Commuter Dudes Mount Skateboards, Ignore Wives
For years, this clattery pastime has been the province of annoying teenagers in Union Square, but no more. Emboldened by new ‘longboard’ technology, nostalgic (deluded?) grown men are taking it to the streets
Mr. Mahe doesn’t ride to work every day (“Some days it’s all you can do to find your way to the train,” he said), but he has joined a contingent of late–20-something and 30-year-old skateboarders who are riding the concrete waves of New York and Brooklyn on planks of wood atop polyurethane wheels.
These aren’t the young skate punks of Union Square, grinding on railings and clattering down concrete steps at bone-breaking speed. These are guys with mortgages, iPhone bills and maybe wives and children, who find time to skateboard to and from work or cruise through Central Park on the weekends. They’re indulging in nostalgia for a childhood pastime (Hello, Peter Pan? It’s Wendy calling!) while convincing themselves it counts as cardio.
“Instead of going for a run or a bike ride after work, I’ll go for a long cruise on my longboard,” said Matt Fuller, a 34-year-old financial reporter. “I’ve worn my heart-rate monitor before, and it works! You can burn a lot of calories if you alternate which leg you push with.”
Mr. Fuller said he’s seen co-workers and clients his age coming out to Central Park to watch skateboarders make the rounds and occasionally join in themselves. He is a member of the New York City Longboard Association, which was co-founded by Mr. Mahe in 1998 and hosts two (unsanctioned) rides a year: one in Central Park and another called the Broadway Bomb, during which about 100 mostly adult participants race down Broadway in extra safety gear, including helmets and knee and elbow pads. (They’re not as spritely as they used to be.)
“We’re not going to be kick-flipping down 10 flights of stairs anymore,” said Brian Petrie, 32, who custom-builds longboards through his company EarthWing Skateboards and hosts the Friday Night Rip, during which Park Slope dads often ride aside their children in Prospect Park. Mr. Petrie’s longboards, a slightly lengthier, more stable version of the short, spunky numbers seen in skating competitions for tricks and street riding, are popular with today’s graying commuter set. “We still want to be part of it and see how we fit in, we just don’t want to break bones,” he said. “We still like to confront speed and danger, but our joints kind of hurt us.”
‘Just as Fast as a Bike’
“If you bring your skateboard in [to work], some guy is going to be like, ‘Oh, you skateboard? Cool, I used to skateboard. See this scar?” said Steve Rodriguez, 36, who was sitting on a bench the other day near a skate park by Monroe and Pike streets in Brooklyn.
Mr. Rodriguez, who ’boards to his job as a freelance brand consultant a few days a week, also runs his own skateboard business 5Boro. He has been skating in New York since he was 11 years old, and consults on skate parks for the city.
“If you really are into skating, you never really stop skating, and everyone skateboarded in the 80’s,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “Two years ago, it seems like a lot of people were getting back into skating and wanting what they remembered.”
This is the generation who watched Tony Hawk, who is pushing 40 years old, become a skateboarding superstar. They wore out their V.C.R.’s watching skate movies like Thrashin’ (1986), The Search for Animal Chin (1987) and maybe even the cheesy Christian Slater classic Gleaming the Cube (1989). Then they started skating themselves, building obstacles out of plywood in their backyards and on neighborhood streets. By the end of high school or college, some traded their boards for cars or bikes. But many New Yorkers have been inexorably drawn back. Next Page >
Gilligan, your article would have read better sans the "childhood pastime" description of skateboarding and reference to "Peter Pan". Do you also consider bicycling "a childhood pastime"?
In these "Modern Times" of global warming, chronic obesity, and skyrocketing fuel prices, a responsible journalist would steer clear of making an alternative form of transportation and exercise seem like something that only children participate in...
I was very excited to hear that a story about longboarding had made it's way into the NY Observer. However, after reading the article I wish that it had never been written. This article demonstrates a complete lack of understanding for the subject and expresses and is an example of very poor journalism.
The two things that caught my attention most were the title and the reference to old guys with peter pan complexes. Where on earth did the comment about ignoring their wives come from and what research gave the author the idea that if you skated after your teenage years, you had a peter pan complex? This is a wonderful example of some very poor research.
Longboarding is just another form of skateboarding with many sub disciplines. There are people from age 10 to age 50 who enjoy skating, you don't have to be an "annoying teenager" to enjoy it.
I would have expected to see this article submitted by a narrow-minded, disgruntled 50 year old, not by a self respecting journalist. Get your facts straight and keep your narrow-minded opinions to yourself.
-Justin Metcalf
age 18
some people just don't get skateboarding
It seems you tried to stereotype the distinction between longboarders and shortboarders. Although it is true that once you hit a certain age you're not going to pick up a shortboard and hit the halfpipe, but most young skaters are just not exposed to longboarding. When they are they seem to like it a lot. You failed to note that a very small percentage of kids even stick with skating and are able to pull off the tricks. Most shortboards are left in the closet after a month. As longboards gain popularity you will see younger kids riding them.
Weak article! I agree it is cool to see longboarding in the news, but not like this!!!! I would rather not have it in the paper at all. BOO!!!!
What a poorly written article that shows no real research or understanding of why people longboard. Not all of us are in a Peter pan complex, I was working as a contractor in Boise Idaho and my apartment was 2 blocks from office (Albertsons) so instead of renting a car for a week I just used a longboard on weekdays and got a car on weekends. This saved me thousands of dollars on my contract assignment and I didn't have to worry about my board getting stolen like a bike as I just carried it in with me. No gas to pay for and that rush/feeling of openess before I sit in my cube for 8+ hours. So sad the writer has an agenda on slamming longboarders. The flip side I never knew a community/association existed in NY for riders.. I have to cross the river and stop by. Thanks chump!
Former owner of an Insect City bomber and dragonfly
Current owner of a Loaded Dervish!
Wow, I hadn't even seen the part about the "extra pads" in the Broadway Bomb. No, it's not because they're not as "spritely" as they used to be, it's because they have a brain in their skull and know that safety gear is important. It's not just the old guys who ignore their wives and have peter pan complexes who use helmets and pads. If you don't wear at least a helmet you're not youthful and "spritely", you're an idiot.
This article is atrocious.
Whats with this ignorant comment: "They’re indulging in nostalgia for a childhood pastime while convincing themselves it counts as cardio." Its pretty obvious that the author of this piece has never tried to ride any kind of skateboard up and down the hills or through the traffic of a major city. Theres PLENTY of other ignorant statements in this piece, but i wont go into all of them. Very poor article, i honestly think the author of this piece pissed off more people than he or she informed. Also, the date at the top is wrong as well.
I kinda expected something of this calibur from a reporter. you dont care anything about the truth. All that matters to you is that you got your page filled so you can go home to your apartment all alone and jack off. Have a nice life jackass
The article shows a great deal of ignorance regarding skateboarding.
Aside from what other people have mentioned, i think seeing older people skate with their kids is amazing. It provides a good touch point between parents and their children.
next time, when you write about something, try to inform yourself more and see what it is really about.
Good ol' journalism. I can never believe any of the shit you journalist spit out cause 99% of the time i know its gonna be fake. All you do is write from your perspective. How about you actually hear the other side of the story and do some research. But thats prbly asking too much of you. I mean you're just a journalist, not a human.
‘Just as Fast as a Bike’
Are you kidding me? With a great deal of effort, a skater like these guys can barely hold much above 15mph, which is pretty standard for someone on a bike. stupid skaters, dumb quote.
I think what he meant to say was in traffic and crowded sidewalks a longboard can be used as fast if not faster than a bike. On open road there is no way a longboard can keep up with a bike
Well, I'm gonna be the one to say it. I really liked your article because I am one of those who ride for nostalgic reasons. I read you saying that those with the peter pan complex are some of longboarders, not all. People take things the wrong way sometimes, especially when you're a kid. So chill out boys, cuz this journalist hit the nail on the head for some of us.
Worst article ever! I know lots of teens and 20 somethings that longboard, and I know lots of 30 and 40 somethings that ride ramps and transistions. I myself bought my first longboard when I was 18. My current quiver consists of 5 boards: the shortest being 29" long, and the longest 55" long - each for a different type of riding.
Skateboarders come in all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and political affiliations. I am 48 years old. I am not having a mid-life crisis or trying to regain my youth. I started skating at the age of 5 back in 1965. So actually I myself have been a skateboarder of all ages! I'm having a whole-life crisis!
And I echo the sentiments of other comments - the only reason I am still able to be at it 40+ years later is because I do wear a helmet and pads. Have been ever since I was young.
While entertaining, this article doesn't present a complete picture of the NYC longboarding scene.
Yes, there are plenty of older guys who got into longboarding to relive their youth, get to work, and get their blood pressure down.
(By the way, from a health standpoint longboarding is no different than any other cardiovascular exercise: a friend of mine picked it up at 40 with the goal of getting his blood pressure down. It worked. Turns out your heart doesn't care whether you're pushing a plank or running in place on a treadmill.)
But for every older guy there are two or more high school or college students on-board just because it's fun, safe, and a good way to get around town. You don't have to have an ulterior motive to enjoy skateboarding.
I'd love for Ms. Reagan to get a more complete experience of the NYC longboard scene. We're out skating in Prospect Park (on the loop, near 11th Avenue and Prospect Park SW) every Friday night and the Broadway Bomb is at Noon on October 27th. She's welcome to come skate with us.
It would have helped to have someone who knew a thing or two about skateboarding/longboarding as the writer of this article. It is truly discouraging to hear this article stating such false information. True skateboarders evolve with the pastime and instead of spending nights in a bar, they are still out there having a good time and getting exercise. My husband goes out to skate at least a couple times a week and yes, we have a mortgage and own two businesses and I still get all the attention and help I need. I would much rather support his time out with his friends doing this over other things. Plus, when we do have kids they will be lucky to have such a wonderful, understanding father who's happy, healthy and gets it, unlike the woman who wrote this.
Can this article be anymore inaccurate? You should choose a different career.
Goodness - such handwringing! Lighten up!! Its SKATEBOARDING for crying out loud! Must be some pretty insecure skaters making such petty comments- reflecting much worse on the skating community then the author. Who'd want to be associated with folks so sensitive and shrill? If these pharisees stepped back a bit and read the article as a lay person, its actually quite good and even complimentary - maybe even get som non-skaters interested. But I do agree - the Ignore Wives headline is just dull-witted and irrelevant.
YOU GUYS ALL NEED TO CHILL, THE ARTICLE DOES NOT SLAM SKATBOARDING OR LONGBOARDING OR ANYONE. I AM ONE OF THOSE OLD GUYS THAT IS MARRIED AND BOARD.
Yes we wear pads. Yes we are older. Yes have a Peter Pan complex and hope I always do!!! More people should.
THIS IS NOT OFFENSIVE TO ME AT ALL..... ITS ALL GOOD. its just an article on skateboarding.....
Hector Martinez
Oh dont be so angry, a lot of you younger boarders will understand when you get older.
This doesnt bash skating, havent you all heard the cliche, any press is good press. this is press about longboarding which most people DONT even KNOW BOUT.
this is good for our sport guys.
Tom
Making fun of an athletic alternative to using a car in a country where obesity is a growing epidemic (no pun intended) is ridiculous. This reporter should be ashamed of this article.
damn, what ARE you people so torqued about? That your underground passtime is getting some mainstream press?
This article isn't written for concretewave, it's written for joe blow who doesn't need to know every nuance of skate culture.
Yeah we all know how diverse the longboard community is, and that shorties embrace longboarding overall.
In general I don't find the article offensive at all, damn, it's a fluff piece who's message is "don't hate on longboarders".
I agree with Barky Barky....
i think its the teenagers that are all wound up here. i am an older longboarder and agree with barky barky, our your underground passtime is getting some mainstream press.
and there is nothing wrong with that.
this is pretty funny if ya ask me.
PJ
I am not a longboarder, but I do know what they are. I didn't find this article to be very informative about the sport (unless I was a longboarder that didn't know about the organization and I wanted to connect with other like-minded people). I do think it was silly to characterize these folks as having a peter pan complex - apparently after you hit 27 you're not allowed to do anything fun that you also did in childhood.... I don't think people are being overly sensitive, it was a bit insulting to anyone with a brain who likes to keep active in their 30's (which, by the way, isn't as old as it used to be). By the end of the article, the writer seemed to have backed off the patronizing angle, but the article would have better without it - the purpose was to educate, I would think.
I only came here to say NEW YORK SUCKS.
Am I the only person around who never got what was so cool or great about skateboarding?
Fags and whimps of skateboarding - listen up because i invented the sport.
I am over 50 years old and have been skating and surfing for 40 years. I have a sector 9 cruising longboard and have taken to carving huge sloping corporate parking lots in the suberbs of Philly. Don't ask me for the spot because I own it and plan on keeping it that way.
NYC sucks for longboard skating and so does this article. Acticles like this demoralize our culturesub and should be trashed heavily.
I didn't like this article. I don't have a wife, nor am I ignoring my loved ones. Longboarding is excellent because it shows that skateboarding is NOT all about Tony Hawk, halfpipes, and broken ankles. Anyone can enjoy and take pride in skateboarding. Take a look around you... the world has evolved since 1985! Not everyone wants to do kickflips... so we LONGBOARD!! Terrible article. I hope I can still skate when I'm 40!!
can we hear it for late-20-something skater chicks?
never boarded as a kid - but am loving it now - and it just makes sense as a commuting option. can't wait to see more women rocking the long board!