My stepson and I were skating on the Hermosa Beach Strand last night as we do most nights for our evening push. Who do we see but Rodney Mullen just slowly cruising around. My son rides and Almost Rodney deck so I politely stopped and asked Rodney if he would mind if my son got a pic with him. He couldn't have been nicer or more than happy to take a pic and thanked him for riding his model. I know its so rare for him to be skating in public these days so it was quite amazing. Kavi is still juiced this morning from meeting him. Was a big fan before, even bigger now.

Jerry Seinfeld made a great point about this as well. He talked about watching a skater fall and get up over and over until he got it right. "Whenever I see those skateboard kids; I think those kids are going to be alright."

I could quite easily listen to Rodney talk all day.

He's like the Aristotle of skateboarding

Rodney Mullen needs a podcast of all his stories, thoughts and wise words on life after skating.

How to skateboard: -Accept failure -Love success -Forget your fear -Believe in yourself -Know that pain is temporary -Commit -Dream

invented the entire platform and never once bragged about it, unprecedented.

Skateboarding completely transformed the way I look at urban landscapes.

Rodney makes me cry. He has such a romantic view on skateboarding that he expresses both logically and poetically. He hasn't just contributed with tricks, he is also an inspiration for all people feeling like outcasts.

It's not just about how good of a skater he is, it's how much of a skater he is. He has the heart of a true skater, down to the bone. He is what skateboarding is all about. Him being who he is is probably what he made him so amazing: His genius, his understanding of Physics, his lack of fear, his persistence. Truly an inspiration in not just skating, but in living.

Rodney Mullen is the reason I've been skating for 15 years.

Rodney Mullen is an incredible human being.

Who the FUCK would ever dislike this video. This dude has thought more in depth about skating and the lifestyle than anyone ever. Most people are talkin about getting better and hes talkin about skater mentality and the philosiphy behind it lol

Rodney Mullens is a super intelligent jedi master of the board!

This guy has never ceased to amaze me over the years. People could learn a lot from somebody like Rodney whether they are a skater or not.

I remember ever since i saw rodney skate in tony hawk pro skater when i was a kid. He was the guy i looked up to in skateboarding.

I honestly don't know why, maybe because i've been a fan of Mullen for as long as i can remember, and maybe its because what he has to say speaks to me on such a spiritual level... i'm not sure. But i'm a 24 year old man, and i almost choked up a couple times watching this. I know that's weird, cause not a speck of it was sad to me...it just spoke to me, at my core. I know i'm gonna get put on blast, but fuck it.

I like when he says "skateboarding changes you from the inside." it's a meditation.

The ending is what got to me, I try explaining it to my peers who don't skate and they will never understand. Skating is a part of who I am, I don't skate for money or attention... When i step on the board all opinions go out the window because i can self express in ways that allow me to push through the next week of 9 - 5's. Skating will always be apart of me, it will never change.

Rodney Mullen is Skateboarding

He's a fucking legend and such a great guy.

this guy will forever be inmortal in the skate world. a true god.

Having just turned 44 years old, I know the fear of "losing my skills". Truthfully, they're mostly gone at this point... but the memories and the feeling lives on. I still cruise my neighborhood on occasion, simply enjoying the flow. Rodney is legend, and is an inspiration to the entire skateboarding community. His legacy will live on in every one who touches a skateboard.

If you compared skateboarding to martial arts, then Rodney would undoubtedly be a Grandmaster.

I'm a skater learning to be a chemist. I'll make you proud, Rodney.

I remember back in the day around 10-12 years ago even as a kid with my friends we were amazed by Rodney Mullen and probably dropped his name while skating a thousand times. I think that is what sets my generation apart from today's generation, we understood that what Rodney was doing, nobody else was doing and would probably ever do again. He didn't have to be flying down stair sets and hand rails, because his skating was so unique and required such technical precision that it required more actual skill than grinding down a hand rail. Gaps and hand rails are more a matter of overcoming fear and adrenaline than skill, but that seems to be the only thing kids respect these days. Don't get me wrong, Nyjah is a freak of nature, but kids should be reminded that Rodney revolutionized skateboarding and without him it would not be what it is today. Thank you Rodney you are a true legend and I agree that skateboarding transcends it's physical nature to a powerful philosophical ideal that if were embraced by more people, the world would be a better place.

If only he realized how revered he truly is. He’s so humble and almost hard on himself despite accomplishing more in skateboarding than pretty much any other pro. I would love to see Rodney in public more at whatever level he’s skating at. I bet he’s still elite on flatground. The years and years of muscle memory must still be in there. Love that dude.

Hawk may have brought skating to the level it got to,and props to him for that. He also is the vert king,but this man deserves all the respect in the world. He is skating,literally eats breaths and sleeps skating. He invented every modern trick and is one of the best kind hearted dudes alive. There will never be another Rodney Mullen..thank you sir!

Him and Daewon Song are among my favorite skaters. The way they do manuals and their overall innovation are unlike anything I've ever seen.

I think I should start to skate again.

I remember trying 360 flips in a parking lot with my crew. Over and over and over.. then finally both feet on the bolts.. then collapsing afterwards..lol. Damn I miss it soo much.

i was riding around today with a smile on my face because the feel of just riding is awesome. i also went to the skatepark and had a beer and busted some tricks. and fell a couple times. im 25 and had taken a 5 year break from skating. ive been at it for about a month now everyday and i can do tricks i was never able to do. i used to smoke weed and i think skating and smoking have something in common when you see a fellow skater/stoner you know, just like rodney mullen was saying. now come to think of it i restarted skating after watching his ted talks. i can see myself skating for the rest of my life. thanks

I love hearing him speak.

If you replace "skating" w/ "Jiu Jitsu" then there are so many parallels. Mad respect to Rodney Mullen. His truth is universal.

This makes me want to skate my whole life do what i love i am 15 years i am not good and i have Been skating for at least 4 months but this week i have found true love in skate i want to Wake up ever y day come back home from school and skate and be better ever y day and do this forever love skateboarding is a lifestyle.

This is why Skateboarding will never die. I strongly believe that skating is something that not everyone can do not because they do not have the skill for it but because they do not have the will. We as skaters have have gotten so used to failing that it does not phase us, it only makes us stronger every time we get up and try again. That itself is just beautiful.

Rodney Mullen needs to be on BATB, Rodney Mullen VS Daewon Song! Fuck YES! Please, Please, Please Berrics just PLEASE!

I watched a single vid of Rodney Mullen and literally half my reccomened page is Rodney Mullen vids now

Every now and then I revisit this video. This man changed my life when I was 11 years old and I'll forever be grateful for his existence. Hope to thank this legend in person one day

This guy is awesome. I can't even ollie a skateboard, but he still inspires me. He's just so wise... oh, and he's pretty good at skateboarding too lol

Rodney is truly inspiring. Gotta keep pushing forward no matter what .

I remember in 2003 when I met Rodney Mullen and was trying to land a double kick flip on a summer trip with my mom side of the family and he saw me trying impress him lol and set there at least 2 hours teaching me how to land it. And it was barely about my foot placement and my power with my ankles and how to not twist my ankle trying so hard. He was telling how I go about with changing my mind set. I will never forget that man I think about all the time. I love this man for that because he didn’t have to do it and I know he had other shit to do because I think he was filming before I got there.

I began skateboarding at 8 years old, 24 years later I still watch the same Rodney Mullen videos, thank you for all you invented for us 🛹🖤

Rodney makes you want to go skate, just by hearing him talk. His level of stoke for skateboarding is off the charts. Inspiring is an understatement. Skating with rodney would be truly epic!

When other scientists in their fields and professors want to have the personality and characteristics from skaters in their students or apprentices....THAT is when you know Skateboarding is progressing more in all variations. And having Rodney Mullen being...you can say the ambassador of Skateboarding and describing how skateboarding is to other professions and making it more understandable in simple ways so the professors and scientists can somehow be similar and knowing "hey, he makes great points about how his profession is with ours." Makes you smile and appreciate it more :).

im 15 and just started skating, Rodney Mullen made me love skating, he is the reason im skating now and will be skating till the day i die.

I wouldn't expect less enlightening words from the most influential skateboarder of all time. Rodeny's genius doesn't just spill into his skateboarding, it's the essence of this man.

I've been experiencing a lot of debilitating panic recently at 28 about my place in the world and where I'm going or if I'm going anywhere. This guy has been a major help in keeping my attacks at bay and talking myself down. Doesn't seem like a big deal but trust me I'm very grateful for his talks. He's talking about something way deeper than skating. Thanks, Berrics and Rodney.

After learning about Rodneys philosophy on skateboarding, everytime i go out to skate. It feels different. A lot of things that i never realized. Rodney sees the true potential im skating when others dont. It bothers me that this video doesnt have a lot of views.

I'm 50. I haven't thought about Rodney Mullen in at least 30 years. It's 1 am, I can't sleep, and somehow I ended up watching skating videos. What a gift this man is. I don't skate anymore, but his words are universal. Sage.

I'm not a skater at all...and I respect Rodney Mullen. He was one of those rare individuals that was so good, he couldn't be ignored.

im so so scared to get old for real i never wanna quit i can just imagine me sitting in a chair at 70 just thinking to myself i wanna go skate but i can't :(

This man is such an inspiration, I love and appreciate his insight.

This video needs so much more attention than it got. It's good enough to give me the chills and I wish more people could hear this.

Just THANK YOU RODNEY... Thank you for what you gave us.. Thank you for what you gave to skateboarding.... In each and every today's tricks, there is a part of you my friend.... GREAT MAN !!

this man was the one who got me into skate boarding in 2003 buy his skate videos. now knowing his mentality, appreciation and love for the community (skaters), makes me admire him more!...thanks Rodney for all your hard work.

I will always come back to this video as inspiration to strive for my goals of becoming a professional skater

My heart still skips a beat when I watch his videos. He's such a kind and intelligent man as well as an incredibly talented skater. When I was a kid I aspired to be as gracious as he in life. To this day, 20+ years later, he's still my favorite skater and very much my hero. I would love to shake this man's hand and thank him for his wisdom and innovation in skating and in life.

Always relaxing listening to him speak.

A true legend. Thank you Rodney Mullen

holy hell this is amazing. A beautiful mind ... holy shit i wana hang out with Rodney. A little philosophy, a little skate sesh. night sesh. mad respect

I LOVE Rodney. He's crazy... in a great way. As excited about skating today as he was when he started.

I'm in love with skateboarding. We love you Rodney

Ladies a gentlemen...........the guy who invented the Kickflip

What a humble guy. He's the father of street and he's just the most humble person ever. Rodney is someone I want to meet someday, just so I can shake his hand and say thanks for everything he's done

Forever a legend, but in more than just skating....a true philosopher. I remember trying every sport as a lonely child and then skateboarding came along and it was something that could be mine and nobody elses, and in time I have met some of the most beautiful souls through it....real people.

We have 2 people that were dropped on their heads when they were born to dislike this. Cheers Rodney is the legend and never will be forgotten.

Well said good sir....well said.

that rug shirt really ties the room together

Rodney is such a gem. A truly beautiful mind and an incredible inspirational person, who brought skateboarding to another level. I could easily listen to him for hours. He's so humble and peaceful and lighten up something inside each of us. That mentor and friend most people need in life. The fact it comes down to skateboarding being the tool to expression, mental balance, community, inner peace and life itself for many people couldn't be explained better than by the one who masters this art to perfection and without doubt will be THE best ever on a skateboard (yes you will!). It's an incredible experience to see how he has gone through at least 3 stages; the young and innocent kid struggling through life taking the world with surprise, the older more autonome character still doing what he loves, perfecting a new level of life when creating street skating into a form we still enjoy up till today, to his older now being extremely wise and thoughtful teaching us the whole progress he has been through. The guy really hides something we'll probably never see, but all of us surely know in some sort. It's impressive but also kind of sad. The man is telling the truth with tears in his eyes!! A huge respect and a big thank you Rodney! We love you. Your struggle has created soo much more than you could imagine. We owe you everything! Looking soo much forward to follow you for many more years!

i could watch him talk until i expire, what an amazing man

I love Rodney mullen he is my favorite skater

Thank you Rodney

put a smile on my face at the end haha and 16 minutes is a lot of talking to pick through but he does have a lot of good points to make about this hobby of ours. i'm 20 and i see the other choices my friends and coworkers have for when they need something to help relax or even to pass the free time with. but for me after skating for 14 years i still like an easy skate sesh at a flow park. it's great just to be outside doing something tangible rather than playing video games, other than that i'll keep skating so i'll be ready when we finally get hover boards

All the positive things about Rodney Mullen have been said, so I won't reiterate them. This talk.. about being alone, it really resonates with my soul, deep down. I can't explain it, but I know what he's talking about and I wonder if that's maybe why I looked up to skaters at a young age. Never had any skater friends or knew any skaters, but I bought my first board two years ago on a whim. I don't regret it, what I continue to regret is not skating because I fear being judged. He's mentioned this, too. And near the end, everything he said is so true. I think from now on, I can throw away my fear of being judged for skating. Going to feel the wind all around and smile. Looking forward to that. To Rodney Mullen: Thank you for blessing the world with your pure existence.

What a living legend...in 2059 people will still skate and these videos will still be around...this guy will leave forever through skateboarding and that amazing.

Thanks Rodney.

Very inspirational guy! had me trying dark slides when i was like 15 lol and I'm 27 now

I’ve been eyeing my bmx bike for a few weeks now. I threw it in the garage after I got hurt in the military. I used to race and ride park all the time. I turned bitter after I had my shoulder surgery, I just hated that I’m broken so I turned my back on it for a few years. It’s hard to explain, but it wasn’t physical pain that I would feel. It was the loss. I didn’t have what I used to, and it was painful just fumbling around. Heartbreaking. It was a huge part of me. I’m thinking I need to pull that thing out again and put in some work. Rodney Mullen is a legend, I’ve been in awe of him since I saw his bio clip in THPS2. Thanks man, I’ll be making some changes and taking some steps in the right direction.

Listening to him talk brings tears to my eyes for some reason

thank you rodney we love you :)

Love him.... so good and very humble

I could watch and listen to Rodney Mullen for the rest of my life, such an intelligent, gentle and articulate person. I just so get off feeling how much he loves skateboarding, I'm getting back on a skateboard at 41, rediscovering that love that skating brings.

So much respect to Rodney. More than any of his incredible achievements, Im in love with his authenticity, wisdom and humility. A beatiful being.

Favorite skateboarder of all times

I'm glad he can just sit down and spontaneously speak deep level truth and understanding. Most would have to research and prepare for a month to deliver what he just did straight from his head. Mullen is the Truth.

What a sweet and insightful man

I still know the day i found out about Rodney Mullen about 10 years ago. I was already skating for a couple of years on and off in the summers, but after seeing a few video's of him I started watching all his stuff. I didn't know back than he almost invented skating as we know it now and i remember i was so inspired by his personality as much as his skateboarding skills. Still to this day i think about him Every time i go skating and now i work at my local indoor skatepark and i wouldn't ever contiued skating if i didn't found out about this amazing guy. Thankyou Rodney! ♥️

Thx Rodney you have been an inspiration, respect and greetings from el Salvador

More than a legend. A god.

5yrs later and this still hits home.

Man, every few months I watch this along with his other TED talks, I feel a reborn skater. Rodney really catches the essence of skating untainted and pure. Truly, an amazing person.

This man is one of the main reasons skateboarding is where it is at today

through the whole video it looks like he is going to cry (of emotion and passion for skateboarding)

How could someone dislike this whoever did shouldn't be allowed to skateboard.

The greatest that ever was. He defined Skateboarding, I have yet to see anyone who can compare. Respect.

Reminds me of The Marine Corps. I used to love skateboarding also. It's the kid who keeps getting up, the fat kid who got fit, the unpopular kid who kept his morals that ends up being that Navy SEAL and that CEO. Not the high school quarter back. Learned that from experience. It's all about mental toughness and being around a group of elite individuals and not wanting to fail them or be weak. To constantly improve. It's why we (Marines) who pursue higher education are so successful. You're forced to become a leader and I believe skateboardings greats were the ones who became leaders.

What an inspirational man. :')

I'm 27 and might finally give this thing a shot... Never had the balls as a kid to go all in!

Rodney, for me, defines what all skaters should work to achieve, which is to come away with transcendent lessons that can apply to any domain of life. He is such an inspiration to me. I’ve been thinking about this video and the TED talk, and there is one big difference between Rodney and Burce Lee that I think is very important to understand and that establishes a legacy for the true value of skateboarding: Lee was promoting the power of the martial arts, and Mullen is promoting the power of the community of skateboarding. Lee did not answer the question of what the martial arts are protecting. Mullen answers that question by putting the community above his skill. Lee may have been an incredibly skilled and poetic martial artist, clearly one of the best, but Lee attempted to position himself as the guru in the West, and by diminishing the styles that were different from his, he left a stain on the monastic Shaolin community as a result. Mullen is bringing his community with him as he achieves, elevating his community to above himself, and by the authority that the skating community gives him, he is establishing a legacy for skateboarding that will ensure its life and proliferation in the future. Rodney, I bow to you my friend. Eric Klassen Skate Pass