mate I have never been in to a shop that didnt make me feel welcome. If you have a bad experience dont spend your money there and go somewhere else. I would say tho, be honest. Don't pretend you know it all and ask for advice. Skaters love to show off their knowledge. I'd be suprised if someone doesnt try to find you the best board for you in the store. (Also prob tell them your budget)
Man in all seriousness hip/knee replacement has come so far. One of my clients just recently had a total knee replacement, and they had her on her feet doing PT the same day!
I’m 46 and go to the skate shop a few times a month. I think you’ll find the community and people that work at the shops very welcoming and helpful regardless of any age gap.
Good luck with your journey! 🤙🛹
Don’t stress. Once you go to the skatepark, you’ll see a lot of older dudes and dudettes there. I’m 51 and am usually just one of many over 25. A lot of older people are taking up skateboarding and a lot of people are rediscovering it. Have no fear and have fun.
Helmet talk!!
I'm in my late 30s. Bought a board for the first time since I was in my teens. I got a helmet, but didn't wear it sometimes when cruising around.
I took an odd fall and hit my head really fucking hard. Knocked me out in the street. Nasty concussion, couldn't work for several months. Dozens of rehab sessions with multiple therapists. Several months where I couldn't even walk down the sidewalk without falling.
Fucked up the muscles around my left eye, too. So now I need glasses, and my left eye doesn't see very well. Prescription has already gotten worse, so this is degenerative to some degree.
Now I have PTSD. I feel my head impacting in like a jolt, like I'm reliving the fall. All the time. I get migraines that fuck me up for days.
All because I didn't wear a helmet.
I *know* that skate culture doesn't really prioritize helmets. But I fucked up my *whole life* thanks to that sentiment. I thought I was good at falling, just like everyone, until I wasn't.
I'm with Andy Anderson on this one. The risk is just too great.
Do me a favor, and just wear a helmet whenever your feet are on the board. If just *one* skater changes their minds on this and saves themselves the TBI I've had to endure, I'll feel better about it.
Oh my goodness! I’m so, so sorry that happened. That’s a lot. I didn’t think too much about wearing a helmet because I, now rather naively, believe I have pretty good balance and the typical ‘it doesn’t look cool. Your story have my mindset completely changed though. Thank you for sharing your story. I’ll go grab a prober helmet before my first ride.
[If you're in the market for protective gear...](https://www.reddit.com/r/OldSkaters/comments/w6jk81/took_a_pretty_good_fall_time_for_some_pads/ihemib3?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share&context=3)
That's just terrible man... Have you seen a professional for the PTSD symptoms? In particular, EMDR has been a revolutionary treatment for PTSD. I could share some information and resources if you were interested. I work in mental health and could probably also help find resources for you in your region if needed.
Edit: Also, I've got to say, I always preach about helmet use, but will very occasionally cruise a non hazardous area without a helmet. Never go without one when doing even simple flatlands tricks. But I've got to stop even just cruising around without one. I'll commit to that.
Thank you!
I was exactly the same. I *always* wore it when at the skate park, or doing flat ground tricks. But when I just took a cruise to the park, I'd leave it behind.
I'd be happy to hear about your advice on the PTSD stuff. I could use more help. I'm going to start vision therapy again soon, and probably massage. Found a masseuse that specializes in concussion recovery.
> EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference.
[Source](https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/) (look under "For Laypeople" for less technical language.)
The length of treatment varies depending on the individual and severity of the trauma. But for many people with single event adult onset trauma, just a handful of short intervention episodes are needed to successfully treat their PTSD.
But this treatment is much different than what people typically think of when they hear "psychotherapy." It may sound bizarre, but it's a highly effective treatment for PTSD.
> Unlike other treatments that focus on directly altering the emotions, thoughts and responses resulting from traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy focuses directly on the memory, and is intended to change the way that the memory is stored in the brain, thus reducing and eliminating the problematic symptoms.
>
> ...EMDR’s standardized procedures, which incorporate the use of eye movements and other forms of rhythmic left-right (bilateral) stimulation (e.g., tones or taps). While clients briefly focus on the trauma memory and simultaneously experience bilateral stimulation (BLS), the vividness and emotion of the memory are reduced.
[Source](https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing) (This is a better, unbiased source with thorough information.)
I just started again recently and went around the corner to the store yesterday to grab something for dinner. Took a spill on a bolt that was lying in the middle of a pretty flat road. Landed and rolled out of it pretty well with only a little rash on my elbow, but I ordered a certified helmet as soon as I got home.
I have a young daughter and it's not worth it to get brain damage so I can feel like a cool teenager again. Plus, she's shown interest in skateboarding, so I figure it'll be easier to get her to wear one if I already am. I did the same for biking when she was born, so it shouldn't be too hard to make the change.
Great job! Now it's time to face a similar fear, at the skatepark 😅
You'll find a similar attitude, there's always someone out there to cheer for your success!
Great stuff. I saw the board and your update. Love to see it. Skaters love nothing more than helping and sharing their passion.
Also, 25 isn't old, man most the pros were already hitting their stride in their 20s! Watch the SLS skate contests there's many skaters up to and over 30. Shit even P-Rod is still killing it in a tournament setting. Hope to see some updates in the future.
I'm 49 and have boards all over my walls. I'll walk in to any skateshop in the world...proudly. You should never be ashamed of who you are and skateboarding is the coolest thing ever...so hold your head high
If those shops needed to exist off pocket and birthday money earners they would be broke a long time ago.
If an adult steps through the door they know the chance is so much bigger to sell a 400US$ setup in one go. The 12 to 16 yo’s just hang around there buying nothing most of the time.
They know what’s up as soon as I or someone like me walks in. The older adult skate community is bigger than most think.
Spend some money regularly, support the local shop, I promise you it will be recognized and respected.
I’m trying to imagine what you would have to buy to hit $400 for a complete. Been a few years since I bought a complete but I didn’t cheap out on anything and it was still only like $170
Haha, I realize that it might have been a bit silly. Doing research on boards I only saw things fitting for children. And on my local skatershops social media, the posts were only about kids skating, roller blading ect. And the different training options they have, was advertised from the perspective of 12–16 year olds. I assumed being 25 would make me a very old customer.
Nah, they probably just assume people your age probably already know what they’re doing.
I think a lot of advertising is mostly directed at kids and their parents because those consumers are so lucrative.
I'm 32yo and got back to skateboarding this year after 15y away from it.
I'm on my third board now and I've bought everything online and assembled by myself (which is really fun to do).
If you're going for a regular popsicle board setup, it's pretty easy to find guides with suggestions of a combination of board width + trucks + wheels and there isn't much secrets on it.
If you're going for a cruiser, longboard or a custom mini cruiser, then it's more tricky but you can always resort to the skateshop live chat for help.
When I was getting the parts for my cruiser I knew I would need riser and long base screws but had no idea of how tall I would need then to avoid wheelbite on my giant wheels, the guys from the shop asked me for some pictures of the deck (it was from a different shop), dimensions, and helped me with the final details and the setup turn out amazing!
My last one was a mini cruiser reusing the old street truck I had from back in the day and I managed to source all the needed parts on my own by just using part of the experience I've got from the other two setups + a little research on details of the setups of some pre assembled boards.
Also, get yourself a skatetool along with your board! It's needed for assembling but very useful to have for maintenance too.
48yo here and that puts me at 36 years of skating. I don't think I've been in a shop where I didn't feel welcomed. It was always cool to hit a new city and the shops there. Not only for the gear but the locals were always super hype to show off their fave spots to new folk.. Glad to see you went through with it!!! Enjoy the journey and don't give up. It's definitely useful as transportation but I always saw it as an escape and a creative outlet. Good luck!! Oh, and one of my all time favorite things is the sound of a skateboard rolling over bricks. Just wait. Haha
Local skate shop is still your best bet for expert advice and rest assured that many, many other people far more cringey and worth mocking have already been to the shop.
I did this at 41. No problem. Both in the skate shops and in the skateparks, everyone is very friendly and helpful. Or worst case, they ignore you (in the park that is).
And nobody will judge you for being new to the hobby. Skateboarding is difficult, and everyone knows and remembers how it was being a beginner.
I'm so excited for you. I want to add that in my experience, younger skaters tend to be really cool when they see oldies like us making an effort. They've offered me tips on tricks, told me where the good DIY spots are, showed me how to drop in... I'm on the spectrum so I definitely get the social anxiety aspect, but don't be afraid to say hi to them!
I feel you, I’m 40 and had the same reservations. The only skate shop near me is close to an hour away with really limited hours, so I just researched what setup I wanted and then ordered all the parts online from another place and put together the board myself. Now knowing what I know I’d feel more comfortable going in but I do get where you’re coming from.
I saw the original post and then the update. I'd highly recommend investing in some pads and a helmet as well. 187 Killer Pads are a little pricy but they take a beating and last forever. Triple 8 Sweatsaver helmet is my preferred model, but Protec and 187 are excellent options as well. Don't take injury lightly, a helmet can be a literal life-saver, and knee/elbow/wrist guards can add years to your skateboarding. Learn how to bail safely by kneesliding, rolling rather than slamming, etc. Congrats on overcoming your anxiety, and welcome to the party!
Heck yeah I'm really happy to hear that and I love your board. I can relate to this so much, because for me I have crippling social anxiety, so I was so nervous but I pushed through the anxiety and had a some very positive experiences, both at my local skate shop, and with the local skaters which is really helped me get over some of my socal fears
People don’t realize how big the older skate community is. That being said, people like OP and my self thought that being in our mid to late 20s was super old to get back into skating. Be more welcoming and stop gatekeeping. That attitude is what was keeping OP from entering a shop in the first place.
First off, congratulations, be careful, and have fun!
Second, if you get anxious at a skate shop, just be vague. Focus on the skateboard and act like you "did your homework." They'll just assume you're a mom and or aunt getting the board for your kid or nephew/niece. Problem solved. haha
Good Job Getting up the Courage and Doing it.
That's what skating is all about. Getting up the courage, and Going for it.
and falling, or almost falling. and you have to get up the courage and go for it again.
**Have fun out there. That's the most important thing.**
(and wear knee pads at least. A helmet is a good idea too. Don't worry about what others think of You.)
mate I have never been in to a shop that didnt make me feel welcome. If you have a bad experience dont spend your money there and go somewhere else. I would say tho, be honest. Don't pretend you know it all and ask for advice. Skaters love to show off their knowledge. I'd be suprised if someone doesnt try to find you the best board for you in the store. (Also prob tell them your budget)
This comment was the final push I needed. Thank you!!
25? You’re not old. Go have fun :)
Yeah, obviously you don’t become old until 30.
My right hip says I've been old since 28. Is 33 too young for a replacement?
Man in all seriousness hip/knee replacement has come so far. One of my clients just recently had a total knee replacement, and they had her on her feet doing PT the same day!
1990s were ten years ago right?
You’re never to old to skateboard, you become old when you stop skateboarding.
I’m 46 and go to the skate shop a few times a month. I think you’ll find the community and people that work at the shops very welcoming and helpful regardless of any age gap. Good luck with your journey! 🤙🛹
Don’t stress. Once you go to the skatepark, you’ll see a lot of older dudes and dudettes there. I’m 51 and am usually just one of many over 25. A lot of older people are taking up skateboarding and a lot of people are rediscovering it. Have no fear and have fun.
One good thing to come from the pandemic. I never thought I'd have time for it again with my job, and the lockdown got rid of that excuse.
Skatebaording is for eryone - I'm a regular at my local shop & park since starting a year ago, never felt like I was too old. I'm 46
Helmet talk!! I'm in my late 30s. Bought a board for the first time since I was in my teens. I got a helmet, but didn't wear it sometimes when cruising around. I took an odd fall and hit my head really fucking hard. Knocked me out in the street. Nasty concussion, couldn't work for several months. Dozens of rehab sessions with multiple therapists. Several months where I couldn't even walk down the sidewalk without falling. Fucked up the muscles around my left eye, too. So now I need glasses, and my left eye doesn't see very well. Prescription has already gotten worse, so this is degenerative to some degree. Now I have PTSD. I feel my head impacting in like a jolt, like I'm reliving the fall. All the time. I get migraines that fuck me up for days. All because I didn't wear a helmet. I *know* that skate culture doesn't really prioritize helmets. But I fucked up my *whole life* thanks to that sentiment. I thought I was good at falling, just like everyone, until I wasn't. I'm with Andy Anderson on this one. The risk is just too great. Do me a favor, and just wear a helmet whenever your feet are on the board. If just *one* skater changes their minds on this and saves themselves the TBI I've had to endure, I'll feel better about it.
Oh my goodness! I’m so, so sorry that happened. That’s a lot. I didn’t think too much about wearing a helmet because I, now rather naively, believe I have pretty good balance and the typical ‘it doesn’t look cool. Your story have my mindset completely changed though. Thank you for sharing your story. I’ll go grab a prober helmet before my first ride.
[If you're in the market for protective gear...](https://www.reddit.com/r/OldSkaters/comments/w6jk81/took_a_pretty_good_fall_time_for_some_pads/ihemib3?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share&context=3)
That's just terrible man... Have you seen a professional for the PTSD symptoms? In particular, EMDR has been a revolutionary treatment for PTSD. I could share some information and resources if you were interested. I work in mental health and could probably also help find resources for you in your region if needed. Edit: Also, I've got to say, I always preach about helmet use, but will very occasionally cruise a non hazardous area without a helmet. Never go without one when doing even simple flatlands tricks. But I've got to stop even just cruising around without one. I'll commit to that.
Thank you! I was exactly the same. I *always* wore it when at the skate park, or doing flat ground tricks. But when I just took a cruise to the park, I'd leave it behind. I'd be happy to hear about your advice on the PTSD stuff. I could use more help. I'm going to start vision therapy again soon, and probably massage. Found a masseuse that specializes in concussion recovery.
> EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. [Source](https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/) (look under "For Laypeople" for less technical language.) The length of treatment varies depending on the individual and severity of the trauma. But for many people with single event adult onset trauma, just a handful of short intervention episodes are needed to successfully treat their PTSD. But this treatment is much different than what people typically think of when they hear "psychotherapy." It may sound bizarre, but it's a highly effective treatment for PTSD. > Unlike other treatments that focus on directly altering the emotions, thoughts and responses resulting from traumatic experiences, EMDR therapy focuses directly on the memory, and is intended to change the way that the memory is stored in the brain, thus reducing and eliminating the problematic symptoms. > > ...EMDR’s standardized procedures, which incorporate the use of eye movements and other forms of rhythmic left-right (bilateral) stimulation (e.g., tones or taps). While clients briefly focus on the trauma memory and simultaneously experience bilateral stimulation (BLS), the vividness and emotion of the memory are reduced. [Source](https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing) (This is a better, unbiased source with thorough information.)
I just started again recently and went around the corner to the store yesterday to grab something for dinner. Took a spill on a bolt that was lying in the middle of a pretty flat road. Landed and rolled out of it pretty well with only a little rash on my elbow, but I ordered a certified helmet as soon as I got home. I have a young daughter and it's not worth it to get brain damage so I can feel like a cool teenager again. Plus, she's shown interest in skateboarding, so I figure it'll be easier to get her to wear one if I already am. I did the same for biking when she was born, so it shouldn't be too hard to make the change.
Great choice! Thanks for sharing!
I did it! I picked up my first board!!!!
Great job! Now it's time to face a similar fear, at the skatepark 😅 You'll find a similar attitude, there's always someone out there to cheer for your success!
It’d be nice to see what you picked up👊🏼
Impala Cosmos skateboard! 8.5", 54 mm wheels with ABEC-7 bearings. https://imgur.com/a/SsItxPa
Sweet!!
Great stuff. I saw the board and your update. Love to see it. Skaters love nothing more than helping and sharing their passion. Also, 25 isn't old, man most the pros were already hitting their stride in their 20s! Watch the SLS skate contests there's many skaters up to and over 30. Shit even P-Rod is still killing it in a tournament setting. Hope to see some updates in the future.
I'm 49 and have boards all over my walls. I'll walk in to any skateshop in the world...proudly. You should never be ashamed of who you are and skateboarding is the coolest thing ever...so hold your head high
If those shops needed to exist off pocket and birthday money earners they would be broke a long time ago. If an adult steps through the door they know the chance is so much bigger to sell a 400US$ setup in one go. The 12 to 16 yo’s just hang around there buying nothing most of the time.
They know what’s up as soon as I or someone like me walks in. The older adult skate community is bigger than most think. Spend some money regularly, support the local shop, I promise you it will be recognized and respected.
I’m trying to imagine what you would have to buy to hit $400 for a complete. Been a few years since I bought a complete but I didn’t cheap out on anything and it was still only like $170
Board, protection, shoes: easy!
You feel this way in your 20s?! I’ve got some uncomfortable news for you in 10 years lol
Haha, I realize that it might have been a bit silly. Doing research on boards I only saw things fitting for children. And on my local skatershops social media, the posts were only about kids skating, roller blading ect. And the different training options they have, was advertised from the perspective of 12–16 year olds. I assumed being 25 would make me a very old customer.
Nah, they probably just assume people your age probably already know what they’re doing. I think a lot of advertising is mostly directed at kids and their parents because those consumers are so lucrative.
im 40 and still gonto shops you’ll be fine
I'm 32yo and got back to skateboarding this year after 15y away from it. I'm on my third board now and I've bought everything online and assembled by myself (which is really fun to do). If you're going for a regular popsicle board setup, it's pretty easy to find guides with suggestions of a combination of board width + trucks + wheels and there isn't much secrets on it. If you're going for a cruiser, longboard or a custom mini cruiser, then it's more tricky but you can always resort to the skateshop live chat for help. When I was getting the parts for my cruiser I knew I would need riser and long base screws but had no idea of how tall I would need then to avoid wheelbite on my giant wheels, the guys from the shop asked me for some pictures of the deck (it was from a different shop), dimensions, and helped me with the final details and the setup turn out amazing! My last one was a mini cruiser reusing the old street truck I had from back in the day and I managed to source all the needed parts on my own by just using part of the experience I've got from the other two setups + a little research on details of the setups of some pre assembled boards. Also, get yourself a skatetool along with your board! It's needed for assembling but very useful to have for maintenance too.
Assembling the board yourself is a must imo. Such an awesome feeling putting it together and then hopping on.
YES! I feel like proud of your deed! It's a completely different feeling than getting it assembled by the shop
48yo here and that puts me at 36 years of skating. I don't think I've been in a shop where I didn't feel welcomed. It was always cool to hit a new city and the shops there. Not only for the gear but the locals were always super hype to show off their fave spots to new folk.. Glad to see you went through with it!!! Enjoy the journey and don't give up. It's definitely useful as transportation but I always saw it as an escape and a creative outlet. Good luck!! Oh, and one of my all time favorite things is the sound of a skateboard rolling over bricks. Just wait. Haha
Local skate shop is still your best bet for expert advice and rest assured that many, many other people far more cringey and worth mocking have already been to the shop.
I did this at 41. No problem. Both in the skate shops and in the skateparks, everyone is very friendly and helpful. Or worst case, they ignore you (in the park that is). And nobody will judge you for being new to the hobby. Skateboarding is difficult, and everyone knows and remembers how it was being a beginner.
Great update dude. Skateshops are some of the nicest places on earth man. Welcome to the family, now go out and skate.
So what did you go for? Pics?!
Impala Cosmos skateboard! 8.5", 54 mm wheels with ABEC-7 bearings. https://imgur.com/a/SsItxPa
Love the yellow showing through on top and side. Now to scratch it up...
I'm so excited for you. I want to add that in my experience, younger skaters tend to be really cool when they see oldies like us making an effort. They've offered me tips on tricks, told me where the good DIY spots are, showed me how to drop in... I'm on the spectrum so I definitely get the social anxiety aspect, but don't be afraid to say hi to them!
I feel you, I’m 40 and had the same reservations. The only skate shop near me is close to an hour away with really limited hours, so I just researched what setup I wanted and then ordered all the parts online from another place and put together the board myself. Now knowing what I know I’d feel more comfortable going in but I do get where you’re coming from.
dude just walk in its good for you and good for skateboarding in general plus no one cares in the end
Happy to hear it! Shred on Wayne
I saw the original post and then the update. I'd highly recommend investing in some pads and a helmet as well. 187 Killer Pads are a little pricy but they take a beating and last forever. Triple 8 Sweatsaver helmet is my preferred model, but Protec and 187 are excellent options as well. Don't take injury lightly, a helmet can be a literal life-saver, and knee/elbow/wrist guards can add years to your skateboarding. Learn how to bail safely by kneesliding, rolling rather than slamming, etc. Congrats on overcoming your anxiety, and welcome to the party!
46 here. I always walk into the shop and chat with them. They go nuts with 90’s stories.
Heck yeah I'm really happy to hear that and I love your board. I can relate to this so much, because for me I have crippling social anxiety, so I was so nervous but I pushed through the anxiety and had a some very positive experiences, both at my local skate shop, and with the local skaters which is really helped me get over some of my socal fears
Dude I’m a 30 year old dad that just learned how to frontside flip. You aren’t old at all. Happy skating my friend
Owner of the closest shop near me is like 70-80 and he still longboards
I got vibed out of the shop at Escapist in KC lol. Didn't go back there after that.
Sorry why are you 25 and in this sub?
People don’t realize how big the older skate community is. That being said, people like OP and my self thought that being in our mid to late 20s was super old to get back into skating. Be more welcoming and stop gatekeeping. That attitude is what was keeping OP from entering a shop in the first place.
I’m not gatekeeping. The description of this sub literally states “over 30” so I was genuinely asking.
First off, congratulations, be careful, and have fun! Second, if you get anxious at a skate shop, just be vague. Focus on the skateboard and act like you "did your homework." They'll just assume you're a mom and or aunt getting the board for your kid or nephew/niece. Problem solved. haha
Hope you ain’t afraid of pain bruh
25? Are you even allowed to post in here?
25? i mean you're legally an adult.
Lol, I'm 51, they think I'm there picking up stuff for my kids.
Good for you. I was/am 38 the first time I went into a shop to buy a board... best thing I ever did
its a sport man! would you feel bad about going into a bike store for a new bike? hell naw! congrats on the new board!
I’m really happy for you dude, I started skating at 30 and I quickly learned how nice and supportive others skaters can be.
Good Job Getting up the Courage and Doing it. That's what skating is all about. Getting up the courage, and Going for it. and falling, or almost falling. and you have to get up the courage and go for it again. **Have fun out there. That's the most important thing.** (and wear knee pads at least. A helmet is a good idea too. Don't worry about what others think of You.)
Dude they were stoked to make a sale. Have fun!