I recently met up with Kevin Marks from Look Back Library (kzfaq.info/get/bejne/kNanhJuo19-ZpYU.html) to get his thoughts on the aging skateboarders perspective. Also, checkout Kevin's mini ramp part after you watch this: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/j6eKobV1x5vdh58.html *Kevin's addendum "I don't want it to sound like I'm complaining that I'm SO OLD. I want to acknowledge that people are skating well into their 60's now and in some cases into their 70's. I look to people like Dave Bergthold {@blockhead_skateboards}, Phil Burcher {@hoot_ride}, Kyong Kim {@kyongkim}, Wrex Cook {mtpoolz}, & Jim Gray {@grayslide} for routine inspiration. These fine gentlemen are older than me and not only are they always out skating, they also put out fun edits of many of their sessions that get me stoked. - Kevin Marks"

If you gots a ramp in your yard, you ain't over the hill, you're ahead of the curve. ®

I just turned 36 earlier this year and I struggle with this already. Skateboarding has been my identity since I was 13 years old in one way or another. I quit actively skating for 10+ years but still stayed in the skate culture if that makes any sense. Health problems arose and I gained a bunch of weight, got lazy, made bad decisions, yada yada. A year ago this month I decided that I needed to push myself to be active and healthy, so I started skating again. I have a family but still make time to go to the park 3-4 days a week on average, sometimes more or sometimes less. Skateboarding has given me my life back in a mental AND physical sense. I'm healthier now than I've been in a LOOONG time. I'm no longer obese and I'm in a better place mentally. My core group of skate friends are half my age but they are solid people who push me to be a better skateboarder. Hell, I have progressed more in the last year than I did at any point in my teens and twenties, but I'm not partying like I was back then. I'm focused on having fun, learning some new tricks, and focusing on feeling comfortable with who I am a at this stage in my life. Sorry for the long post, but this topic doesn't come up much and I'm glad to see this video. Thanks Zack!

Old school skater here, 61 years old. Smashed my ankle bad and had to hang it up in the early 80s, but I still love watching the videos. Count yourself blessed to still be skating at all.

I'm 48 and holy crap this is like I said it myself. I agree 100000% with everything he said.

lm 52 and this video hits the nail on the head... if youre lucky enough to be alive at all dont knock yourself,and go get get it when you can

As a 46-year-old skateboarder it’s good to know that other dudes have some of the same struggles!! thanks for the video man!!

I had to stop skating in 2014 at the age of 39 due to cancer. I have for the time being made a complete recovery and am now working again. Five years later and I'm looking to jump back in but nowhere near the level I was before. I just want to cruise around and do low impact stuff. That ramp looks fun!

I heard a friend say he stopped skateboarding because he's getting old. I told him, "no, you're getting old because you stopped skateboarding."

It's not easy to articulate into words, but yes it is different now at 50. My skate bestie is 52, and my other homie is 38, it's always us 3 amigo's. We skate super early sessions, and right at 3 hours our bodies are feeling done, our sessions are always positive and a "Injury free day" is a win/win!!!

As a 47 year old man I’m concerned I may never get that dew sponsorship

I got my first born at 23 and stop skating... i was still pushing a board around. Now at 40 i skate with my 17years old son and 15 years old daughter, when they want their dad around heheh. Be able to skateboarding with my kids is one of the best feeling i had, sharing moments with them and passing to a new generation what skateboard really is.

The root of suffering is attachment. If you are too attached to the past, you will beat yourself up for not being as good as you used to be instead of enjoying the present moment: that you are having fun doing what you love.

Bigger wheels, wider boards, less stairs and more bowls, less slams and still more injuries. It changes. Still, the thing I miss the most, is the camaraderie. A lot of sessions are alone, I miss rolling 8 deep with my 7 best friends.

the good thing about never being very "good" when i was younger is that after taking a long break for most of my 20s/30s at 44 i am actually better than i ever was before....of course that comes with having (in my mind) reasonable ideas about what i can/want to do on my board...but just being stoked to carve around, grind, ollie...doing basic shit that just feels good...

I turned 40. And my skating career morphed into a mini ramp in my yard. Best decision I ever made.

You’re the only skate “vlog” channel that isn’t fake, corny, or pretentious. Love what you do Zach this is an awesome video. I’m 27 and hearing older guys talk like this really motivates me to stay on top of my health and appreciate skating for the right reasons.

I love that one of the first clips is you sweeping the ramp. It's the first thing I do when I ride the outdoor mini nearby. You speak a lot of wisdom in this video -- good on you! I still ride and I'm fifty-five, but I live in Dresden, Germany now. Seeing that there were no skateboards available before the fall of the wall in 1989, the next oldest skaters here are roughly forty years old. So the roughest part about skating is I'm riding with people half my age or they're even young enough to be my grandchildren. As you mentioned, their intensity level is insane. So I push myself - I shattered my collarbone two years ago. Took a frontside dive from the the top of the six foot high ramp. Ha! Titanium is holding me together. The same problem here with the big city parks. Lots of little kids push around the parks on running bikes and scooters. I stay away from those parks. Live long and die skating! Cheers from Dresden!

46, restarted skating 2 years ago, still progressing, with better focus but worse body compared to the 20 year old me. I stretch a lot doing yoga and workout with weights to fight muscle loss. Gonna keep carving bowls as long as I can walk!

I'm about your age and also began skating in the early to mid 80's... What got me was recovery times from injuries. Then as a result having to take time off work. After a back injury a few yrs ago I'm just an observer now but admire the folks still out there hustling away on a skateboard Good times 😎

I started wearing more pads once I got over 40 too and that helped me a lot.

This is awesome, I know exactly what you're talking about, Kevin. I'm a 46 yo woman that still shreds almost daily. I'm a street skater but really into ramps lately. The only thing that changed is that injuries take much longer to heal and I pad up+ wear helmet when I hit the park ( I'm a single mom and want to be around for my young son ). If I can keep up the good health I plan to rip till I r.i.p..

Thanks for this!!!....I appreciate how you expressed the inner dialog and the importance of having a crew to keep it going as we get older. I'm lucky to have a group of skate friends of mixed ages who are super supportive and skating together keeps us connected and keeps me skating. I've been rolling since '72 and am turning 59 this year so I'm the oldest dog at 99.9% of the sessions. I really have to push myself out the door but I always come back with a smile on my face!

Good Video. I'm 47 years old and a late starter, only started skating 3 years ago, so rather than my skills diminishing as I get older, I feel like I'm progressing..(learnt to kick flip at 46)...I skate whenever I can. Solo, with my sons, with friends, with the locals at the skate park, with strangers..... I just love the feeling of skateboarding and love the camaraderie that there is amongst skateboarders of all ages. I hope to do this for as long as physically possible.

Hit the nail right on the head. I will be 49 in October and share the same exact thoughts as you said. I find myself at the park as soon as the sun comes up to avoid crowds and distractions also . I ride shaped boards and will always have a reissue with me to offer up to young skaters who think it’s cool looking to try and shed some light of where it started. My teenage son rips and it’s cool to just skate with my son and share some bumps and bruises. Keep it going until you can’t is my thoughts also and Great video.

I never rode my skateboard with dreams to be sponsored. I rode it because I loved it and it made me happy. I'm 43 been skating since I was 12.

I’m 59 and still skating. You got years ahead of you yet

I relate to everything he says 100% It's uncanny. I haven't really had a decent session in over a year. I'll be 48 in June...I need to get off my ass and not worry that I can't do what I used to... Thanks so much for sharing!

Thanks for this video. It's hard being 32, 3 knee surgeries and having most of my friends move on from skating. It's time to just enjoy to little things more. I can still skate and that's what matters most.

I'm 46 and can relate to everything you say! I'm really happy to be still able to slash round the local bowl compared to the guy's I went to school with and what they're doing now! I really agree with what you say about skateparks being used by parents as a playground for their kids! It's got a lot worse in the last few years! The scooter thing is so bad here Germany that I won't even go out after midday to a public park ever! It's just not worth it. I try to encourage the etiquette thing at our park but usually it's a waste of time. The thing I get from being an older skater is an appreciation and perspective for just enjoying being on the board.

I know this feeling too well. I am going to be 50 in July and I still want to flip my board and hit some honest skatepark handrails but there are moments I struggle with stopping because of my age...then someone at the park or my son says "You got this" and age goes right out the door! Still, a body in motions tends to stay in motion

Shout out to all the cool skater dads, setting a good example of getting your kicks while you're still able to get em.

48 years old, started skating in the mid eighties, and at it again after a 19 year "hiatus". . Blew out my knee skating in 2001, and trying to overcome that fear is the hardest damn thing. Been skating with my 10 year old son, all padded up. We went to a new skatepark in Myyrmäki, Finland last weekend and we both had a blast. Kevin spoke a lot of what I am feeling and seeing out there nowadays. Thanks for the interview! Keep skating, be safe and fight those damn "fear demons"!

You are awesome! I feel you on so many levels incl. the vanlife:-) Im 37 now picking up skating after 20 yrs pause and if I am on your level when turning 50 I would be more than happy.

Getting 39, skated for 15 years, stopped 10, but watched and observed skateboarding A LOT for the last 6 years, while not actively skateboarding. Tomorrow, my new deck is arriving! Can't wait for getting out there again!

I’m turning 48 and have a concert bowl in my yard. It’s really nice to hear someone having the same thoughts as me. Great content!

This is really a conversation about life. Our motivations and circle dwindle with the years. The people we shared the strongest bonds with move away and we have to make new friends or move on to new endeavors. Nice ramp, looks fun. Pivot to fakie was very clean, I’d be happy to do one like that.

I hope I can still skate at 50, im working on reversing damage now, strength training, eating right, cardio, shit you should do when you feel like that next number is creeping up on you much love to everyone pushing numbers, still getting it

I’m 37 and I still feel like I am progressing. Maybe it’s because I make a lot of time to stay on my board and I don’t have any kids. I definitely have to focus on exercise, stretching and warming up but if you take care of your body, it really helps your longevity in skating.

Thank you for this video. I can really relate to what you are talking about. I'm from Sweden but am also a single guy that have had lots of friends who have moved away. But it makes me so happy to here someone else that thinks the same way I do. So once again, thanks! Keep rolling. ✌🤙❤

This was a beautiful excerpt of how to understand life in general. We can't stop time, but we can sure make the most of it.

I feel ya! 🤙🏼. 46 and still going had to take the foot off the gas though. Realizing sometimes you have to think of the next session instead of the next trick. Keep rolling! 🤘🏻🍻

This is dope Zack, Kevin! I am 54 and dislocated my little finger today after a fall. Put it back and skate on, 4 ever... Fingers crossed.

I can relate. 47 and still skating. All the same concerns as you do. Inspired me to keep on pushing.

Hell yeah! At 41 I feel this whole video. I took a hiatus for a while but now I try to skate 2-3 times a week, but everything he's saying is truth. All the older dudes I used to skate with kind of phased away and now I'm skating with people half my age. Remember all...it's all about the fun.

Dude keep killing it! I'm 35 and just got back into after roughly 20yrs off. Wish I never stopped because it's definitely way harder now to go skate with work and a family. Fear of injury is way bigger now as well and I don't imagine that's going away. Just doing my best to enjoy the 1ish session I get per week and trying to make the best of it!

I hate that I quit around 25 and started again at 37, now 38. But like you said, I have to remind myself to be thankful. I'm learning new things and staying healthy the best I can.

I’m right here with you. 40 is knocking on my door and my confidence is worn. Between work snd family injuries are a constant fear and I find myself just wanting to cruise around more than anything.

42 and just skated my local park today. At the end of my hour and a half sesh, I was teaching kids how to inward heel and nollie hard flip. But now I hurt and ice the shit out of my knees and ankles. Lol

Married guys: Get kids to school, groceries, chores Single guys: Damn... I'm losing my tricks I'm sold. Never getting married or having kids. :)

Got my first skateboard in 1964. I was 12. Finally stopped a few years ago and gave away my last board last year. Im now 69. It was the injuries and lately, the fear of injury from a fall. Torn rotator cuff 3 years ago was a game changer. I still snowboard, ski, kite, bike and a bit of surf but cannot afford a hard forward fall so am a lot more careful so I can continue for a little while longer. I skated parks well into my early 60s. It does keep you young if the injuries dont get you.

Damn dude! I was born in 1986 lol and I feel old when I go to the park lol So good of you man I hope I can still skate when I'm your age! Being a skater never leaves us mentally!

Wow. This hit me right on the money. 47 years old here. Started skating seriously from 14-18. Gave it up because of life getting busy, college, marriage, kids, and many other excuses I told myself. Last year my two youngest sons asked me about skating and wanted to try it. I had an absolute blast picking out boards, trucks and wheels etc with them and building their boards with them. It prompted me to start skating again too! Surprisingly my balance is still pretty damn good but my cardio sucks compared to my teens obviously ha ha. I’m having a good time though carving and surfing around, grinding and sliding a bit etc. I never thought in a million years I’d find the love of skating again in my later 40’s. Thanks for sharing. Ya got a sub from me sir. Cheers!

Today is my 43rd birthday. I've been skating for 30 years. After a really nasty slam at a new park a couple of weeks ago, I had to accept the necessity of wearing pads and wrist guards EVERY TIME I ride concrete parks, because I know I like to go fast, and I know I am going to slam every session, and I can't afford any more serious injuries. I am officially a "Barney", that padded old guy. I'm okay with that, if it means I will be able to keep skating.

I'm almost 39 and my last skate buddy is 46. While I accept we're getting older and that's why we suck, he is adamant that the boards are worse and there is a secret cabal of nefarious players within the industry that want to make crappy boards. Anyway, we have been spending a lot more of our skate sessions building concrete obstacles and repairing our old spots. Neither of us have kids, so this is the best we can hope for to have any sort of legacy. we're doing a good deed for a community we care about and it's really fun!

Spot on brother. I'll be 42 this year. I often find that when someone asks if I'm any good, I say I should be alot better considering how long I've been skating. I shouldn't dog myself like that. I've beat college students at their games of s.k.a.t.e.. I tend to skate solo for an hour at most a couple times a week. The slams happen less, but they hurt for longer and recently I've found the pain migrating around my body as my bones settle. Sucks getting older, but skating is part of me and it ain't dying til the rest of me does. You're looking plenty comfy on that board, on that ramp, in your 50's.

I am 52 and i love to skate around town every day. I have been skating again since age 45. I can't really do any tricks, i can go off a curb. I ride very fast. "Spark up" a joint and go for a ride. I love it.

Just turned 35 and this popped up in my feed (you've been skating for almost as long as I've been alive). I think I needed to hear everything you had to say... Your not alone with those worries and fears starting to have them now. Especially as my crew starts to have kids, become boring and move away.

Wow I’m 46 and getting back into it and your talking about everything I’m feeling and thinking thanks!

This hit for me as I’ve been struggling with these things. I’m 35. I started skating when I was 10 and stopped due to an accident when I was 22. Started up again last year. I need skateboarding not only for my sanity but I don’t want to loose who I am. As youre older the time available def diminishes. I beat myself up every session

I hear ya man. I started skateboarding around 73, when I was 6 years old. Started out on an orange plastic board from K-Mart. Im turning 54 this year. Hard to believe the aches and pains I feel sometimes. I may can do some of the thigs I used to do, but it takes me longer, and after, I can can sure feel it. Welcome to CLUB 50.

I love it brother!! Really appreciate ur words!! I'm 46 . Falling freaking hurts like hell but I hav 5 kids that love the idea of bein able to skate at a public park.. to be honest I feel young again to!!! Thnx man!!

Good on you man. I'm 45 and just got back into it after a 30 year break (due to my kids starting skating). I have a constant bruised right hip. It takes me a long time to warm up each time I go out and the falls are so much harder. The good thing is, I know I don't have time on my side so I go for things I would of put off when I was younger. They always say, 'fear doesn't stop bad things happening... It stops you living'.

Keep it rolling brother! Most of the people at your age can't do any sports and you're still in a great shape!

This is so spot on. I ride BMX and Mountain Biking at age 54 and this is what my KZfaq channel is all about. The key for me is to just keep going and be as active as I can. There are a lot of things people can do to prolong their joy of whatever activity it is they do. A huge part of that is eating healthier, staying nimble (yoga helps) and always keep doing stuff that involves your body, even if it's just work around the house. I am also sober. Alcohol, smoking and drugs age your body faster than anything else. I had a left knee replacement and it has given me a renewal on active life. If you have issues with your body, it is so worth it to get the orthopedic care you need. This is video absolutely awesome. I hope to keep going well into my 60s. Sure, I don't learn all the crazy tricks people do these days, but for me that's not what it's about. I love riding at any level that I am capable of riding. ✌️

I made peace with this, a couple of years ago. It made skating fun again, because I’m just enjoying what I can do, and letting go of the anxiety of feeling like I’ll never learn certain tricks. I’m almost 45, and I’m a musician who can’t afford to get injured, so… I just poke around and have fun. There are plenty of tricks I can still do, and it’s a really fun way to get some exercise without feeling like I’m exercising. Also, you’re right about the energy between us and the young guns. I get stoked (and a break) watching them do my dream tricks, and they’re psyched that I’m still skating, and able to do some old school stuff that they can learn. It’s a passing of the torch, but it took some time to be okay with. There was a feeling of loss at first, but now I’m fine, and having a great time. Thanks for sharing this. It all resonated with me. Glad you’re still enjoying it. Skating is just good fun, and skaters are some of my favorite people. There are a ton of really intelligent, artistically talented people in the community, which I absolutely love!

It begins & ends with a carve. Skateboarding now is as fun as it ever was. It's even more special since I don't get to do it as often. Your wisdom resonates, thank you!

I'm 41 and today I had my 30 minutes session in the park with all the youngsters and several good friends in their 40's as well. Just to be there rolling and tries to ollie, kickflips makes me happy in a way.

At 45, he said everything I’m currently dealing with. On point in almost every word. It really does suck to realize these “limitations” to hurdle. I really have nothing to add, because he said it all…. But I still skate whenever I can, even if it’s just at home. 🤘🏻👴🏻🤘🏻

So cool of you to post your way of dealing with age. My son worry’s at 23 . I’m 77 and still try things I did at a much younger age. I still drag race a quick chevelle. Keep inspiring young people.

I’m 43, just started and learning fast, but sometimes it can feel like a race against time. But I’m truly grateful for my every moment on a board, an awareness that also comes with age.

Yeah Man! I am picking up what you are putting down. The mental challenges that come from being an aging skater (52 yrs currently) are truly real and have to be confronted. I have wrestled with the intelligence of continuing skating many times. Particularly after a bad injury. I’ve always have concluded that the rewards far outweigh the risk. Keeping the reins in and being satisfied with the little things has kept my stoke high. Progression in fluidity and grace is where I find satisfaction, along with just being around the parks and scenes for the sheer enjoyment of watching the shredding go down right in front of my face. (Prince Park is good for that) Thank you for sharing your thoughts and hope to see that blue sprinter in the lot real soon brother, skateparkrespect!

I am totally wit you. 44 years skating for almost 30 years, still having best time on my board. Street no longer, parks and ramps late evenings and mornings. Last for one hour straight, no brakes because once you cool down cannot skate again. But still so humbly appreciating that I still can. One little injury and you done for life. All the best and hope we can still last :)

my bro sent me the link to this as I'm in my late 40's.....really appreciated your vid bro and took a bit from what you said ....thanks

This video was great. I know Kevin and can definitely relate to everything he describes. I covet his pivot-to-fakie's and was recently inspired by him to get a few on the QP in my driveway. For anyone interested, here are a few things that have worked for me to keep the stoke alive at 46: 1.) Develop a routine. As you get older with work, kids, etc..., life is already a series of routines, why not make it work for you? Pick a couple of spots and go there at the same day and time every week for a couple of months in a row whether anyone goes with you or not. This helps get you out there (and that's half the battle) and usually snowballs into a small like-minded crew with similar schedules that can stay intact when you switch spots. 2.) Switch spots often. Getting older makes us fall into ruts and then we start noticing when a trick we have been doing forever starts taking longer. This leads to frustration and burn out. Keeping it fresh with new spots helps keep skating enjoyable. 3). Open your mind! This one seems easy but it took a long time for me to give up on my old beliefs about only skating a certain way, doing certain tricks and "looking cool". For example, when flip tricks stopped working I learned sweepers, bean plants, texas plants etc... Those were all tricks I didn't think were "cool" until I tried learning them and realized how fun they were. Skate a shaped board! Pad up and skate a bowl! Get a slappy session in the parking lot if the park is too crowded! As long as you are open to learning and experiencing new things you will always feel a sense of progression. Don't get hung up on being "cool". 4.) Skate vert. Trying to skate vert in my 40's has brought more humility and patience into all aspects of my life. I suck at it. The learning curve is incredibly slow for me and it makes me feel like I just started skating. But it is also incredibly fun and the feeling is like nothing I've ever experienced. The less hard you try, the better you get. It forces you to learn how to remain calm when you are terrified. I'm addicted. 5.) Ignore me and do what you want. Skateboarding rules!

Thanks for posting and giving others the confidence that we are just getting older. 46 yrs old here.

Great to see you skating. I'm the same age but only got into skating in my 40's. Nothing technical, I just enjoy it from time to time. I do a little surfing also, and that's something I know I can do without getting injured as easy. I have a few surf buddies, all similar age as me so I consider myself very lucky. Keep skating, you're incredible still.

This is a really cool insight to hear dude

Father Time is undefeated. Cool to see you’re still having fun.

i'm 46 stoked my frontside tailslide is coming back, still got boardslides on planters, i have to really be in the moment at this age and just appreciate what i can still do. this opening words of vid is so true. there is this mental wall that tries to block my effort but its always worth it to break through, it was depressing no one was around anymore but then i found i'm ok with the solitude now. was trying to skate with an old head but his gf kept texting him every 5 min and he was all about her high maintenance at 2:00pm. i felt sorry for the guy.

As a skater that recently turned 52. I appreciate the time I get to skate. I focus on having fun. This is the most important to me. I do love skating with close friends and that I make new friends when I do skate.

Such an important subject to talk about. Appreciate it man!

Good stuff Kevin👍🏻 Keep rolling

This one spoke to me on so many levels. Much respect, Kevin!

Such a sick setup! Love your mindset and this video.

Great perspective, Kevin! Thanks, Zack. Great episode.

I really appreciate this video- well done and thank you.

Thanks for the vid ..... good to see there's more of us out there !! 44

Keep this up man. here for every vid.

the worst is when your brain knows what you can do on the “little wooden toy”, but your body begs to differ.

Love the vibe. So important in life to enjoy where one is and accept it. I'm 43...and I guess because I skate or exercise almost every day I can go two hours sometimes three hours on a session and still learn new tricks, but I know it won't last forever...

Kevin rules. Skated my ramp the other day. I am just learning how to really skate mini ramp effectively and hes a total inspiration. I also just turned 45! Best dude.

Great post, have this conversation with myself daily!

I made it to mid-40s before I got side-lined by breaking my tib/fib doing frontside grinds over a cut-out. Watching your foot flop backward is a pretty gnarly experience. I still go out and roll around, but I'm not gonna lie... I'm pretty gun-shy now. Glad I found this vid! Keep rollin'!!

Thanks Kevin. this is both inspiring and real, in life and skateboarding thanks again for sharing this

You continue to have one of my favorite channels, man. Really love where you steer the conversations and topics within skateboarding. ❤️🙏🏻

38 and still going but I so hear you on concentration! I get my sessions in very early AM when the city is still asleep 😴- I love sun rise when it’s quiet and I can rip around the city. - keep going!! Skating keeps you young

Great video as usual Zack!

Loved this kind of video, the perspective of that guy and how well he spoke about everything, personality, habits, lifestyle. Amazing overall. Super glad I found this channel man, keep 'em coming. Greetings from Argentina!

Great conversation! He was so well articulated. Nice ramp.