SKATEBOARDING AT 55 YEARS OLD

[ZackDowdy]

I feel like an on-going theme of this channel should be how to condition yourself for a long life of skateboarding.

[abbeyglencircle]

OGs don't have to prove anything...you show up at skateparks and you get all the respect. That is my experience at 50. If you pop an Ollie or/and a kickflip, you the KING baby!!!!

[oldbonz]

I'm 57 and what I can say is that everything comes at you so much faster because the brain isn't processing as quickly as it used to. Falls are always slams so extra focus is needed....but the payoff is when you learn a new trick that you personally have never done. Fire 🔥

[skater_scott]

Your dad inspires me! I'm 46 and trying to learn to skate bowls again!

[inspirationx]

50 myself and you don’t realize how movement deteriorates as you age along with coordination. Naturally there is a decline and if any of you are looking at the long haul the secret is stretching and keeping your muscles lengthened. One day you’ll wake up and your hip will feel tweaked without any explanation. That’s what it feels like at 50. I’ve always been athletic and coordinated but it’s a struggle now

[ericharmon]

The knee pad message is so true. My daughter got into skating and was asking me about skating. I'm 47 and haven't hardly touched a board in 25 years. I wanted her to have a good experience, so I started skating with her. After a month or so, I was beginning to get comfortable. I did wear knee pads. One night, I took them off to just cruise around and bam. Next thing I knew, my knee was getting slammed into the ground because I didn't bail fast enough and did the splits. Put me out for a few months. Now, I don't get on without pads. And, I worked on bailing properly. It really is a muscle memory thing if you practice it.

[davidsskateboardworld]

Great video, I’m 54 years old here and skate ever day.🤙

[PauloBerni]

Freaking awesome of your dad (and you)! I'm 58 and want to buy a park board. I have not skated a half pipe or park pool in a number of years. I was on a friend's son's borrowed board last time I rode a pool for some simple carves and kick turns. I've been inching closer to getting a park-appropriate board lately. I've only been riding long boards as a middle aged man. I skated pools ramps and parks beginning in the 1970's. Your dad has inspired me!

[technolange]

I think one of the keys to longevity is to mitigate against serious injury. It's not the falling that's bad just the getting hurt!
I'm 47 and wear padding because it takes much longer to recover from injury as you get older.

[Gentepreneur]

I'm now 46 and started skating with my lil one. Knee pads and Wrist Guards are a must for me. I would have broken my wrist many times already. Great vid!

[howdyitsdavid]

I turned 45 today and I am still trying to learn to skate mini ramp. I had about a 13 year gap where I didnt touch a skateboard at all from 2007-2020. Its good.

[SkaterOperator]

My son got me back into sk8ing after a break of more than 35 years. I’m 55 as well and we’ve been sk8ing for about 2 years. #fathersonbonding

[robertmeyer]

We do 7-10 a.m. at our skatepark, and 8-11 at our DIY spot just to avoid the crowds, and it's mostly older guys at these times so it's like a whole different vibe to the session

[oldskater]

Killer! love to see more old fools like myself. I started skating again about 13 years ago.Learned to skate bowls and transition and having the time of my life. Still carving around at 56. As long as they keep building parks, Im going to skate as long as I Physically can.

[_Christopher_Williams]

So cool that your dad is still skating! I'm 47, and have no plans of quitting anytime soon. Should probably wear pads, but I don't yet. Slams hurt more now for sure. Love your videos and your good vibes, Zack. Keep being you, brother 🙏🤙

[petervanschaack]

55 and skateboarding again after 30 years. Encouraging video. I hit the little local park early in the morning for peace and quiet. Not good at it. I enjoy rolling down the paved walking trails with my dog. Thanks for posting.

[GatchamanG]

I’m 53. Haven’t skated in probably 15yrs. My balance is still pretty good. In decent shape. I’ve always been super skinny and short. 5’6” & 100 lbs. soaking wet. Lol Guys like yourself and many others skaters posting on YT, that are getting older, have really inspired me to get back on a board! P.S. Knee pads and helmet are definitely gonna be a prerequisite for me. I agree with you dad.✌🏻

[jeremycorkery]

Good advice on pads. I'm ten years away from 55, but I usually always wear them to keep me skating more often without injury. About a month a go I didn't put them on 'warming' up and slammed on my knee from a five foot quarter. It wasn't that bad a slam, but only just this week feel like my knee has come right. They are worth wearing to keep rolling.

[jaysonlee]

Super Cool videos Zack! There's are super dedicated groups of older skaters that have regular meetups and social media presence. Most notably the "Old Bros" and the "DeathRacer" groups. Hope to see you or your Dad skating soon!

[rolandonunez]

I'm 49 my 3 boys all know how to skate. I recently got back to riding but to avoid injury I def agree with your pops on pads. I would recommend to my fellow OG skaters to use larger diameter & softer wheels. That helps with pebbles, and cracks in cement. Your dad has the right mindset, you have to pick and choose your battles. I can't & shouldn't attempt the same tricks I did as a youngster. I'm happy just carving bowls & watching my boys progress. Cheers to you & your dad!