Skateboarding in later life – plenty of benefits, and ways to do it.

Skateboarding in later life was a topic featured in a spate of mainstream press articles recently. The Guardian, Independent, Daily Mail and Sky News all featured articles talking about the positive aspects of sliding sideways on a board with wheels. And we concur…

Here at NCW it’s no secret boss man Mark has a penchant for classic skateboard deck designs. He’s also partial to the aesthetically pleasing nature of skateboard wheels. Which in their own right can be works of art as well as serving the specific purpose of allowing your deck to roll.

The mental and physical health benefits of any physical activity are well publicized. As adults, with responsibilities and life chores requiring our attention and taking the majority of our time, it becomes increasingly hard to achieve recreational physical activity. Yet it’s something we all need in our lives.

Making skateboarding fun.

One of the hardest things with ‘exercising’ is motivation. We appreciate there are plenty of gym bunnies who love a good weights session. Likewise, there is a good number who couldn’t think of anything worse. In these instances, physical activity needs to more engaging and fun rather than be seen as a chore and way to lose weight or build muscle and train.

Skateboarding could therefore fit the bill perfectly. A short stint on deck often is enough to blow those cobwebs away and will deliver plenty of benefits. And from a ‘workout’ point of view you’ll still know you’ve done some exercise at the end of the day. Skating works certain muscle groups, but because you’re enjoying yourself you wouldn’t know it.

More than one way to skate.

Skateboarding conjures up mental images of riding small boards aggressively around streets. Grinding rails, banging the coping and performing death defying stunts are widely publicised views of what skateboarding is. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

As we advance in years there’s no question hurting yourself becomes harder to bounce back from. Hitting the deck hurts more and in some cases can seriously damage your body. That may impact those everyday life responsibilities which isn’t good. Taking a more hybrid approach to skateboarding will see less injury and more fun.

Longboard cruising, for instance, is a way to get your skating fix and not worry too much about nasty falls from height. Of course, you can stack it at any time. But chances are sliding along on a longboard won’t see too much damage inflicted if you should wipeout.

The electric skateboarding option.

Another way to skate, whilst utilising modern technology, is by making use of battery powered skateboards. This mightn’t sit well with the purists but not having to push, and being able to focus 100% on the glide and carve, can be more enjoyable for some.

eSkating is something NCW has talked about before as we’re big advocates of it. It mimics snowboarding in powder and can help develop carving technique. This is also great if you happen to surf. Being able to work on surfing techniques when it’s flat or Mother Nature doesn’t permit will be most welcome. And let’s not forget eSkateboards also fit when pushing yourself round takes too much of a toll on bodies. Some older riders just aren’t able to exert themselves as they once did.

Whatever way you skate it’s all good. There’s definitely been a stigma attached to older riders scooting along atop skateboards. This seems to be getting kicked into touch though, based on evidence of more people getting involved. If you’ve been thinking about getting involved there’s never been a better time. Choose your type of sled and away you go.