Skateboarding is often thought of by the masses as a young people’s pursuit. Chucking yourself down flights of stairs, griding hand rails and performing all sorts of gravity defying stunts is probably best left to the youth, we concur. But skateboarding is more than just street freestyle anyway. For the older generation skating can still be a thing. A way to get outdoors, connect with nature and enjoy rolling on boards. It can also be a good way to combat mental health issues and so on. We caught up with one chap who’s been doing his fair share of over 40s skating of late.
You seem to skating quite a bit these days. How come?
I’ve dabbled with skating, in some form, all my life. Back when I was younger, living miles from the sea, it was a way to remain connected to surfing. My bro was all about street skating while I wasn’t quite as good. I had a few bad falls and pretty much shied away from rock ‘n’ roll skateboarding elements of stairs, rails and big gaps. In more recent times I’ve grasped hold of the longer board style of skating. Land paddling (street SUP if you like), longboard cruising, eSkating, one wheel riding and of late surf skating. These aren’t as detrimental to your health! You can still stack it but it’s not like falling off a rail and ending yourself.
Bowl riding looks like it’s become a thing?
Our local skatepark has recently been revamped. It’s been done with all comers in mind. There’s plenty for the cool kids to get their chops around. But most of the lines are accessible. The park hasn’t been created with experts in mind, it’s for everyone with the aim of providing a space for learning. Having never been any good in a park the Hayling skatepark I’m finding is very doable.
What set ups are you using and why?
As I say I recently discovered the benefits of surf skating. I’m a surfer at heart so having a slightly wider, longer and carvier deck under foot is a more familiar feeling. The wheels too, being bigger, make my surf skate set up better for flat land cruising. When I’m skating the bowl I can carve off the vert, as if I was surfing, rather than having to kick turn or air back down into the trough. The extreme carving nature of a surf skate makes this possible and it fits my style better. I do enjoy a front side 50/50 coping grind, but ultimately it’s about surfing on land for me.
We’ve also seen you using a huge deck fitted with some massive Orangatang wheels.
The big skate deck you’re referring to is my Kahuna Creations land paddle board. A very oversized design the original idea is to use a ‘paddle’ to push yourself along Terra Firma. I still land paddle every so often. It can be good on nothing type days when you fancy a bit of a workout.
When Orangatang released the 105mm Dad Bod wheels I saw them and instantly realised they’d work great with the Fish. With four risers fitted to avoid wheel bite the Dad Bods work a treat. The whole set up is much heavier than a conventional longboard. Combined with the added momentum weight gives you, and the ‘rolls for days’ of the Dad Bod wheels, I can just keep the momentum going and roll and roll.
We’ve seen you using this set up in the park though. Isn’t it too big?
Having set the wheels and trucks up for cruise carving I had another epiphany moment realising it was just a big surf skate. With this in mind, I was convinced it’d also work in the skate park bowl. As long as it carved off the vert nicely. My first run was tentative but it worked and I was chuffed! The feeling is awesome – very addictive. You just have to be careful if you have to ditch the set up as it’ll hurt if it hits you or others. Needless to say, I only use it in the park when it’s quiet.
What would you say to older riders thinking about skating?
If you’ve any kind of skate experience, but think you’re too old having gone passed a certain age, think again! You don’t need to go after it like a teenager. Consider using a longboard, cruiser or surf skate like I’m doing. And don’t think you also need to riding parks, boosting off kickers and that slid ‘n’ grind stuff. You can roll around on the flat, carving and cruising happily. There’s a bit of stigma attached to older riders skating. But we’re seeing more and more riders getting involved. Some right up into their 60s and beyond. Sure, you may think you’re a kook, but if it makes you smile and gets you moving what’s not to like? Ignore the haters…
Anything else to add about over 40s skateboarding?
A friend of mine has just purchased the MBS All Terrain sled – sold by NCW. He’s not really a skater but can see the benefit of riding a longboard to keep some momentum going when he’s away from the coast (normally he’s windsurfing or foiling). He’s also older than me but is loving it.
And why not? If it’s fun, and gets you outdoors and away from the screen then do it. Just as with kids adults need to find active hobbies that connect you with the outdoors’ natural elements. Anyone with board riding experience will get on fine with longboard style skating. If you then want to mix things up further go fill ya boots.
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