2021 Follow Up of a Middle Age Skate Dad's Skateboard set up and review of my two Anti-Hero 9.0" Orange Set Ups.
I preface this description and video by stating that the views expressed in this video are of my own, and from the perspective of a middle aged parent who started skateboarding at the age of 42 so he could teach skateboarding to his then 5 year old how to skate.
These set ups are in my opinion, perfect for the 40+ parent that wants to ride with their child at the skatepark while having the right set up to ride everything from the smallest mini-bowl to some of the biggest and deepest bowls up to 12-13 ft. at the skateparks.
I know that it might be tempting to set up the same board you rode as a teenager, such as a Caballero Dragon with old school Rat Bones or Cubics out of nostalgia. However, most dads that show up with that set up end up struggling to ride the skatepark and some even eat it pretty bad because they're trying to ride a modern skatepark on technology that's 40 years old.
Over the last 8 years, I first relearned how to skateboard on flatground and began skatepark riding at the age of 42 so that I could figure out how to teach my son how to ride the skatepark as part of his alternative occupational therapy.
These two Anti Hero boards have allowed me to progress a little at a time in skateboarding while providing a safe and stable riding experience. These set ups allow me to do basic skatepark and bowl tricks on a solid, stable and fast skateboard. These board set ups have allowed me to cruise fast to film my son or catch up to him quickly if he is getting into mischief, and do simple tricks like front and backside grinds, and board slides at the skatepark.
Boards Featured in this 2021Update Video:
1. New(er) Anti Hero Classic Eagle Board
Deck: Anti Hero 9.0" Classic Eagle "Orange" Board
Dimensions: 9" X 33.25", 15" wheelbase
Ace 55 Trucks (Older Gen)
Bones Wheels P5, 60mm Skate Park Formula (SPF)
Bearings: Bones
Shake Junt Hardware
Mob Grip
Single PIG Rail
2. Old Anti Hero Classic Eagle Board
Deck: Anti Hero 9.0" Classic Eagle "Orange" Board
Dimensions: 9" X 33.25", 15" wheelbase
Ace 55 Trucks (Older Gen)
Wheels: Interchanged between
-Powell Steve Caballero Signature Wheels 60mm PF
-Type-S Hosoi Signature Wheels 60mm, 98A
-Spitfire Formula 4 Conicals 56mm, 99A
-Bones Clears 60mm, SPF
Bearings: Bones
Shake Junt Hardware
Mob Grip
Single PIG Rail
One recommendation I have for older skaters or Dads riding the skatepark. If you wish to ride bigger bowls, I would recommend a board with a wheelbase larger than 14.5" or longer. It will give you the stability and speed in the bigger bowls and the board will not feel as twitchy as a board that is sized 8X32" w/ a 14" wheelbase.
One last word of advice to parents, especially if you are in your late 30s, 40s and 50s...If you are just starting out or coming back after a hiatus of XX years and that you were a talented skater in your teens...keep in mind your age and physical conditioning. The goal is not necessarily reaching a high level or reach the same level you were at before...The goal is to be able to keep doing this with your child(ren) as a family. I've seen Dads who you can tell used to be good but don't realize that it it's been 15-20 years since they last rode, but they are now 20-50 lbs. heavier, their muscles are not as elastic anymore and a slam takes a long time to recover...
I've seen so many try tricks they did when they were teens, only to slam really bad, tear a muscle or ligament, or snap their achilles. I've never seen any of them come back. It sucks for the kids because they were starting to love skateboarding and coming to the skatepark with a parent