An incredibly interesting topic extremely well articulated

back in 2008 the first skate shop I would bug was probably one of my favorite places to go to hang out and get information on what was going on in the skate scene, sadly it went under, but definitely skate shops are important!

I remember my shop put up a sign like 5 years ago that said “ no smoking, and none of those stupid vapes “ 😂💀

Man, at around the 6 minute mark, when he talks about progression, that is 100% spot on. I'm 47 years old and decided to start to learn to skateboard with my 10 year old daughter. I was a competitive downhill skier. I surfed for 10 years. Did martial arts for 8 years and play a lot of Golf. NOTHING could prepare me for the physical and mental challenge of learning how to skateboard. Wow. I'm about 3 weeks in and am still learning to push myself around (badly). Awesome insight. Thank you.

Just turned 58..wanna learn! I bought Andy Anderson's Flight board

I got into skating like a year ago and I’ve been trying to get my friends into it a lot. A few have tried it but like David said skateboarding shows who the quitters are. I have no skatepark or skate shop in my town but I still go street skating as much as possible even though I don’t have anyone to do it with. And I’m not stopping.

I'm 38, don't even skate, but can't stop watching these videos. Making me want to get into it. I really love the positive vibes you have.

Then there’s the people with no local park or skate shop :( (me)

I have been watching this young man for years on KZfaq. I will be 50 soon and have love skateboarding longer than I have anything else in life.. It gives me great pleasure to watch this man build his craft. I love the name of the company. Oh and why would anyone give this a thumbs down?

“too many skaters downtown, oh boy I wonder, if only we could give them a new place to go like a skatepark or something, oh what am I thinking. I’m just rhe city manager.”

I need to show this to my parents

Lately i've really been struggling with progressing. Thoughts like "Maybe skateboarding isn't for me" or "I'm never going to get better" went through my mind. But this video reminded me that, no, skatebaording isn't suppsoed to be easy. It's suppsoed to bring out the most hard working person in you. It's supposed to teach you that if you fall, you get back up and try again. It's supposed to make you realize hard work and dedication really does pay off. There is SO MUCH more to skatebaording than what non-skaters go around and think about us. John, thank you so much for being who you are and for being the biggest inspiration to all of us. So much love from me to you

Your love for street skating is what drew me to your channel in the beginning. Back when you were living here in Cincinnati and would explore the different spots all over the place. Keep killing it. 💪💚

Yo Greenville SC native here, my sister and brother live in Columbia! When I visited for Christmas (moved to Iowa for school) we went to bluetile and supported the homies. So happy to see/learn more about them and your support for them. Much respect for this John! Will be moving close to the city soon, maybe I'll see you at a park in a year or so!!

was skatin today and hadda get 5 stitches on my chin for a bad fall, but when he talked abt steve-o i could really relate to that, but great video bro! progress daily!

To have a skate shop around longer than 10 yrs is a blessing

First of all, great video! It made me think and I saw a lot of parallels with my small town skater life. I grew up in Hays, KS and I know the feeling of being one of the only ones at school who skated. I found my friends and family at the skatepark and our local shop, WhiteChocolate. WhiteChocolate was a second home for me. The owner of the shop, however, was a very “core” skater and would never evolve with skateboarding. No Nike, no Adidas, dropping certain brands after they became “too corporate”. It ultimately led to the death of our skate scene in little Hays, KS. WhiteChocolate was one of the first skate shops in Kansas. They held bi annual contests and events in Hays, and all across the state. They even helped raise awareness and build one of the first skateparks in Kansas! They were in business from 1998-2017. Right now I’m trying to rebuild the skate scene from the ground up. I made my youtube channel for that very reason. I hope to one day be able to create a skate shop of my own, where anyone can come and feel the same love and passion that I have for skateboarding. Thanks for the inspiring video.😌❤️

"The skate shop" a phrase that brings so many good vibes and memories back. Like when my local shop premiered a video IN A THEATER and it got packed! As a kid I felt lucky to see myself in the background of that movie cus I was on the big screen for a second lol. And then I broke my arm the next day skating outside that same movie theater. lol. Memories man. Keep skate shops the place to hang and network.

I love you and your channels so much. I'm the kind of person that NEEDS that sense of progression to keep me interested in things. Skateboarding is so different from most things bc it's something that you really have to motivate yourself to stick with and the reward is SO worth it. It took me WEEKS to learn to ollie, but the satisfaction that comes with learning a trick is so different than anything else in life bc even tho it's a solo sport, the sense of community and support that you get really plays a big part in wanting to keep going. I'm just glad to see that there are people out there who really want to grow this community and make it more important to the world bc people don't realize how much dedication and discipline it takes to skate unless you try it for yourself. Anyway thanks for making me want to progress daily and keep killing it

Thank you so much for supporting the community in Columbia! It kills me skating is looked down on in the city. Such a great idea good looking out my man!

Jiu jitsu is the same feeling. It weeds out quitters. Progression can be slow, but even small victories, landing a trick/catching someone with a new submission, awesome feeling.

Man I'm 32 and haven't skated since I was 15, but I saw some kids skating downtown so I asked to give it a go, and what do you know after all these years I can still kickflip (it wasn't pretty), but I did it. It was the best feeling being back on the board. I live in Ft Lauderdale and we have lots of streets spots and there was one skatepark (Ramp48) we went to growing up if we had some money. I realized it changed, but I didn't realize kids aren't going out like we used to going all over downtown taking the bus from spot to spot. That was the best. I am going to order a deck and start skating around again because for the just the exercise alone I'll get my money's worth and even skating a curb or manny pad would bring me right back to that amazing time in my life when I was able to skate with all my friends. Always inspiring content on this channel 🙏

I blame the parents getting their kids those damn scooters instead of getting a cheap skateboard. You can get a pro model used skate from a pond shop for $20-30

I’m 50 y/o with a total knee replacement and a fused back. My 9 & 11 y/o daughters decided they wanted to star skating. I’ve never been on a board but understand the challenges ahead of them and wanted to be there to push them through it for the life lessons that will payoff exponentially in the future. I love how you are showing all aspects of the life/journey. Keep it up. You have our support and we’ll do our part to continue to grow the lifestyle.

I’m from the Edinburg area here in south Texas around where one of your progress daily riders is from, and it’s very sad to see that all the local skate shops have gone extinct since the Zumiez shops moved in several years back. I appreciate that they cater to the skating community and sell skateboards for us, but it’s just not the same as the local owned shops of the past. I remember the feeling of walking into the skate shop and feeling like i was finally at home, asking infinite questions to the shop workers, and not leaving until my dad basically dragged me out. Last time i went to zumiez to get a new deck and the girl working there just pointed me towards the boards and went about her business. There was no passion and it’s so sad to think that kids getting into skating in my area won’t get that magical experience I did when I got my first board set up.

I remember first watching Braille when I was like 6, I bought a longboard and never went passed cruising on it. One day I had stumbled upon your channel while also meeting a new friend who had skated for years, I saw that it was difficult and I decided to go buy my first board. If I had never seen your channel I don’t think I would’ve ever been interested in skating, I’ve been skating for about 2 plus years and I’ve met so many cool people who have taught the best ways to do certain things, like stretching and workouts to increase endurance. Skating is a blessing to my life

I stopped skateboarding for approx 18 years, but still went around the world looking at stairsets and ledges and saw endless skate opportunities. The quarantine made me skate again, but those skate opportunities are now mostly too difficult for me to skate, but I am slowly progressing back to form. Regardless if I ever get back, I am just glad I found my way back to skateboarding at 36 years old. ;)

In rhode island in the late 90s and 2000s there was only The Underground.....that tacked onto an already existing skishop with skate and snowboard gear. It was sweet you would go from a well lit shop with open space and skis all over the walls for thousands of dollars down a wide staircase that had a corner in it that got darker as you went down into a semi dark cozy room with couches and bean bag chairs and a big low table with tv sets that had skate videos in vhs players running on a loop and skate shoes decks on the wall trucks and wheels in glass cases at the checkout counter and snowboards on the walls and a few low 360⁰ racks with jackets sweatshirts and t shirts. It was like an oasis such a great vibe i loved it. I think its all gone now but it was such a skaters little cave paradise.

Skateboarding does have a way of weeding out quitters! Steve-O with the wise quote damn.... who woulda thought?

So much respect for you John. Internet shopping is so quick and easy but there's no connection there, David's idea of building community around the skateshop is a good one. Props to you and Bluetile for diversifying.

This really motivated me to keep skating and making KZfaq videos! Even tho it gets super stressful and exhausting, I enjoy the process and it is definitely worth it! 💯 Hope to be successful like you in the future John!🙏🏻

Theres a skate shop with a few branches down where i stay and the one close to me closed down. When i go through to the town shop i still get the good vibes and the community feel and the journey there is part of it!

I have a tiny local skate shop at my college, with the loveliest owner.. all the skaters go there and they all skate for the shop and it's just a lovely environment, and I have met many people there. Very lucky to still have that place to go with everyone getting on and having a great time.

Taking the train to the city, skate some nice spots like bank buildings and stuff, hang out at the skate shop sitting on our boards watching Wheels of Fire and Ban This and other films, and then go skate some more towards the train station. My perfect day when I was a kid!

I wish i had a local skate shop to hang out at, Skating isnt common here and id love to meet some people to skate with, when i see old videos of friends skating together it makes me both so happy and sad, and now that im at the tail end of my teenage years im kinda sad i missed all that

6:14 that was such a good take on skateboarding dude. So true

very interesting, I wasn't sure if other people experienced that path of skateboarding and it's cool to know other people have a strong passion too. Great vid:)

That’s dope bring back skate shop feel!! Most of the ones up here it feels weird when I go in. I feel like an outsider or something. I sadly feel most at home when I go to CCS or Tactics. They don’t judge.

Always bringing the topic back to you. The streets live on! Just cus you got older and can’t live those moments anymore, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist anymore

dude. I loved seeing everyone in this video. all the antics. seeing Dre!! I miss Dre! haha this was awesome.

Aye I’m in this one! Also... I’m the guy that packs your PD orders everyone who’s ever received a PD shirt must follow me

Great video bro I loved it✊🏾

Some of the best memories where hanging out at skateshop in early 04 05 that's needs to live on....thanks for this video and topic....😎👍

You're doing so great man keep that shit up!!! Proud of u

John you have really helped me get into skating I always thought I have to go to a skate part and I don’t have and with in a 15 mile radius of my house but you taught me how to find skate street spots and now I am Ollieing off of Ledges and pop shoving it on the side walk near my local shops

Thanks for shedding more light on this side of skateboarding, most Australian skate shops have closed doors because of online buying I’m miss meeting up at the shop most days and going for a shred even if it was a waxed gutter or just talking crap on the next big trick you wanted to film.

I love this discussion. I used to skate a whole lot for years. I had to quit because I kept hurting my hands. I got really into playing music, and cooking. I really want to start skating again, but I'm nervous about how crucial people can be. Your view is very motivating to, just do it, and forget about what others think.

Thanks for being a leader in a world of full of anxiety of all kinds. (:

Thank you John! This video made me actually go out and skate today!

This is such an incredibke video that covers so many different aspects of the industry. Very well done John 🙏

Having a skateshop i think is such an underrated privilege. Where I’m from there is no skateshop and the skate community has to drive an hour away just to get gear. Very inspiring video ❤️

Man John........ watching you progress from the person you were 3 years ago to now always motivates me and inspires me to go out and actually DO the things I WANT to do. Keep up the good work and just know with every video you show people that they don’t have to just go through life doing what everyone else wants them to do or what they’re “supposed” to do. You remind me and everyone else that you can go out and make a living doing what you love! I’ll always appreciate you sharing your life with us and inspiring everyone.

Good for you John. I felt like that growing up in western N.C. no skate shops around in the early 2000s. You still inspire me.

You’ve really made your way man, much respect.

dude i remember going to my local skateshop back when i lived near willy's workshop in san diego. Willy chilling there and skating with people. the skate scene was so different 15+ years ago. I'm glad you reinvested back into the place that got you first inspired.

I think it's good that people are putting back into the community. Keep it up progress daily!!!!!

Late to this but that was an honest man and an honest reply which i appreciate ten fold 👍🏻 it explains a lot how thing have changed in 15 yrs

What a great vid. My friend and I bought skateboards last week for the first time to enjoy outside in our small town. We took them to a random parking lot underground that had some cool ramps and I landed a horrible ollie and he tried a shove-it and hurt his foot now it's just me out there lol. I feel that I haven't learned nearly enough yet to enjoy myself but I also feel a craving to get out and keep trying. I sincerely wish I knew anyone else that was good at skateboarding that could teach me in person.

Bro you are just killing it and that’s just too damn awesome

Seriously enjoyed this video

Love it! Great idea, I hope its prosperous in both a monetary and community building way. Your passion for the culture is fantastic for all of us.

I love to see you progress.

Hello sir, older video but catching up... not a skater but a car guy (probably even a niche of a niche of car guys) and can really relate to the content here, greatly appreciate what you’re doing for your community!

I live 15 minutes from Bluetile and you help the shop out so much. Thank you 🙏 ❤️

The stock footage makes this video even greater haha

love hearing positive reinforcement from the skate community, im hoping to one day be able to open up my own shop to support my local town and skaters!!!!

yo i just want to say john that you were the reason that i started getting into skating i love watching your vids before i go skating and i just want to say thanks for the great content keep it up bro big ups!🤙😊👌

I learned to ride skateboard when I was 12 and then stopped. Now Im 22 and I just bought a cruiser (Arbor Sizzler) to chill around after work and I can't hide that I'm very excited even if I'm a lonely rider :D. It brings back good old memories.

Love all your content on Your other page and I’m amazed to see how much is getting put in. WOW ❤️🔥

Quality content of both this channel and on your main🤟🤟💯

Dude best of luck to you in your future endeavors.

Great video John and very excited to see PD progress... daily...? when all this business blows over

We did the same in Greenwood Sc.. bikes and boards was our shop, but its alot different now then back when I skated

Omg please release another drop of you’re progress daily pant their just too good

Awesome! I used to print with a brother gtx. The pre treat process is not easy

First Progress Daily video i have watched! Loved it John!!!!!! Keep killing it!

I've been ripping for 12 years. When you grow up in a place like I did (Northeast Ohio snowbelt). You have 2-3 indoor skateparks within 100 miles. You can't skate much 4 months out of the year from freezing temperatures and snow. The roads and sidewalks are royally fucked. The small handful of outdoor skateparks are just old few metal ramps, the concrete ones are mostly cracked, chunked and poorly made. I'm gonna be honest, skateboarding has been rapidly dying here. It's truly sad but towns and cities haven't been taking much initiative to implement and upkeep these establishments. There are no skateshops, and when there are, they don't last too long. Shred on. Stay humble. Be thankful, and thank you for doing what you can where you can and for who you can.

Big ups to Columbia, SC. My hometown as well.

The 7 dislikes are the middle aged white women calling their mayor complaining about skaters "loitering." Love your work John!

I think im gonna start skating again. Thanks for inspiring me John and the PD team

Damn b roll city 💪 flexing with voice overs I dig it

Dave is the homie. Always has some good insight, great conversation.

Incredible story homie, well told ♤♡◇♧

Very impressed with your grass roots approach to skateboarding... culture etc.....

This is awesome!

love this guy been following since 2015

You're probably the smartest skateboarder I know, and I now understand where it comes from !

Hey John i was wondering if you have any advise for treflip because that truck is very hard for me

I’m getting a board very soon. what is the best stop to learn for someone who will mainly be commuting with it?

Just purchased a blank deck skateboard (got to assemble it) afrom the braille website ! I used to do a little skating when I was younger/ my cousin taught me how to at least stand and somewhat ride. I enjoyed it for the short time, but would really like to get more into it seriously .I'm much older now but excited for something new and a good challenge. Any helpful hints starting skateboarding?

I’ve been waiting for my first skateboard for a month and can finally go to a skate shop tomorrow I can’t wait

It's cool that he responds to most of the comments

Love this kind of video! Thank you so much for the amazing content. I am 22 years old and i started skating at a young age, but was a quitter after a couple rough wrecks on some hill bombs when i was like 8. I ended up buying a penny board 6 years ago however, and after i learned how to bomb some hills i was hooked. I broke my friends walmart board that was given to me trying to learn my first ollie, and from there i got a 5boro deck. I have upgraded from 7.75 in, to 8.5 in decks, now skating a real zion, and i am just waiting to complete my set up for a 10 in reissued jef hartsel cruiser/pool deck. My closest local skate shop is run by some guys that seem to be on drugs 4/5 times i have gone in there, so my question to you is: how else can i meet skaters in my city/community that could help me get to a similar path as you are heading? Skate boarding has changed my life so much for the better that i know i will be skating as long as i can stand, and i am super interested in learning how i can orient my life/ work in order to make some kind of living off this passion. I would love to hear your thoughts. Sj from Cincinnati

street skating for life

Last few times I went to Owen's field shit be hella packed on the weekends! Skating seems to be coming back a little. 🤙

This is sick!

I have been skating for around 2 1/2 years. I really love the challenge, exploration, and satisfaction that riding my skateboard offers. I have been going to my local skate park for around 2 years now and I always feel disconnected from the other skaters, whenever I skate around them and try to have a good time, I always feel like I don't belong there. I hit up some of the guys that skate the park regularly to see if they are down to skate. I almost always get a no, and some even lie that they left the park or the spot a half hour before I got there. It really bums me out because I feel those are the only other people in my community that share a common love for skateboarding. My question is how should skaters in my position go about finding friend in skateboarding, and how to connect with people in your local skate community to get to the next level of skateboarding (connections, flow, people to send tapes out, etc).?

Progress daily!!

I have a shirt off that printer. These are the best videos. Dave perspective is always interesting. His shoe business talk with Dale is one of my favorite videos. What's next? For me it is keep learning and hopefully get some 40+ people off the couch and back on their boards. If not, I am still going to have a good time.

You are a legend