38 and finally got my ollies on point again.. YOU sir, are my inspiration, truly.

My biggest regret is quitting skating for 12 years because my GF at the time told me i was too old to skate. It took me that long to figure out and realize that life is too short to not do the things in life that make you happy.

my biggest inspirational geriatric skater is you

You are living proof that age is irrelevant when it comes to passion. Also you look hell of a lot younger than 37. It could be because of the healthy mindset you've built. I was inspired by your videos since you started the channel and took skateboarding again at age 30 after a 10 year pause. And this made me feel and look younger as well. So thank you!

Never would have know, you seem so clean cut.

Right. I quit at 20 because of knee problems and recurring inflammation. Now, i didn't know at that time that all came from smoking and drinking too much alcohol, while totally avoiding to drink enough water. I unknowingly dried out my joints, the doctors advised me to take pills and think about surgery. Even worse, i developed balance problems over the years, and this is why i got on the board again at 43, to train my balance. Your videos gave me back the confidence to skate in public areas, regardless of how many people i know probably call me nuts (or midlife crisis victim) behind my back. I improved (re-)learning (old and) new tricks, thanks to your contributions.

At 36 you are my biggest inspiration and one I can relate to the most, not trying to get mushy but yeah lol

I'm 45 and fully rippin' it...I had a broken ankle from a car accident that I had to deal with for 2 summers. Everyone was so cool when I had to basically relearn everything, but it all came back , so I'm lucky.

Ted Degros is your brother? wow.... i love his north part. Is he still skating? Very good video . Im 31 now with adult life but no kids and i know i will regret for not skating more. My biggest inspiration is having tons of fun, disconect from the problems ( or turning it in to a heavier sesion) and feeling younger more alive than the people of my age. Sorry for my english!

The reason why skaters like Mariano are so good and able to make such amazing parts is becasue they are literarly obsessed with it. He says filming video parts is the reason why he wakes up in the morning and I bealive him. Obviously super talented but his drive is something most off us regular skaters will never trully understand.

hi Ben, its funny cause im pretty much in the same situation as u, my skating started fading when i was 17 (Im 23 now), and i was able to get some second and third places at contests around my area, then the alcohol and drugs came in, granted I done pretty much everything but weed was my drug of choice mainly. failed college and such and ive been working for 3 years now, it took me exactly 5 years to realize that weed just takes away my whole motivation. I occasionally smoke now and still enjoy it but my passion for skateboarding and progressing is my main passion now. I feel better fysically and mentally, skateboarding got my life back on track again and although i feel lots of regrets that i didnt progress in those crucial 5years, Im thankful for skateboarding to get me out of that hole. Seeing you skate before work at 6 in the morning gets me so hype! greetings from Belgium, Max

My biggest regret is putting skating down after I graduated high school. I had promise, not that I would have went pro or anything but I felt accomplished. I stopped because like most kids after graduation I had to grow up and be an adult. I joined the Army which changed me drastically as a person. Years down the road at 30, I picked it back up and don’t possess any where near the same skill but it has been one of the best things I could have done for my mental and physical health. Your videos along with John Hill inspired me to get back into skating. Yours and johns videos randomly appeared in my KZfaq feed one day and it was perfect timing in my life where I felt lost. I wouldn’t be who am I today without skating.

Love the lil portable grind ledge & clever adjustable height construction 👍 Dang I can't imagine how good you'd be if you'd never stopped because you're sooo good now! But life is funny like that, never know what she'll throw at ya. Glad to see you're still pushin wood 💕🤙

I now know why I was sent to your channel. I am 26, I started skating a 6 and started doing drugs at 16. I would skate some but I would do drugs and party way more than skating. I can now say I am completely done and have been sober for 7 months now. I’ve had enough and this is the longest I’ve ever stayed sober. That’s why I know I’m done. I’ve been riding bmx as I have for many of years along with skating. I’m about to go get another board because I’ve been deeply pulled back into skateboarding. I support your channel and I love your story. I’ve been watching your channel none stop for like a week now and I have finally figured out why I stumbled onto your channel. To hear your story. Everything happens for a reason. Keep doing good and keep skating.

I'm 38 and just getting back into skateboarding after almost 20 years. In my early 20's i went through a rough drug addiction for a few years after a bad injury. I have been sober for years now but I'm just deciding to get back on a skate. Really appreciate some of these videos.

It's because of your videos that a 44 year old decided to pick up skating again. Thanks for keeping it real!

I had a similar experience. I started using in around 2004 and completely stopped skating. I've been clean, working a 12 step program, for about 7 years. In 2016 I rekindled a relationship with an old friend who I used to skate with, and we've been skating together as much as possible ever since.

My biggest regret is not learning nollie and switch when I was younger. Now getting back into skateboarding at 38 I have been focusing on nollie and switch skating.

I met your brother with Ben Chibber when Monke was pretty new. I had a little skate shop in Fernwood square Victoria. Ben your bro and a few others from the monke team came and dropped off some merch a couple of times. Great guys and a ton of talent . I'm 48 have 3 kids, had my share of parties and Still skate a bit. +++. No regrets. Skateboarding is only one great thing in my life.✌️

35 here. I stopped skating in my mid twenties and just got back into it this year. I also find guy Mariano to be a huge inspiration. Also, equally sow, is you and this channel Ben. Seeing you progress and adapt your skating gets me stoked every time

Any youth out there reading these comments take heed, it can creep on you before you know it. You're awesome Ben!

Your start in skating is EXACTLY the same as mine was. I stopped it all, skating included at about 21/22. Picked it up again last month (at 27) and today I’ve just had the best session I’ve had in years. Got the deck I always wanted (Creature) and it’s all just clicked. So many old tricks came back and a few new ones seem doable. This time I’m not stopping until my body says it’s time

Totally identify. First got sober at 23,was a straight up punk as a kid.

Im very inspired by your vids. I just knew how to cruice back in the early 90ies. This is my third season on the skateboard. Im born in 1972 and I progress on the board. My friend said the other day he is envious (he is way better than me though) because he just redo trix he knew he dont do new stuff. Everyting is new for me. The other day I managed to carve fs in the pool. Big step for me. And I have landed a few stationary kickflips for the first time at the age of 47. Its never to late and you can progress as long as you are alive.

Alot of respect for you man, I'm 24 years old and have often worried about losing skateboarding at some point in my life. I too have dealt with addiction and wasting time when I should have been bettering myself on the board, but seeing dudes like you still finding the time and passion to keep ripping inspires me for the future. I work 6 days a week as a construction worker and I never miss more than a day of skating now, and I've seen it pay off immensely, I'm skating better now then when I was 18.

Awesome insights,thanks mate, cheers from Australia

I quit at 15 just got back into it this year got all my tricks back and learning new things every week man i found the love and passion i once had..I found your vids through the Drywall channel and was mind blown when i saw you skate you were actually my inspiration to get back man thanks alot Ben.

Great message. I started skateboarding at 43yo. I'm now 48yo and I have already a bag of tricks in mini-ramps and bowls, not skateboarding that often. It's never too late to start. If you're not fit, or your potential is less than average, just take it slower, but proceed with it. I don't have flat-ground tricks, but my ollies are almost there (I'm missing a decent levelling of the board with the front foot sweep).

Ben, you’ve inspired me to get back on at 37 and have some fun. Today i bought shoes and ordered my new board. Motivated to exercise and get back in to shape too. First session next weekend in over 17 years. Without the injuries in recent years, i would have done it a lot sooner. I’m confidend to get the basics back real soon. Don’t be to modest. Your skating is very good!

Keep doing you, Mr. Ben. Just remember that your current level is someone’s goal. Thank you for the inspiration and helping all of us reach our goals.

That's inspiring. I'm never going to catch up. I'm relearning and I'm old. So as long as I'm just progressing little by little, I'm happy. And yes, tomorrow is going to be my best session yet

I’m 33 and in recovery thank you you IInspire me to keep skating and staying clean and it’s funnyI work for my family too but we’re plumber but watching you put the skateboard bug in me Thank you for your inspiration

Love you Ben. I fucking relate dude. Skateboarding was my life! It was all I did everyday. 8 hours a day then sneak out and skate at night. I got good, it was all I wanted to do. Then the partying came in weed and alcohol at first all fun and games but pushing it to the max eventually with alcohol. Partying more skating less trying everything that's put in front of me eventually ending up really into opiates and furthermore getting fully strung out on heroin, Xanax, meth etc whatever I didn't care. Trading skateboards for 20 bucks to get some dope. Anyway by the grace of a power grater than myself I got 4 years, relapsed, and now I have 7 months and literally just set up a beautiful magenta 8.25 90s shape, venture vlight 5.6, spitfire og classics f4s, reds, and Indy bushings. Like you I thought skating was done, also has no passion. I'm 27 now and your videos inspired me to get back out there. Love you dude, one day at a time. Anyone who's struggling with alcoholism/addiction, just keep trying.

Truthfully alot of us have made those same shitty mistakes, i wish i wouldve stayed off the bs, and skated more and learned that later than Id like to admit, truth is we are here now and we still skate and its a positive factor and will always be, props to u for being real

... Wow. I'm in my mid 20s and just got clean. Picking up skateboarding again. I have a whole new appreciation for your channel having heard this. Thanks so much for sharing. I hope I can land half of the shit you can in my lifetime.

Hittin' home in a big way with this one. Great video Ben.

Thanks for the honesty and inspiration.

Your the man Ben. You are my inspiration in getting back skating!

Echoing some other comments here, you are an actual inspiration to me and surely many of your viewers. I'm in my late 20s now and also trying to start a family and juggle work. I've only got a few basic flip tricks (I was super stoked just to land a front heel), but seeing you manage to have such a large bag of tricks while raising 4 kids is a good motivation for me. I might have to start getting up at 6 and skating in parking lots!

Thank you, Ben for inspiration!

Awesome video, thanks Ben!!

It's refreshing to hear how candid and honesty you are about that period in your life. You've come so far and are inspiring others as well, skateboarding thanks you.

Last trick so awesome! thanks Ben

You’re skating is so good Ben and like many have already said, you’re a huge inspiration for us!

Appreciate the insight, honestly, & attitude you bring to your videos. Keep crushing it!!

Thanks for sharing this bit about you. It must take a lot of dedication to skate being how busy you are

Dude you just told my story bro. Thats exactly what happened to me addiction! I was on hard drugs while on a flow program. From age 19-28 I was to messed up to skate got clean found another passion playing guitar and painting guitars. I have massive regrets because I always thought I was to old to skate again. At age 43 I started skateboarding alone and its all coming back dude!!!. 3 kids full time job I skate early morning and lunch breaks. Thank you for this channel dude I know im not alone here lol

Man I appreciate this video so much. Thank you.

Damn man it really surprised me when you said you were into drugs in the worst way I would have never thought that ab you but it gives me a whole new respect about you. Glad you found the right path to follow man stay up !

Great video, Ben! Love the Inspo.

Happy your man enough to tell your story I think kids need to hear 🙌🙏

Ur the best man! I can relate sometime life takes over drugs alcohol the inability to stay motivated parenthood work staying healthy and positive all huge factors. Not ignoring this and starting to setup myself to succeed in life and in skating! Ur a huge inspiration to alot. Thnx for sharing ur life with us.

very courageous of you to admit it ! im 32 and you inspire me a lot ! thanx !

Great talk and great skating. As an older skater, I can really relate. It's all about just having fun and progressing where I can now. That bench has such a simple design. I've built a few boxes but theyre all heavy and complicated.

Thank you for share . Love you dude.

Excellent video! Thanks for opening up and sharing with us :) Sometimes it's hard to believe people can change so drastically, but the way that you're able to reflect and adjust yourself proves that it happens. Maybe the exercise of reflecting and adjusting your mind to change your life was strengthened by your skateboarding and going through that process repeatedly for improvement.

That was such a great video Ben. Thanks a lot for being such an honest person. Fully flared is my all time favorite video. The start sequence is so full of energy - it makes me want to go outside every single time!

I think you are reaching your full potential now. Teaching and inspiring so many people via video

Thank you so much for sharing your honest story, mate!

Always an inspiration, brother. 23, turning 24 here, always love to hear your story. I'm glad you got clean and are here to pass along and remind us of these humble wisdoms.

Since I can't skate I've been watchin a bunch of your videos. Thanks for sharing. I'm past my prime but sometimes it's nice to not through yourself do stairs anymore. Just have fun

Havent watched the full vid yet.. but first minute already, and i have to pause and commend you for your maturity in bringing the rest of us valuable lessons from your experience

Love the honesty and genuine self-reflection/realizations. These are issues that many can relate to.

You're an inspiration! Great video.

Love you’re videos, man. You’re the best. Shalom

I love your videos! Actually found your videos through looking for Ted's old footy (hehe). Seriously though Ted is probably the biggest influence on my skating still to this day. I still own all the North Dvd's and the strangenotes with his section! love the content keep it up dude :)

This is such a great video. Thank you! 🙏 I'm 35 and skating more than I have in about 15 years, just getting all my tricks back, trying to get consistent and continue to progress. This content is the kind of inspiration I need.

Nice one Ben! Your story is so similar to mine. Im 37 now and skate when I can between school runs etc. Thanks for all the tips.

Ben dude your the whole reason I started skating again. Everytime I see one of your vids it motivates me to go skate. I know you're your biggest critic but the videos speak for themselves man you got alota talent man. And it's inspiring to see a man with a family still keeping the fire alive. Alota men give up at that age drink beer and get lazy. Man seriously you gave alota people inspiration 12000 people. Don't give up man your fans love you!

Hey man awesome story you shared with us. Thank you. You seem to have made peace with most of that and I think that’s great. Hope you know that you’re a rad skater and a great tradesman ! Keep acquiring new skills and be a great family man ! Also I hope you really forgive yourself for the past. I have made similar mistakes with alcohol. And one thing I still have a hard time doing is forgiving myself. There is a great song by The Faces. It’s called Oh la la. Give it a listen and have the lyrics handy. It’s one of my favorite tracks of all time because the message is so true. All the best to you and your family Ben.

Sick nollie inward heel. Glad I stuck around for that one.

Thanks for your videos Ben! I restarted one year ago, my legs at 40 are far away from what they used to be, but even cruising on the beach makes me feel blessed each time. My biggest inspiration? Mike Vallely, his story and his being after all these years. His work on Street Plant and his community, I really, really appreciate him.

Wow I like that portable ledge. And perfect show of tricks too :) Thanks Ben!

I see the internal struggle in your eyes, I am so much in the same place - but a true display of internal strength, is when it's hard and you keep pushing - it's easy to keep going when it's easy to do so, like when we were kids - real strength shows when it's difficult to keep pushing but we still do. I feel so much that living creatures need family to have their feet rooted in something that matters and keeps them driving - but simultaneously, every living creature needs a hobby to dedicate to, which feeds the soul and gives intrinsic purpose to the being - feeling fulfilled and feeling like "even if I die tomorrow I am happy and fulfilled". Those that do not find such hobbies will fall victim to bad habits, such as drugs and destructive behaviours, which will take a toll on the family life and kill your roots and kill the base feeling of purpose in life. So to live happy, one needs a common purpose like family, and then solo purpose, like a hobby. Now, what a person might feel acceptable as a hobby differs, but for someone who has been skateboarding their whole childhood - I cannot indulge in a hobby that is easy to master - and that is exactly what I love about sk8boarding, it's tough, it requires repetitive attempts, and LEARNING FROM EACH attempt how to do it better next time, you dedicate to it on a whole different level, your mind gets totally absorbed in it, and no other hobby which isn't at least as complex and demanding as sk8boarding is, will not fill a gap that sk8boarding can. I find drumming to be almost equally fun, but it's not active, it's sedentary xD. Sk8board is an irreplaceable addiction and a sport like no other - it's not intrinsically competitive and that is what's even better about it. I mean I could go on and on, but I know you understand what I'm saying. Love your videos - even if you one day stop the board-roll, I would still want you to share your wisdom with us and never stop making videos, you're just natural at it.

I've been watching your vids for a few months now. i had no idea you had some struggles with drugs, etc. Props for sharing and overcoming and killing it in your late 30s. I'm 37 and my super productive skating years were age 12 - 16, then kinda same story as you. i can tell i never got as good as you though. i love seeing so many skaters and pros going strong into their 40s and beyond or just making a comeback in general. in the 90s i remember feeling like if someone didn't turn pro by 18 then they never would and at 23 their time was almost up. there is a lot of stuff i really like about skating in this day and age and some not so much, same about skating in the 90s.

Thanks Ben for sharing that. Our stories are very similar and we are the same age. I have been teaching my kids how to skate recently. We have been having a blast and it has brought us closer together. Your videos have given me motivation to go out and enjoy skating again. Even though I have not gotten many of my tricks back and it hurts like hell now when I fall I am loving it just as much as I did when I was younger.

Dude. I had the realization that going pro was pipe dream in the early 90s. After winning some 1a & 2a contests and finally skating contests with all the sponsored skaters around ‘89-‘90, Andy Stone was in my group and skated his run a few runs after mine. After seeing him I was like, nope I’m never turning pro. Hahaha. I kept skating and progressing but never thought of skating as a career after that summer.

Wow!!! Another great message!!!! And by doing just that I think we will be happy wherever we end up!!! Always keep the goal list though... lol

Yup, you are also my inspiration Ben. 😂 Many thanks! I think that’s one of the great things about getting older, that everything kind of becomes about competing with yourself and personal bests rather than impressing the external world. That’s how my mind works anyway.

just started again after 29 years, at age 43. i am loving your page and it is helping get back to the basic level I was when I quit as a kid.

I needed to see this. You’re the man👍🏼

You’re the man. Recently, I’ve been watching your videos more and more and I actually just subscribed right before watching this one. I’m 33 and just got back on my board about 18 months ago after becoming a first time father and finding my old board in my garage. I hadn’t skated since being a teenager but I’ve really enjoyed getting rolling again. I have found skateparks very close to my home that didn’t even exist the last time I was skating. Your words in this video really made me appreciate the fact that I skateboard because I enjoy it and I really don’t need to be concerned about what skill level I’m at. I would really like to make more time for skating and I’m working on balancing that with my family life and work life. Basically I can consistently Ollie up and down things that are about two curbs high and I can consistently do front side 180’s and keep rolling. I’ve only landed a few kickflips while stationary and the same goes for front shuv’s I’m not really a “commenter” when it comes to KZfaq videos but I’m gonna come back and let you know when I finally land a solid rolling kickflip. But I also won’t get hung up on the fact that that may never happen. One of the parks near my house is public, free and was even built by California Skateparks, I can spend an hour just cruising around that place, snappin’ a few Ollies and that’s enough to keep me in it. I appreciate these videos and all that you do. Keep em’ coming. Happy New Year.

I do that Meloncholy thing a lot being older nowadays and so thanks for the inspo even though I'm late to watching this vid! It was Much needed advice

Started skating again with 40 a few months ago after a 11 year break. I am super happy that I did this and find a lot of inspiration in your videos. Thank you.

Love the honesty in this video

hey Ben, I really enjoyed this video. I'm a 35 year old skater who fell out of skateboarding in my 20's due to life circumstances and have only picked it back up in the last 5 years. It can be a hard lesson to learn that the potential I had in my earlier years is gone, but like you said: it's about doing what you love and pushing the limits of what you can do. Keep it up!

Good work on getting straight I know it was quite a long time a go know but I’m the same age as you and know many people who still haven’t sorted their stuff out and it actually sad to see. Keep up the vids have beenfinding them quite interesting with the different set ups as when I was a kid and skated thought trucks were trucks and boards were boards, never really put much thought into heights and angles etc and it has helped me set up my my new setups.

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you Ben! - Paul

Pure wisdom!

@bendegros I have grown up surfing, traveling to all Central American countries and japan and indo... while Florida had massive summer flat spots, we all would sidewalk surf. Think Julien stranger. Well eventually as I met and fell in love with my fiancée, she got leukemia and had a brutal battle. Chemo left her unable to walk for 1.5 years. And in that time... being in Massachusetts for 6 months where she lived and being there for her... I didn’t have surfing for the first time in my life. And I needed a fix. And then I saw Boston’s incredible skateboarding scene.. and I’ve been hooked back on skating for 3 years. And going. I’ve gotten most of the slappies down. And my Ollie’s are better than in 1996!!! Your videos helped me not be embarrassed by pushing 40 and pushing what society sees as a toy. Yet what we see as liberation. Keep up the great posts!!! Glad you’re clean and sober. Do you work a program or no

I feel ya. It was almost a 15 year break in skating for me, although I was/still am not as talented as you are, but I am trying to push myself now and keep learning new things, even as I push 40. Thanks for your videos. BTW, one of the pictures you showed in one of your first videos was a photo (for some reason) that has been ingrained in my mind from a Thrasher I got when I first started skating in 1996. You were tweaking your board forward a little and I was trying to figure out how your feet were doing what they were doing as you were going over the bar.

Nice honest video. I like. Greets from Germany

I regret being with the guys who took me away from skateboarding, just like you did i went from alcohol to trying out different kinds of drugs and the enjoyment is super quick but the time that i’ve lost was way too long. It took me 11yrs to ride back on a board again, and you’ve been an important piece out of it, i never thought that i could still land the tricks which am nailing before thanks to you, you are such a motivation to anyone keep inspiring people like me. One thing is for sure i will never step off my board again, am gonna ride as long as i can! More power here from Philippines 😁

Totally agree,I took up skateboarding at 45,and full suspension mountain biking 🤘, plus my big problem was committing to tricks out of fear of injury,I did break my wrist on. Bench slide,so iam waiting on a helmet now,got my knee elbow and wrist straps with steel guards,iam sure this will make me more confident now

Now I just need a mobile granite ledge for my minivan. Love the mobile ledge... good session... and long live the minivan;)

Hey! I am writing this just to say that I am amazed by you! I am 20 y.o. now and I am skating for a few years but man, I feel everything you say like a lifetip. Becouse of watching how good you are I developed in myself a little feeling that one day I can be good no matter that today I still can't do tre and something bigger than a 6 stair seems scary. Also I stopped smoking after 4 years and started training to focus on skateboarding fully. So summing this mess up I just want to thank you for being a motivation to push myself to the limits and watch my potential in real life happening. Also my biggest inspiration recently became Joslin becouse his just 2 years older and simply can do anything.

As an older skater.. I know exactly how you feel. it's totally normal.. keep it up Ben!

I quit for 7 years and and started skating again last year after rewatching Almost Round 3. I'm having so much fun skating and wish I never quit. I quit because I shattered my ankle bones and was too scared to skate again. Watching your videos is really inspiring because i'm pushing closer and closer to reaching that big 30. Thanks, Ben, for great videos.

Wow. Did not expect this video. 1 minute in mind blown.

My top 2 riders are Geoff Rowley Tom Penny (for now) & congrats on getting clean. "1 day @ a time" me too!