I like to skate alone but when you got similar level or better skate mates is also great fun and they help me and motivate me more than when i am alone fighting with my own fear. Well done. You got a new 42year old sub ;)
Just keep skating my man! If it makes you feel good that's all that matters. We're all together in this even tho we're far apart. 45 years old restarter here and I skate alone 99% of the times at a parking lot.
It's tough maintaining friendships bro it consists of walking on eggshells. I skate with whoever wants to skate with me I don't seek friends anymore, getting close to being 40 I realize most people have their own agenda and will only hang out when it can benefit them in some way, like if you're filming them or if they can get a free ride to a new park they haven't been to. I skate alone most of the time and I've accepted it and it's great. Love running into old homies but I never expect anything else then a cool sesh at the park. Thanks for the vid and I know how you feel
Nice vid man. I'm the same age as you. It does get harder to make friends past 40. For me, I was kinda like you. I was geographically isolated which makes it 10x harder. When I turned 40, I started to world travel and It opened up the flood gates for meeting new friends. I've now lived in Thailand for 5 years and I have a healthy group of new international friends that are all expats too. The skate scene here is vibrant and open to foreigners and the thai people are very approachable and friendly. It takes alot of courage to make videos like this and I can see you are looking for change. Follow your heart man. You always have a friend in me.
@@AustinGarvelink I love traveling and would love to skate in other parts of the world more. A couple of years ago my family went to Japan. I skated a little bit and it was so great. I didn’t make any friends but that’s probably a language barrier thing. But other skaters were supportive in that they gave me props when I landed something. The skate scene in Japan is amazing.
9:45 you can still find new Homies. Yes, it’s difficult because of your age and being introverted, but just like you have to work at nose wheelies you have to work at putting yourself out there and meeting people. I suggest going to a spot that’s more crowded or another park that has a little scene and make it a habit of going at the same time each week. Do this with the intention of not just skating, but linking up with other people. I’m 48. I skate every day and I find that the easiest way to have a session with people is to just be at the spot and skate with whoever’s there. Eventually, community is created. im in Boulder and definitely think Colorado in general has a very friendly and welcoming scene.
Great video ! Haha, and I also spent some time reading through a lot of the comments, and they were amazing too. I'm not as old as you but I am knocking on 40 in couple months. Have skated for about 20 years, but it's been a little more than 10 yrs since I quit. Started losing more and more of my friends due to life circumstances (jobs, family, etc), and before you knew it it was just me skating alone at the park. And I slowly started losing motivation, started getting hurt more and more, didn't progress in my skating, and one day I just quit. It's very true, "life" just gets in the way of many things... Saw one comment below where someone said it takes effort trying to meet and make new friends, just like you were trying that trick in the video. And I'd say he's right. It's just simple as that. But you have a family, your schedule, geographical challenges etc etc. Depends on what you prioritize I guess. Just life. But I'd take solace in the fact that you're still out there enjoying skating, and wow you have a great commnunity of online followers !! You're blessed ! I wish I lived in your area, I can DEFINITELY see us being skate homies. Anyways, good luck to you, sir.
@@SlimJim-bw3ib Thank for the encouragement. You said I have a great community of online friends. That’s very true and something that I’ve been keeping in mind over the last few weeks. It’s really making a positive difference in my mental health. Thanks again. 😁
I like skating alone more than with people, as far as ACTUALLY skating goes, and what I mean by that is it's a lot harder to really concentrate on the act of skateboarding itself, and get the feeling it's just you and your board, and feel those little micro feelings that make you feel dialed in to your deck. I have a lot of fun with my friends but I think I'd have fun with them skateboarding or not. But as far as accomplishing what I want to accomplish I find it a lot easier on my own because my focus isn't scattered like that. If thats makes sense. I have ADHD and skateboarding on my own trying for a trick is the closest I get to feeling like I can actually focus on anything 😂
@@OwensSkateStory I get that. I probably have ADHD myself (undiagnosed). For me, skateboarding requires an intense focus on what I’m doing. It’s a fantastic way to concentrate on one thing and apply all my energy to it. 👍
Obviously my situation in SF is a lot different, and my own experience of meeting people in the world has been made much easier by always having a skateboard on me. But I know you Ryan, and I found you to be joyful and passionate and a pleasure to spend time with. I think your basic premise that people aren't interested in you may be preventing you from seeing some of the paths towards connections. If your basic premise was that you can't learn new tricks anymore, it's fair to say that your enthusiasm and growth as a skateboarder would change. You might not get excited everytime you see a bank to ledge in the wild, and traffic islands would just be traffic islands, instead of new mannie combo opportunities.. If every person you meet is an exciting new opportunity for connection, you're gonna start noticing things that were invisible before. That's my 2 cents, I hope it's well received. I love you, and the contributions you are making to this old person skate community that many of us feel a part of. Very inspiring stuff StuffnThings, thank you so much. 🙏🏽❤❤🙏🏽
@@Legend_of_Rick_G You’re an amazing person Rick. From the moment I met you in person, I knew you were someone I wanted to be friends with. You’re incredibly welcoming and inviting and you made me feel comfortable (which is the really crazy part). The day I spent skating with you is probably the best day I’ve ever spent on a skateboard. I think that’s why it’s easy for me to feel alone and isolated when I go back to always skating alone. But these videos about how I feel have really shed some light on the fact that I’m not alone. I have lots of friends. They’re just in far away places. I’m also not alone in how I act or feel. Other people are like me. They’re just not right here. You’re probably right in that I need to try to see people as an opportunity and not feel like I’m unwanted or just in the way. I probably am limiting myself. Thanks for the incredible support. It means a lot. 👊👍
@@StuffnThings42 Thank you for the compliments, I feel the same way. You've given me a ton of support and your genuine way of sharing your experience feels amazing. Let's keep getting better at moving through space and treating each other well. 🙏❤❤🙏
Im 48 and skate alone mostly, then recently I skated a Friday afternoon when the park was full. Some kids were asking me if I feel out of place . I didn't untill I thought about it. Back to early morning skating 😊
Love your honest video and the positive commends 🥰 Been skating a lot lonely sessions lately and know what you're experiencing. Except that being a highly sensitive person prevents me from skating any street spot, so thumbs up for that 👍 Keep pushing, keep being a weirdo and thank you skateboarding!
honestly when i was 14-15 years old some of my best friends and favorite people to ride with were in their early 20s to well into their 30s. i get that rural area small town struggle though. i lived in rural northeast oregon for most of my life and only recently moved to a more populated area. despite that though i still met some really nice people that i miss riding with. the thing about not skating with other people though is it really hinders your progress. constantly having tricks and techniques be done in front of you is super helpful and it helps put into perspective whats really possible. even not being friends with people but just observing other skaters and watching how they battle things; you learn a lot. im also incredibly introverted and have no friends, so when i meet somebody that i like hanging out with thats special. most of my friends i met at the skatepark.
Loved watching this, very honest and open vid. Interesting to see your corner of the world and hear your thoughts. Rad tricks too by the way! At 48 I find I generally skate alone with the exception of one mate who I occasionally meet that’s early 50’s. Met him about 6 years ago and he’s such a rad skater and great guy. if he’s busy I’m happy to skate on my own which is something I’ve got used to in my later years. RUclips had opened the door for regular online interactions with a handful of great skater guys 👊🏻
If I ever see anyone at the park and they’re alone I try to welcome them to chill w me and my homies . There is times I go to parks and it’s not my local I’m the odd ball out , that feeling isn’t the best . But than again some people rather be alone / skate alone and I understand .
What’s up man I know how you feel I moved to a new place too and I have no skate friends or friends here and it sucks but back home in the BX it’s a whole different story I am apart of a skate community and it’s amazing but where I live at it’s different
Wow, we walk in similar shoes. I wish I had a skate buddy. I'm 48 and sometimes I get to a park and I don't even get out of the car. I waste my time and sometimes will drive to another park hoping to be alone but still wish I had a friend to sk8 with. Your town looks great, maybe I'll check it out someday.
Bro I totally feel the same man. Kinda wish you and I lived closer cause what u are talking about are the things I think about. If u ever are around Pittsburgh give a brother a call man. I'd really like to skate with someone who is at the same stage of their sk8 life. Names Jon. keep skateboarding always and enjoy life in battle and strife .. skater for life.🛹🎼
U worked up a Hellofa sweat....Yeah I made some acquaintances at skate parks, but I skip around in North Dallas & go to different parks. They built a new one in Anna about 15 miles from my house with frikin 4 Pump tracks and I have close acquaintances there, not friends yet. I'm 58 and I would say I try to talk to people & initiate communication with the other adult skaters...Its almost like your a cowboy out in the west with all the mountains, Good talkin to you..I subbed friend
@@rosstempletonogskater omg. I sweat so much when I skate 😂 But that’s just another benefit… serious calorie burn. Thanks for the comment. From what I understand, you have some great skateparks in the greater Dallas area. It would be a fun place to do a skate trip. 👊
@@StuffnThings42 Yeah, 5 pretty close to me. The city of Dallas only has about 3 & their adding 1. All the surrounding suburbs have the skate parks. Garland finally built one with a good bowl. I just need to get better at bowls, then I'll have variety. Good talking to you.👍
Thanks for sharing this. You said a lot of very personal things that I definitely relate to. I wish I had more friends to skate with, but at the same time my relationship with skateboarding is very personal and individualistic. Any of us who skate are a weird breed, and that just fine.
I'm similar in a way, as where if I'm at a park with other people I would rather just keep to myself. I feel like I can focus more when I'm on my own. That said though in my next video I do skate with a couple of people. I think you will know the guys from the video when you see it. I also like to just keep to myself in general and only have a few real friends. When I do meet others though like in my next video I do enjoy it. RUclips has help me meet new people which I would never have met if I didn't do videos. I might have come across these people but I would have never gone and spoke to them or hung out. I would have just stayed in my own little corner of the skatepark on my own. That first step of introducing yourself is defo the hardest part.
@@amskateboards Yeah. I already saw Dad Leisure’s video. I told him I was really jealous. It would be so amazing to skate with you guys. The session looked like a ton of fun. Thanks for the comment and support. 👊
This video fits me perfectly, there are other skaters in my town but I always skate by myself, alot of people can just be non sociable or just off to themselves anyways, I just think its the times.
Really great video and was nice to see what it's like where you are! I love seeing all the different places of the world where we all skate and it's mad that we are able to skate together in our own little way even if it's just online. When I started last year, I had no idea that other adults skated. I tried to hide it as much as I could, was embarrassed when my board showed up at home and felt I had to explain myself the first time I went to an indoor park. The staff just said 'you'd be surprised how many people there are like you'. I was the only one there for a while (I skate during school/normal working hours) but then two guys showed up, who were around 20 years older than me 😆 I was so excited to see other adults skating that I just went over to talk to them, and whenever I see other adults at the park I always try to chat but that's just me. It must be hard not seeing anybody in your local area doing what you do, and for skate culture to be such an obscure thing there. It must make skating locally feel more weird (like how you felt those trucks were watching you!) I know this will be hard as you are not an extroverted person, but if finding skate friends is important, could you push yourself out of your comfort zone and offer out free adult lessons? Or take up hiking to meet others, and then try to get them skating! I bet there will be people that skated as kids and still have it in them that just need that little push. Sorry for long comment again dude 🤣
@@DadLeisureSkateboarding Thanks for the detailed and thorough comment… seriously. I think a lot of introverts like me need an extrovert like you to help get things rolling. For me, it often takes an extrovert to reach out and get the conversation ball rolling. Thanks for being that guy. 👊
Skating alone is rad. Skating with people is rad too. Just a matter of personal preference… (I enjoy both.) From the 14.5 minutes of your video, you seem like a decent dude - so the good news from my first impression as an unbiased outsider is that I doubt that people want nothing to do with you. Especially in the skateboarding community where everyone is welcome! Hopefully that gives you some added confidence moving forward. 🤙🏻
I think we would get along good dude. I'm also an introvert and distance myself from a lot of potential opportunities. Also assume that people don't want anything to do with me as well lol. I met a group of local skaters somewhat recently (went totally out of my comfort zone meeting up with them) and they turned out to be a bunch of A**holes with the exception of one who has ended up being a great/close friend. Also you're nose manuals look super nice and controlled! and great persistence on the nose manny pivot! "only skateboarding makes me feel like this" Amen
at 27 i started skating again after quitting for almost 6 years, had no one to skate with at first. i used to say i quit skating in the first place cause all my friends did too. im 31 now and i skate with a bunch of different people. i just went to the same skate park like almost everyday day for 4 years, man. i became a part of the scene just by skating at the park alot. started out just chit chating here and there and it just snowballed. itll just happen, eventually you'll just click up with some people, and itll flow. we all love skateboarding! that connection makes it very chill to conversate with people at the park. just talk about skating, get stoked on other peoples tricks and have fun and people will vibe with it a lot. making friends as you get older is tough, but making other older friends with someone who also loves skating isnt as tough haha! That being said skating alone is perfectly fine, as long as you're getting that feeling that you got at the end of the video then you're doing it right!!!
I can relate to much of this. Getting skate friends is defintely getting harder with age, because almost noone skates at our age. I can also relate to the being introvert part. I am actually a mixed breed myself. I often switch between being very extrovert and very introvert, depending on my mood and my energy level. 😊I often skate alone by choice, because I have a certain trick that I want to battle, and that I want to do that without feeling that I need to be social with people around me. Because of that, I often end up alone at a random sidewalk - and loving it. 😁Other time though, its really fun to skate with other people and to just goof around. I think you would have been an awesome skate buddy! 👌💯 And yeah, you would have to be a robot to not get emotional about landing a trick that you worked hard for!
That's why we are here. We are the skate homies. I know when I skate alone that I am sharing it with you guys and that is enough for me. The important part is that we make time for it, because it is important to us. Hey 47 isn't old 😂. I am a few months away from 48 and life is just getting started. Enjoy your skating and keep sharing it. We are always here. We get it. Stay Rad
@@AdventuresInSkateboarding I realized the same thing after my last mental health videos. You guys are the homies for sure. You just live too far away. Thanks for the support as always. 👊
As you said, getting new friends over 40 isn't an easy thing. Life makes us having less time and other priorities so when it comes to skateboarding it's even harder as we are not so many... especially if you are leaving in the middle of nowhere. I understand your frustration but keep it up man, there's nothing wrong with you. 👊🏽
Skated alone since I moved from my hometown. About 12 years ago. It’s just different not skating with my friends I grew up with. I have skate friends here and there, but it’s not the same
Thanks for the shout out bro 🙌 so happy you landed that revert you looked really close to the backside revert also... I think it's really important to hook up with some other skaters maybe go to some skate jams if there's any in your local area or not to far away iv meet some amazing skaters at those and hav meet up with them after at different jams or events... But I also I love to skate solo aswell you can focus on a trick with out any distraction 😂
Same age (I'm already 47 - 48 in a couple of months), same situation (despite I'm living in an more urban area in Germany). Started skating again 4 years ago after a 23 year hiatus. 99% alone. Mostly street because parks are often too crowded when I have the time to go there. But most of my skate time is often spontaneous meaning a time corridor opens up to go skate and all I can do is hit up the streets near the house anyway. Without the skate community here on YT it occasionally would be difficult to stay motivated. Maybe I would have already retired again. Especially with the often crappy weather here in Germany. But skateboarding gives me so much well-being in life. I really need it. Actually needed it all the years I didn't do it. Skateboarding at our age is something special we need to keep up as long as we can. 👊
I got one skate buddy. We go out every morning for a few hours. Only known each other for a few months. Really glad I ran into him randomly at a skatepark
Use to run into the same issue..until I created. A Facebook group . And we meet up at different parks and hang out. I set up times and dates. So people our age can plan ahead. I hope you meet some fellow skaters. Good luck on your endeavors.
im a 37 year old single father that lives in a town of 1200. Also I rollerblade and there are no one in the area who even rides a pedal bike or anything around here so i get stuff yelled at me ive had ppl swerve to hit me but missed lol (also I have no skatepark anywhere near me). I used to have a crew and any of them still alive im still on good terms with. Im gunna tell ya that yes its nice to skate alone sometimes but nothing compared to skating with friends or even anyone because you can push each other and it feels awesome when you go for a hard trick to imress them and you pull it off and they give props. Plus another mind is nice for spot ideas and its alot safer to try scarier tricks/stunts. Ive had to skate alone for a bit over 10 years and ive gotten alot worse but its seriously prob my fav thing to do in my life. Awesome to know im not alone at being alone but you seem super chill and your totally overthinking (just like i do) about thinking no one wants you around. Id be thrilled if someone who rode a scooter and could only say the word Stink! lived in my town just to have someone around so I dont gatta film myself and feel like I gotta skate as good as the pros in order to show anyone else my contribution to skating. Those nose manuels were really smooth and it looks really fun! keep Rollin Sir.
@@icRDaVe-qn9ru Thanks for the comment. It’s nice to know that even though a bunch of us skate alone, we’re not really alone. Lots of us are doing that exact thing, just in different, far away places. 👊
Dude, same here. I think with age, comes wary-ness. As a kid, you don’t care or feel like you need to impress, but as an adult, we’re so afraid of saying the wrong thing or something. I can latch on, too- over sharing or be clingy I have 2 best friends. Have had them since high school. But one moved out of state, then the other, and then me. I haven’t talked to them in 2yrs I have no friends where I am now. I’m also an introvert, so I’d rather do my own thing. And as a beginner, it’d prob feel intimidating to have skate friends that are not at your level I do my skating at home. If anyone watches my channel, it’s my backyard, garage, and out front on the street. I just don’t have the time to make the 30min round trip to the skate park. So much easier to just step into the backyard I’ll prob never have skate friends, and that’s ok
I can relate to this, I moved to California last year and its great having all the spots, but I´m always skating by myself. Also my english is not the best so that makes it even more difficult.
I love skating with the homies but now that I'm 41, it's usually only Sundays that I get to skate with anyone. I struggle to land more stuff by myself but thats my only option most days. I will always skate as long as I can walk, feel like I'd go crazy without it. I also snowboard, snowskate, rollerblade, dirt bike, ride atv's and mountain bike. ADHD old man over here haha
@@nephimcknight5832 Ha! I’m exactly the same. Snowboard, snowskate, mountain bike, rock climbing. I’d go crazy without my activities too, especially skateboarding. 👊
@StuffnThings42 - I appreciate the talk on mental health, I know there's lots of us that can relate to what you're saying. The only new friends I've made over 40 are my rollerblade homies, I too struggle making new friends and question myself for it. Great little video!
Damn I had the same problem I am a giant introvert I changed my mindset to at least being amicable with the locals I hate doing shit that feels unnatural and I'm 36
Yeah I skate alone alot......not cause I want to, more so cause I don't have many friends that skate.....and I wake up and skate really early in the morning everyday before work, and no one wants to do that sh!t ha. But it turns it into almost a meditation every morning, and don't think I could live without it...
I'm 52. Been skating again for about a year after a 30 year hiatus. Fortunately where I am in South FL there a several skate parks around. Not like Cali but enough to keep it fresh. I meet someone new almost every time I go out, all of a variety of ages from teenagers to those in their 50s. ...and I'm not exactly extraverted either. If there is someone I seen regularly I will usually strike up a convo and might exchange numbers or IG to try to make a connection by sharing YT/IG videos. Some people I just talk skate, others who I have more in common with, we talk about other things. I think your biggest impediment is your local not so much you being an introvert.
@@mutatedgenome Thanks for saying so. Unfortunately, I think it’s a little bit of both. When I go other places to skate, I’m not good at chatting and meeting other skaters.
Felt this man deeply , but as we both posted mine has no view count whatsoever, so a small town without homies can kill views too that’s why I’m stuck at 2.4K subs …..I’ve had my channel since 2012……I can not wait to mmoveeeeee!
Ive always had at least 1 person to skate with but for awhile I had noone. That was the best skating I did for years. Its good with other people dont get me wrong, but alone I can just do my own thing, no distractions besides the scooter kids. Street alone is hard tho so I only go to parks.
The grass is always greener? Change is always good though. I moved from Long Beach ca to Texas and I still feel like I live too close to too many people
@@bwhipp I get that. It’s funny how I want the best of both worlds. I want nature and a sense of solitude, but I also want better amenities and more people I might connect with. Can’t have it all I guess.
Don’t feel like a social weirdo bro!! I am in my 40s and haven’t skated with a crew since the early 2000s! And you know what? I like it like that. I am actually an extrovert, and if I see skaters at the skate park and they nod their head at me, I’ll nod back at leave it at that.
People are still friendly but it goes weird places these days fast. I like to not have that random form of socialbility that is inherent with skateparks. Don't worry about mental health. I think if your gonna tackle mental health it means verbalizing problems to people at the least and shiddy script drugs at the worst. Both are not helping.
I think your normal. Id say sometimes if I think someone is just chill or casual I'll talk to them a minute. I really enjoy music when I ride so I might keep a Airbud out to chit chat. I am not real interested in the annoying kids " Do a kickflip" witch really ain't that hard. I think a clean backside 180 looks cool. 👍
@@ryanb2781 I’m pretty sure I might have ADHD. I’ve never been diagnosed. I wonder if I might be on the spectrum too. I have certain quirks that most people would say are autistic traits.
I drove to Bakersfield to skate with Mogely because I have no friends. Not a great idea physically, but totally worth it. Always wish i had skate homies and friends but don't know how that works. If you're ever in Albuquerque hit me up 🛹
@@OldManSkateboards I would probably drive to Bakersfield to skate with Mogley too even though I’ve never met him. 😂 If I’m ever in NM again, I’ll definitely hit you up. Thanks for the offer. 👊
Yeah i think a lot of us here are the same. Thanks for sharing man
🔥🔥
I like to skate alone but when you got similar level or better skate mates is also great fun and they help me and motivate me more than when i am alone fighting with my own fear.
Well done.
You got a new 42year old sub ;)
Just keep skating my man! If it makes you feel good that's all that matters. We're all together in this even tho we're far apart. 45 years old restarter here and I skate alone 99% of the times at a parking lot.
It's tough maintaining friendships bro it consists of walking on eggshells. I skate with whoever wants to skate with me I don't seek friends anymore, getting close to being 40 I realize most people have their own agenda and will only hang out when it can benefit them in some way, like if you're filming them or if they can get a free ride to a new park they haven't been to. I skate alone most of the time and I've accepted it and it's great. Love running into old homies but I never expect anything else then a cool sesh at the park. Thanks for the vid and I know how you feel
Nice vid man. I'm the same age as you. It does get harder to make friends past 40. For me, I was kinda like you. I was geographically isolated which makes it 10x harder. When I turned 40, I started to world travel and It opened up the flood gates for meeting new friends. I've now lived in Thailand for 5 years and I have a healthy group of new international friends that are all expats too. The skate scene here is vibrant and open to foreigners and the thai people are very approachable and friendly. It takes alot of courage to make videos like this and I can see you are looking for change. Follow your heart man. You always have a friend in me.
@@AustinGarvelink I love traveling and would love to skate in other parts of the world more. A couple of years ago my family went to Japan. I skated a little bit and it was so great. I didn’t make any friends but that’s probably a language barrier thing. But other skaters were supportive in that they gave me props when I landed something. The skate scene in Japan is amazing.
Yes
9:45 you can still find new Homies. Yes, it’s difficult because of your age and being introverted, but just like you have to work at nose wheelies you have to work at putting yourself out there and meeting people. I suggest going to a spot that’s more crowded or another park that has a little scene and make it a habit of going at the same time each week. Do this with the intention of not just skating, but linking up with other people. I’m 48. I skate every day and I find that the easiest way to have a session with people is to just be at the spot and skate with whoever’s there. Eventually, community is created. im in Boulder and definitely think Colorado in general has a very friendly and welcoming scene.
Great video !
Haha, and I also spent some time reading through a lot of the comments, and they were amazing too.
I'm not as old as you but I am knocking on 40 in couple months.
Have skated for about 20 years, but it's been a little more than 10 yrs since I quit.
Started losing more and more of my friends due to life circumstances (jobs, family, etc), and before you knew it it was just me skating alone at the park.
And I slowly started losing motivation, started getting hurt more and more, didn't progress in my skating, and one day I just quit.
It's very true, "life" just gets in the way of many things...
Saw one comment below where someone said it takes effort trying to meet and make new friends, just like you were trying that trick in the video.
And I'd say he's right. It's just simple as that.
But you have a family, your schedule, geographical challenges etc etc.
Depends on what you prioritize I guess. Just life. But I'd take solace in the fact that you're still out there enjoying skating, and wow you have a great commnunity of online followers !!
You're blessed !
I wish I lived in your area, I can DEFINITELY see us being skate homies.
Anyways, good luck to you, sir.
@@SlimJim-bw3ib Thank for the encouragement. You said I have a great community of online friends. That’s very true and something that I’ve been keeping in mind over the last few weeks. It’s really making a positive difference in my mental health. Thanks again. 😁
I like skating alone more than with people, as far as ACTUALLY skating goes, and what I mean by that is it's a lot harder to really concentrate on the act of skateboarding itself, and get the feeling it's just you and your board, and feel those little micro feelings that make you feel dialed in to your deck. I have a lot of fun with my friends but I think I'd have fun with them skateboarding or not. But as far as accomplishing what I want to accomplish I find it a lot easier on my own because my focus isn't scattered like that. If thats makes sense. I have ADHD and skateboarding on my own trying for a trick is the closest I get to feeling like I can actually focus on anything 😂
@@OwensSkateStory I get that. I probably have ADHD myself (undiagnosed). For me, skateboarding requires an intense focus on what I’m doing. It’s a fantastic way to concentrate on one thing and apply all my energy to it. 👍
Feels that
thanks for this vid man - good processing✊
@@Ungracefulmovement Thanks for checking it out. 👊
Obviously my situation in SF is a lot different, and my own experience of meeting people in the world has been made much easier by always having a skateboard on me. But I know you Ryan, and I found you to be joyful and passionate and a pleasure to spend time with. I think your basic premise that people aren't interested in you may be preventing you from seeing some of the paths towards connections. If your basic premise was that you can't learn new tricks anymore, it's fair to say that your enthusiasm and growth as a skateboarder would change. You might not get excited everytime you see a bank to ledge in the wild, and traffic islands would just be traffic islands, instead of new mannie combo opportunities.. If every person you meet is an exciting new opportunity for connection, you're gonna start noticing things that were invisible before. That's my 2 cents, I hope it's well received. I love you, and the contributions you are making to this old person skate community that many of us feel a part of. Very inspiring stuff StuffnThings, thank you so much. 🙏🏽❤❤🙏🏽
@@Legend_of_Rick_G You’re an amazing person Rick. From the moment I met you in person, I knew you were someone I wanted to be friends with. You’re incredibly welcoming and inviting and you made me feel comfortable (which is the really crazy part). The day I spent skating with you is probably the best day I’ve ever spent on a skateboard.
I think that’s why it’s easy for me to feel alone and isolated when I go back to always skating alone. But these videos about how I feel have really shed some light on the fact that I’m not alone. I have lots of friends. They’re just in far away places. I’m also not alone in how I act or feel. Other people are like me. They’re just not right here.
You’re probably right in that I need to try to see people as an opportunity and not feel like I’m unwanted or just in the way. I probably am limiting myself.
Thanks for the incredible support. It means a lot. 👊👍
@@StuffnThings42 Thank you for the compliments, I feel the same way. You've given me a ton of support and your genuine way of sharing your experience feels amazing.
Let's keep getting better at moving through space and treating each other well. 🙏❤❤🙏
Im 48 and skate alone mostly, then recently I skated a Friday afternoon when the park was full. Some kids were asking me if I feel out of place . I didn't untill I thought about it. Back to early morning skating 😊
@@sonnyrico Seems weird to me that the kids would say that. But I’m kind of a bitter old man now. GET OFF MY LAWN 😂
Love your honest video and the positive commends 🥰 Been skating a lot lonely sessions lately and know what you're experiencing. Except that being a highly sensitive person prevents me from skating any street spot, so thumbs up for that 👍 Keep pushing, keep being a weirdo and thank you skateboarding!
@@krebernik Thanks. Thank you skateboarding indeed 👊
honestly when i was 14-15 years old some of my best friends and favorite people to ride with were in their early 20s to well into their 30s.
i get that rural area small town struggle though. i lived in rural northeast oregon for most of my life and only recently moved to a more populated area. despite that though i still met some really nice people that i miss riding with. the thing about not skating with other people though is it really hinders your progress. constantly having tricks and techniques be done in front of you is super helpful and it helps put into perspective whats really possible.
even not being friends with people but just observing other skaters and watching how they battle things; you learn a lot. im also incredibly introverted and have no friends, so when i meet somebody that i like hanging out with thats special. most of my friends i met at the skatepark.
Loved watching this, very honest and open vid. Interesting to see your corner of the world and hear your thoughts. Rad tricks too by the way!
At 48 I find I generally skate alone with the exception of one mate who I occasionally meet that’s early 50’s. Met him about 6 years ago and he’s such a rad skater and great guy.
if he’s busy I’m happy to skate on my own which is something I’ve got used to in my later years.
RUclips had opened the door for regular online interactions with a handful of great skater guys 👊🏻
If I ever see anyone at the park and they’re alone I try to welcome them to chill w me and my homies . There is times I go to parks and it’s not my local I’m the odd ball out , that feeling isn’t the best . But than again some people rather be alone / skate alone and I understand .
@@ShredTheRest That’s awesome of you to invite people in. That’s the kind of thing I need when I go to other parks. 👊
@@StuffnThings42 you never know who you’ll meet ! That’s the best thing of meeting new people
What’s up man I know how you feel I moved to a new place too and I have no skate friends or friends here and it sucks but back home in the BX it’s a whole different story I am apart of a skate community and it’s amazing but where I live at it’s different
Wow, we walk in similar shoes. I wish I had a skate buddy. I'm 48 and sometimes I get to a park and I don't even get out of the car. I waste my time and sometimes will drive to another park hoping to be alone but still wish I had a friend to sk8 with. Your town looks great, maybe I'll check it out someday.
Bro I totally feel the same man. Kinda wish you and I lived closer cause what u are talking about are the things I think about. If u ever are around Pittsburgh give a brother a call man. I'd really like to skate with someone who is at the same stage of their sk8 life. Names Jon. keep skateboarding always and enjoy life in battle and strife .. skater for life.🛹🎼
@@Jonnie_Tha_Junglist Thanks for the comment. Likewise, if you’re ever in Colorado, let me know. 👊
U worked up a Hellofa sweat....Yeah I made some acquaintances at skate parks, but I skip around in North Dallas & go to different parks. They built a new one in Anna about 15 miles from my house with frikin 4 Pump tracks and I have close acquaintances there, not friends yet. I'm 58 and I would say I try to talk to people & initiate communication with the other adult skaters...Its almost like your a cowboy out in the west with all the mountains, Good talkin to you..I subbed friend
@@rosstempletonogskater omg. I sweat so much when I skate 😂 But that’s just another benefit… serious calorie burn. Thanks for the comment. From what I understand, you have some great skateparks in the greater Dallas area. It would be a fun place to do a skate trip. 👊
@@StuffnThings42 Yeah, 5 pretty close to me. The city of Dallas only has about 3 & their adding 1. All the surrounding suburbs have the skate parks. Garland finally built one with a good bowl. I just need to get better at bowls, then I'll have variety. Good talking to you.👍
Thanks for sharing this. You said a lot of very personal things that I definitely relate to. I wish I had more friends to skate with, but at the same time my relationship with skateboarding is very personal and individualistic. Any of us who skate are a weird breed, and that just fine.
@@TheBlakeEverhart Thanks. I feel this. 👊
thanks for sharing man ❤ watching from the other side of the world, completely different life, but can relate to some of your thoughts.
I do occasionally get together with the locals but overall I love skating alone man it’s my peace. ✌️ ❤
I'm similar in a way, as where if I'm at a park with other people I would rather just keep to myself. I feel like I can focus more when I'm on my own. That said though in my next video I do skate with a couple of people. I think you will know the guys from the video when you see it.
I also like to just keep to myself in general and only have a few real friends. When I do meet others though like in my next video I do enjoy it. RUclips has help me meet new people which I would never have met if I didn't do videos. I might have come across these people but I would have never gone and spoke to them or hung out. I would have just stayed in my own little corner of the skatepark on my own. That first step of introducing yourself is defo the hardest part.
@@amskateboards Yeah. I already saw Dad Leisure’s video. I told him I was really jealous. It would be so amazing to skate with you guys. The session looked like a ton of fun.
Thanks for the comment and support. 👊
This video fits me perfectly, there are other skaters in my town but I always skate by myself, alot of people can just be non sociable or just off to themselves anyways, I just think its the times.
Really great video and was nice to see what it's like where you are! I love seeing all the different places of the world where we all skate and it's mad that we are able to skate together in our own little way even if it's just online. When I started last year, I had no idea that other adults skated. I tried to hide it as much as I could, was embarrassed when my board showed up at home and felt I had to explain myself the first time I went to an indoor park. The staff just said 'you'd be surprised how many people there are like you'. I was the only one there for a while (I skate during school/normal working hours) but then two guys showed up, who were around 20 years older than me 😆 I was so excited to see other adults skating that I just went over to talk to them, and whenever I see other adults at the park I always try to chat but that's just me. It must be hard not seeing anybody in your local area doing what you do, and for skate culture to be such an obscure thing there. It must make skating locally feel more weird (like how you felt those trucks were watching you!) I know this will be hard as you are not an extroverted person, but if finding skate friends is important, could you push yourself out of your comfort zone and offer out free adult lessons? Or take up hiking to meet others, and then try to get them skating! I bet there will be people that skated as kids and still have it in them that just need that little push. Sorry for long comment again dude 🤣
@@DadLeisureSkateboarding Thanks for the detailed and thorough comment… seriously. I think a lot of introverts like me need an extrovert like you to help get things rolling. For me, it often takes an extrovert to reach out and get the conversation ball rolling. Thanks for being that guy. 👊
Skating alone is rad. Skating with people is rad too. Just a matter of personal preference… (I enjoy both.) From the 14.5 minutes of your video, you seem like a decent dude - so the good news from my first impression as an unbiased outsider is that I doubt that people want nothing to do with you. Especially in the skateboarding community where everyone is welcome! Hopefully that gives you some added confidence moving forward. 🤙🏻
@@robbeaton Thanks for the kind words. Yes, it does help with the confidence. 👊
I think we would get along good dude. I'm also an introvert and distance myself from a lot of potential opportunities. Also assume that people don't want anything to do with me as well lol. I met a group of local skaters somewhat recently (went totally out of my comfort zone meeting up with them) and they turned out to be a bunch of A**holes with the exception of one who has ended up being a great/close friend. Also you're nose manuals look super nice and controlled! and great persistence on the nose manny pivot! "only skateboarding makes me feel like this" Amen
@@stickersteve007 Thanks for the super supportive comment. I think we would get along good too. 👊
at 27 i started skating again after quitting for almost 6 years, had no one to skate with at first. i used to say i quit skating in the first place cause all my friends did too. im 31 now and i skate with a bunch of different people. i just went to the same skate park like almost everyday day for 4 years, man. i became a part of the scene just by skating at the park alot. started out just chit chating here and there and it just snowballed. itll just happen, eventually you'll just click up with some people, and itll flow. we all love skateboarding! that connection makes it very chill to conversate with people at the park. just talk about skating, get stoked on other peoples tricks and have fun and people will vibe with it a lot. making friends as you get older is tough, but making other older friends with someone who also loves skating isnt as tough haha! That being said skating alone is perfectly fine, as long as you're getting that feeling that you got at the end of the video then you're doing it right!!!
I can relate to much of this. Getting skate friends is defintely getting harder with age, because almost noone skates at our age. I can also relate to the being introvert part. I am actually a mixed breed myself. I often switch between being very extrovert and very introvert, depending on my mood and my energy level. 😊I often skate alone by choice, because I have a certain trick that I want to battle, and that I want to do that without feeling that I need to be social with people around me. Because of that, I often end up alone at a random sidewalk - and loving it. 😁Other time though, its really fun to skate with other people and to just goof around. I think you would have been an awesome skate buddy! 👌💯 And yeah, you would have to be a robot to not get emotional about landing a trick that you worked hard for!
@@fd_skate Thank you so much. I think you and Leyah would be awesome skate homies too. Thanks for the continued support. 👊
That's why we are here. We are the skate homies. I know when I skate alone that I am sharing it with you guys and that is enough for me.
The important part is that we make time for it, because it is important to us.
Hey 47 isn't old 😂. I am a few months away from 48 and life is just getting started.
Enjoy your skating and keep sharing it. We are always here. We get it.
Stay Rad
@@AdventuresInSkateboarding I realized the same thing after my last mental health videos. You guys are the homies for sure. You just live too far away. Thanks for the support as always. 👊
@@StuffnThings42 💯
All of us introverts can agree with what you're saying.
As you said, getting new friends over 40 isn't an easy thing. Life makes us having less time and other priorities so when it comes to skateboarding it's even harder as we are not so many... especially if you are leaving in the middle of nowhere. I understand your frustration but keep it up man, there's nothing wrong with you. 👊🏽
@@SkateCrisis Thank you. 🙏 😊
Skated alone since I moved from my hometown. About 12 years ago. It’s just different not skating with my friends I grew up with. I have skate friends here and there, but it’s not the same
Thanks for the shout out bro 🙌 so happy you landed that revert you looked really close to the backside revert also... I think it's really important to hook up with some other skaters maybe go to some skate jams if there's any in your local area or not to far away iv meet some amazing skaters at those and hav meet up with them after at different jams or events... But I also I love to skate solo aswell you can focus on a trick with out any distraction 😂
@@noelhynes8670 No problem 😁 Thanks again for the help and support. 👊
Same age (I'm already 47 - 48 in a couple of months), same situation (despite I'm living in an more urban area in Germany). Started skating again 4 years ago after a 23 year hiatus. 99% alone. Mostly street because parks are often too crowded when I have the time to go there. But most of my skate time is often spontaneous meaning a time corridor opens up to go skate and all I can do is hit up the streets near the house anyway. Without the skate community here on YT it occasionally would be difficult to stay motivated. Maybe I would have already retired again. Especially with the often crappy weather here in Germany. But skateboarding gives me so much well-being in life. I really need it. Actually needed it all the years I didn't do it. Skateboarding at our age is something special we need to keep up as long as we can. 👊
@@zeitgeist1977sk8 100% Skateboarding is something I need. It’s not just a fun hobby. Thanks for the comment 👊
you cool man... love your content!
I got one skate buddy. We go out every morning for a few hours. Only known each other for a few months. Really glad I ran into him randomly at a skatepark
Use to run into the same issue..until I created. A Facebook group . And we meet up at different parks and hang out. I set up times and dates. So people our age can plan ahead. I hope you meet some fellow skaters. Good luck on your endeavors.
@DirtySouthSkateboarding.
im a 37 year old single father that lives in a town of 1200. Also I rollerblade and there are no one in the area who even rides a pedal bike or anything around here so i get stuff yelled at me ive had ppl swerve to hit me but missed lol (also I have no skatepark anywhere near me). I used to have a crew and any of them still alive im still on good terms with. Im gunna tell ya that yes its nice to skate alone sometimes but nothing compared to skating with friends or even anyone because you can push each other and it feels awesome when you go for a hard trick to imress them and you pull it off and they give props. Plus another mind is nice for spot ideas and its alot safer to try scarier tricks/stunts. Ive had to skate alone for a bit over 10 years and ive gotten alot worse but its seriously prob my fav thing to do in my life. Awesome to know im not alone at being alone but you seem super chill and your totally overthinking (just like i do) about thinking no one wants you around. Id be thrilled if someone who rode a scooter and could only say the word Stink! lived in my town just to have someone around so I dont gatta film myself and feel like I gotta skate as good as the pros in order to show anyone else my contribution to skating. Those nose manuels were really smooth and it looks really fun! keep Rollin Sir.
@@icRDaVe-qn9ru Thanks for the comment. It’s nice to know that even though a bunch of us skate alone, we’re not really alone. Lots of us are doing that exact thing, just in different, far away places. 👊
i like skating alone, and people are overrated
@@diplenski That’s true, they can be. But always doing the things you enjoy by yourself gets lonely.
@@StuffnThings42 i suppose it can at times. it's good to learn to be comfortable keeping your own company
Dude, same here. I think with age, comes wary-ness. As a kid, you don’t care or feel like you need to impress, but as an adult, we’re so afraid of saying the wrong thing or something. I can latch on, too- over sharing or be clingy
I have 2 best friends. Have had them since high school. But one moved out of state, then the other, and then me. I haven’t talked to them in 2yrs
I have no friends where I am now. I’m also an introvert, so I’d rather do my own thing. And as a beginner, it’d prob feel intimidating to have skate friends that are not at your level
I do my skating at home. If anyone watches my channel, it’s my backyard, garage, and out front on the street. I just don’t have the time to make the 30min round trip to the skate park. So much easier to just step into the backyard
I’ll prob never have skate friends, and that’s ok
I can relate to this, I moved to California last year and its great having all the spots, but I´m always skating by myself. Also my english is not the best so that makes it even more difficult.
@@Tormentor100 Cool! What part of CA are you in? I’ve skated around San Diego a couple of times. The skateparks there are absolutely amazing. 👍
@@StuffnThings42 I’m in the bay area, San Diego is cool 👍
I love skating with the homies but now that I'm 41, it's usually only Sundays that I get to skate with anyone. I struggle to land more stuff by myself but thats my only option most days. I will always skate as long as I can walk, feel like I'd go crazy without it. I also snowboard, snowskate, rollerblade, dirt bike, ride atv's and mountain bike. ADHD old man over here haha
@@nephimcknight5832 Ha! I’m exactly the same. Snowboard, snowskate, mountain bike, rock climbing. I’d go crazy without my activities too, especially skateboarding. 👊
@StuffnThings42 - I appreciate the talk on mental health, I know there's lots of us that can relate to what you're saying. The only new friends I've made over 40 are my rollerblade homies, I too struggle making new friends and question myself for it. Great little video!
I’m outside of Denver; If you’re in the city ever just hit me up on here.
I typically skate alone or with one other.
@@SpectrumSkate Will do! Thanks for the offer. Are you on IG? I could DM you if I’m going to be in the area. My IG is the same as here on YT.
@@StuffnThings42 only social media I have is this. Lemme figure something out later and I’ll get back to you
Keep it up 💪💯
Damn I had the same problem I am a giant introvert I changed my mindset to at least being amicable with the locals I hate doing shit that feels unnatural and I'm 36
Yeah I skate alone alot......not cause I want to, more so cause I don't have many friends that skate.....and I wake up and skate really early in the morning everyday before work, and no one wants to do that sh!t ha. But it turns it into almost a meditation every morning, and don't think I could live without it...
@@oldladyfalling7844 I completely understand that. I’m the same. I tend to like skating in the morning. No one else seems to do that. 👊
Im 36. I miss having skate homies
I'm 52. Been skating again for about a year after a 30 year hiatus. Fortunately where I am in South FL there a several skate parks around. Not like Cali but enough to keep it fresh. I meet someone new almost every time I go out, all of a variety of ages from teenagers to those in their 50s. ...and I'm not exactly extraverted either. If there is someone I seen regularly I will usually strike up a convo and might exchange numbers or IG to try to make a connection by sharing YT/IG videos. Some people I just talk skate, others who I have more in common with, we talk about other things. I think your biggest impediment is your local not so much you being an introvert.
@@mutatedgenome Thanks for saying so. Unfortunately, I think it’s a little bit of both. When I go other places to skate, I’m not good at chatting and meeting other skaters.
Felt this man deeply , but as we both posted mine has no view count whatsoever, so a small town without homies can kill views too that’s why I’m stuck at 2.4K subs …..I’ve had my channel since 2012……I can not wait to mmoveeeeee!
I just subbed dude.
I skate alone nowadays too
i'm 41, i usually skate late at night/early morning. even if there were people to call, it would likely be an inconvenient time to try
Ive always had at least 1 person to skate with but for awhile I had noone. That was the best skating I did for years. Its good with other people dont get me wrong, but alone I can just do my own thing, no distractions besides the scooter kids. Street alone is hard tho so I only go to parks.
@@LeSkateWA Same. I think skating alone is one of the reasons why I almost never skate street.
@@StuffnThings42 yeah its one thing thats better with friends, it can get sketchy
The grass is always greener? Change is always good though. I moved from Long Beach ca to Texas and I still feel like I live too close to too many people
@@bwhipp I get that. It’s funny how I want the best of both worlds. I want nature and a sense of solitude, but I also want better amenities and more people I might connect with. Can’t have it all I guess.
You seem chill, I'd skate with you and maybe later light up the bbq and crack open a beer, too bad I live in Switzerland
Don’t feel like a social weirdo bro!! I am in my 40s and haven’t skated with a crew since the early 2000s! And you know what? I like it like that. I am actually an extrovert, and if I see skaters at the skate park and they nod their head at me, I’ll nod back at leave it at that.
I think I've been the only skater in my county for 35 years.
Nice Brother! skate or die!
Wow. I am you. At least I’m not the only one. Heh.
If you find yourself in the Denver area, hit me up. I’ll skate.
@@JGH207 Thanks. Are you on IG? I can DM you if I have plans to go to the city. My IG is the same as my YT.
@@StuffnThings42 @jgrayhudson
I'm 42 dude and the things you're saying resonate which me, I think we're probably both just socially awkward people. C'est la vie I suppose
same
People are still friendly but it goes weird places these days fast. I like to not have that random form of socialbility that is inherent with skateparks. Don't worry about mental health. I think if your gonna tackle mental health it means verbalizing problems to people at the least and shiddy script drugs at the worst. Both are not helping.
@@mikehemens9359 Surprisingly, it’s helping to voice what I’m feeling on videos. It helps knowing that I’m not alone in how I feel.
@@StuffnThings42 The video you did is art so you are working your creative side. This is key I feel.
same as me, I just don't know any 45-year-olds that skate and paint graffiti. I could hang out with 15 - 20 year olds I guess but it feels creepy
@@cameraop8210 I get that 100%
I’ve said hi to kids at skateparks before but I leave it at that because I don’t want to be a creepy old weirdo.
I think your normal. Id say sometimes if I think someone is just chill or casual I'll talk to them a minute. I really enjoy music when I ride so I might keep a Airbud out to chit chat. I am not real interested in the annoying kids " Do a kickflip" witch really ain't that hard. I think a clean backside 180 looks cool. 👍
You should get into concrete make spots in the woods by your house
It sounds like ur on the ADHD and autism spectrum everything u described is me and I am
@@ryanb2781 I’m pretty sure I might have ADHD. I’ve never been diagnosed. I wonder if I might be on the spectrum too. I have certain quirks that most people would say are autistic traits.
Not bad for 47 homie👍
Such a great video bro, i feel ya, want to do a fun collab? hit me up bro
cheers dude
@@amco Sure! Are you on IG? You could DM me there. My IG is the same as my YT.
@@StuffnThings42 yes i do bro, i will do that now =) cheers
I drove to Bakersfield to skate with Mogely because I have no friends. Not a great idea physically, but totally worth it. Always wish i had skate homies and friends but don't know how that works. If you're ever in Albuquerque hit me up 🛹
@@OldManSkateboards I would probably drive to Bakersfield to skate with Mogley too even though I’ve never met him. 😂 If I’m ever in NM again, I’ll definitely hit you up. Thanks for the offer. 👊