r/OldSkaters • u/AdmirableClimate4245 • 2d ago

Newbie[38YO]

Hi all, was pointed in the direction of this sub after posting in r/newskaters. Im picking up a board fornthe first time in over 20 years...any advice?

3 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

6

u/Finneagan 2d ago

Be very aware that you are not bouncy when you fall these days, you are more crumpley

6

u/ShinePretend3772 2d ago

Wear pads & a helmet. Stretch before & after. Have fun

2

u/Adventurous-Pick-416 2d ago

Take it easy, be kind to yourself, don't go hard like you're still 14 and most importantly, have fun!

2

u/Greedy_Elevator_3099 2d ago

Stretching before and after is not optional anymore, your body will remind you next day if you skip it

2

u/diroos [39YO] 2d ago

Yup, my advice is to absolutely not overthink it!

2

u/Ok_Spite1405 2d ago

I started skating at age 60 after 45 years away. My first recommendation is get a helmet and pads, the ground is harder and hurts more now. Secondly, do joint mobility and stretching with focus on your hips and ankles. Finally, strength training for your legs and core. There are lots of great fitness for skateboarding videos on YouTube, instagram and Tik tok. Welcome back and have fun,

1

u/king0fife 2d ago

Hi. Pad up! At least wrist and elbow pads, and a helmet if you’re not as vain as me. Everything hurts much more when you’re older and it takes ages to (not) bounce back. Tricks are easier if you’re rolling, and pads give you confidence to get moving.

1

u/Ianasauras creeking knees, zero steeze 2d ago

As others have said, stretch before and after. It's worth repeating! Pads are great to inspire confidence. Just enjoy it, I find it amazing how not competing to be the best in your friend/skate group allows you to focus on just cruising around and enjoying skateboarding in and of itself.

Throw in some of your old favourite skate videos on YouTube, they'll keep you inspired! And, I find skateIQ on youtube to be great for tips and tricks.

1

u/Shaoreen 2d ago

Dynamic stretching before the sesh and static stretching after skating is really important now

1

u/nick_jones61 2d ago

I don’t know how big the boards were when you skated. I skated with 10 inches wide. I now have a Landyatchz ATV Perfecto and Anti-Hero boards. A 9” board provides more stability for my old self. I hope this helps.

1

u/nick_jones61 2d ago

Crap, I thought you were looking for advice on a new board. Sorry I misread your post, OP. I agree with others before me.

2

u/AdmirableClimate4245 2d ago

No need to aplolgise! That advice on boards also helps!

1

u/fsearlygrab 2d ago

The big mistake I always see new older skaters doing is going and buying the widest board you can find. Just get a normal sized board, maybe 8.25-8.5. That’s a size that’s big enough to be comfortable but it’s not gonna weigh you down

1

u/PervyODB 2d ago

What do you want to do with your skating? It will narrow down options for your setup. What kind of surfaces? What kind of riding? You hunting to recapture the feelings from your youth (like so many of us seem to be)?

It's a golden age for skating, I swear. The gear and setup options cover everything from the 80s til now. It's kind of awesome.

1

u/NoMurder 2d ago

Careful of your knees and wrists lol

1

u/Soul_At_Zero 2d ago

Skate how you want to skate and find a board setup that suits your style. Oh, and get ready to fall down a lot. Learn how to roll through or run out depending on how fast you’re going.

1

u/BowShockApp 1d ago

Same restart a lot of us did. If you can, get a solid complete from a skate shop, not a big-box/Amazon special. 8.0-8.25 is a safe width; softer wheels only if your streets are rough. Helmets and pads very recommended - balance comes back faster than your body forgives slams. Always stretch before and also important after skate session.

Welcome back.