you go older it will be different.
Welcome back to the board!
Im back into it in my 30s just so I can teach my 11 yr old. most of the battle was getting back what I had, got my shoves and nollie shoves back, fs 180s, can almost ollie to an indy grab again. new things I learned are nose mannys (sorta) , 180 boneless and no complys. and im nailing 5050s on a short ledge, something I never really did before. I feel like a million bucks when something small actually goes right. And I take pride in the fact that im not the person the song Thrasherboyz is angled at!!!
I skated from 85' to 91'. Just started skating again 2 months ago. 43 years old and already progressed further then when I was young. It helps I work out 5 days a week and make sure I'm warmed up and stretched out before I go RIP IT! Visualization and confidence!! Shout out from the midwest!! ✌❤
The one thing I would quibble with here is that, if you primarily ride transition and you don't do flip tricks, skating definitely keeps you in great shape (I'm 37). It's the street skating and technical stuff that "breaks you down". Pumping transitions and doing simple grinds and ollies on the vert is really mellow on your body compared to other types of skating. I just quit street skating as I got older. Hurts too much.
Very good video, as usual. I'm 45, I resumed skating after 23 years and now, after eight months and one injury, I am progressing, but the tradeoff is excercising every day, stretching, etc. It was frustrating at first, but now rewarding and all the more fun. Another thing: I quit trying to ollie high since it is hard for me to do. I notice that older skaters refuse to take falls, that is useless, do something else. You adjust to sk8 not otherwise.
Your bright times are shorter as You point out, but I all the more enjoyable. Nice videos on tech and sk8 performance!!
Just wanted to say thanks for your videos, very informative and keeps me wanted to progress.
Ben, you inspired me to go out and skate and I truely am thankful for that. I blame myself for not taking all the advise you gave in this video. I went too hard (I thought I wasn't!) on my first outing and injured my left knee. As a result, I'm determined to get my physical condition to a level that can take the impact of skating! Slowly, but surely, I'll be back out there!
I started at 45 and am continuing to progress as 48. It's all about ones own physical ability and self confidence, and not a number.
Love your channel and content. I am 46 and my wife never gave skating a try. Bought her a Powell cruiser and realized I wanted to give er a shot again. Bought myself a street park board, my first one. So much smaller than the Caballeros and Mcgills we used to skate back in the day. But after a couple weeks... so much fun. Seeing tricks and progression so differently than when I was 14. I have a way more systematic approach in allocating about 5 minutes to each and every trick I cannot do. Being 40 lbs heavier does not help LOL!
the rewatch value of your vids are impresive, still watching 8)
That was awsome man. I learned some things from what u said and im in the same boat as you. Skated hard to early 20's and kinda stopped until 30. And a TON has changed and is taking getting used to
I started when I was 40. I love the process of learning, breaking things down so I can teach my kids how to do it too!
At 43 I couldn't stay away from the skatepark because of the blooming interest my sons had in skating and scootering. After using their boards for about a month, I had to get my own setup. Now, after more than a 30 year break, I'm definitely better at skating than I ever was at the time I gave up regular riding. I crashed hard a few times in the first weeks and it took some weeks to not feel the bruises, but I'm more limber, balanced, in control than I think I ever was. The major advantage I have no is to be able to break down and reverse-engineer the tricks and moves - to equate what I want to try to what I've already accomplished. It's rewarding to be able to feel like I can rewind the clock. I've lost weight, had much more energy, and I'm able to help my boys overcome their challenges with their progress.
im 45 and started 6 months ago... just did my first grind on the pipe... ollied up my first curb last week.... the answer.... yoga !
I'm 47 and stepped on a skateboard for the first time in my life less than 2 months ago. Never too old, brother! Just do it and have fun.
So happy i found your channel. Your really inspiring and a dope skateboarder. Im 37 years old, started sk8ing in 1993 up to about 2005 or so. Life happened and completely stopped skateboarding. Then i tried picking it up in 2014 but was so bummed I couldn't do anything close to what I used to do (big surprise right? Lol!) So i stopped again. Fast forward to now. Been skateboarding for about 8 months months or so. Try and sk8 as much as possible but usually 2 or 3 days a week so far. Regardless been having so much fun. Getting my basics down finally and now because of your channel I'm getting even more pumped and hopefully sk8 4 to 5 days a week soon. Awesom job brother. You rip.
Great topic. I'll be 52yo in April and just started skating again after thirty years not skating. Have I progressed in the short time I've been back? Yes. I've also picked up where I left of with certain tricks but I've definitely lost other tricks that I need to work on A LOT to regain. I also train hard in the gym these days and I'm way stronger than I was 30 years ago which definitely helps my skating now...and it would have definitely helped my skating 30 years ago.
i'm not saying that i'm superwitty but i got the impression it helps when you are a little wiser than the kids to learn and understand motions with your brain. i'm imagining how a trick works and how it feels, then i go out and often it works... still i wish i could risk a little more, but the price is too high and i got my disabilities already... ://
I was about 10 years old when my neighbors had penny boards. I was amazed at how talented they were! So I told my dad I wanted a skateboard. I picked out a Surf and skate Licence plate board maybe G&s? Can't remember? But it was super flat and had a cruiser shape. I couldn't ride that thing at all! Now I'm 42 and wanna get into skating as a hobby and get some exercise. My work is hard and I drive forklifts and pick dog/cat food for vets and kennels. They have a new parking lot and some high ramps for board slides. I'm just going to send it and see if I can get those wheels turning! Thanks for the advice Ben!
I skated for 10 years. Im 35 now married with kids and started skating again in october after 14years. I can still ride no problem, it feels like iv never been off my board but tricks on the other hand is a different story. Being 35 my knees are shot and the muscle memory in my legs have gone, iv also not exercised in 14 years either. For the first few weeks i couldnt even pop a clean ollie. I felt awful and embarrassed that i couldn't even pop a simple clean ollie anymore let alone anything else. So i started exercising and doing leg work outs and practicing in my garden and kitchen which the wife hates, i also go to the skate park as much as i can and skate the bowl and quaters. Now iv got my ollies back, not as good as they used to be but hey. Kickflips are there too. Now just gotta work on other tricks. I always thought it was to late to get back on it. Its never to late and you can only progress as much as your willing to.
Also - great advice! I have a bad habit of skating until I just can’t do it anymore. The problem is after a 2.5 hour session in the summer in South Carolina, I’m just destroyed and can barely keep my eyes open the rest of the day. More frequent but 1-1.5 hour sessions are much more productive!
Dude everything you mentioned about skateboarding and getting older, like the progressions, the regressions, career life and home life has been spot on! I'm 39 now and have been skateboarding since '86 - '87 and there's no need to do the math....that's a long time. I've also been an avid surfer since around '93. Lots of things happened (good and bad) throughout the years. I had my first son at 20, got married, had my second son a year and half later, got divorced at 24, moved up to NYC at 26 ish, moved back to Virginia Beach, VA about a year later. After close to a year of being back in VA I was struck by a car while I was riding a moped home from work, I pretty much died but while transcending into the after life I spoke with my (deceased) mother. In a nutshell she says, "its not time and there are people that need me", so I came back (obviously). Spent over a month in hospital, countless surgeries, rods in my spine, the girl who hit me didn't have insurance....about 4 years later I had to file bankruptcy (2012). I'm still skating and surfing during all of this but I can sense a decline ahead. I moved away from the beach and inevitably I stopped surfing but I actually started skating more. I built up my credit and this past September (2017) I bought my first home. Ok, so, I said a lot! Here's what I'm getting at, as of today 12-2-17 I've been having more fun skating than I can remember. During my prime i missed that small window of time to actually make skateboarding my profession, I blame my horrible marriage and lack of support from the ex wife. The thing about (in my case) skateboarding that I learned is something that you didn't mention but I know you understand is that age is just a number. How old you are is more so a state-of-mind. I started playing (ice) hockey about 3 years ago, something I've always wanted to do. I've also learned that you will only be as good as those you surround yourself with. I've always been driven by other's progression, otherwise, I get bored. Kids are doing gnarly shit and most of the people I skate with are significantly younger than me but it keeps me "youthful". I have the opportunity to mentor these kids I skate with, just as you are doing essentially and in return I can still be a kid at heart, with a wealth of wisdom and keep skateboarding fun. I'm learning new tricks and also revisiting tricks I never thought I could do again ahahaha, anyways thanks for posting this video, or revelation so to speak 🙏🙌✌🏆☕
Joe Eastman
Vesta Skateboarding
Hi Joe. That's quite the experience. I just watched one of your videos of the breaktime. I also think it's crazy you have had a NDE. I have read a lot about those and definitely believe there is more to this life than we can see. Hockey seems like it could be a lot of fun but I never played. My brother played until he was 12. I hope you are doing well over on the east coast.🙂
Im 46 and on my second season. I live in northern Sweden and we have snow for 5 month so I snowboard during the winter. I learned to ollie and a nollie shuvit last season. Im gonna work on 180ies and popshuvs and maybe kickflips this season.
Fellow geriatric skater starting back at 43 years old. Old, fat, and having a blast!
Very good advice Ben. I started again this summer at age 30 after 15 years off.
hi im a semi-unprofessional skater sponsored by myself, i skated from 1987 till now, (im a loner & pretty bad skater, but i cant stop its like addiction) im 43 years young & still progressing. i did in 2018 a varial kickflip over a 2 meter gap (i hadnt land this before), this year i aim to do a treflip from more then 5 stairs, which i never done before too . I do use ankle, ellbow,knee protection, its really need because at my age wounds heal too slow, so i can skate more often when protected,. ( is like i know i shuldnt kickflip but my feet dont listen to me!) , love that quote from Lance Mountain posted here by Mad Mike . SO you're deffo never too old to progress , but to get good ... thats another very relative question. --bytheway big up to ben , like your vids , like how you stay 'down to earth', dont make a whole 'show' out of it (like i see in alot sk8ter chnls)
Man I started skating again 6 months ago im 26 and im already almost better than when I was 16 you can always progress ... just gotta put your mind to it
Man Ben I love your channel and what you are doing.