55 Year Old Skateboarding Professor

[@ZackDowdy]

I hope this story of Mike Provence can inspire you for a lifetime of skateboarding and beyond! Please consider tapping that like button under the video for support.

[@DSTREETMEDIA]

Great Interview 👍

[@snobborder1981]

Thank you 🙌🙏🛹

[@morphosis7655]

This is great. I’m 45, I had such a good session today! I’m back on a board for 3 months now after a 32 year break! I wasn’t as productive with my off time as the professor but hey, that’s life. It’s how you finish not how you start.

[@jimwg2112]

Mike helped me get started skating on the quarter pipe in his parents' driveway.

[@marksac5080]

55... That's still young. 61 year old skater here.

[@misan2]

Greetings from Sweden. It’s an amazing worldwide community, the old guys that still skate. We have the same references regarding skating, music, style and PAIN. The good thing is when you are over 55 you can afford to travel all over the world, to skate, and to pay the physiotherapist after the trip.

[@TheBurtonian]

Grymt! Ja brädsport är så otroligt mycket lättare material mässigt nu i medelåldern då man har råd med grejor och resor.

[@realfakerolex7804]

I am a 55 year skateboarder getting back into it too. It is amazing how many of us still skate or come back to the thing that makes us feel young and alive.

[@oldbonz]

57 and this is so real and true. A year to learn to flatten an Ollie, 3 months to get FS Ollie oops to fakie grinds back, yet I can't learn a shuv to save my life. Pad up fellow geezers and keep rippin at what ever level you are at! 💯🛹❤️

[@Rockin23]

KZbin vids have inspired me at the age of 51 to start skating from scratch! I'm loving it! Really bruised though despite the pads! Getting better every sesh :)

[@marcelboogaard3809]

I’m 51 and started skating again because of my teenage son. I can totally relate to Mike’s story apart from being a professor. I actually left Amsterdam and traveled the globe for a few years. Never fell out of love with skateboarding but it took a back seat for a long time with the occasional session. Now I’m just trying to get the basic tricks back and I’m happy. Knees are killing me after every session but that’s the price I have to pay.

[@jo1ty]

Try gettin some fp insoles, they are a godsend

[@marcelboogaard3809]

@@jo1ty Already got some. Lost my meniscus in both knees and cartilage is wearing thin as well. When Mike said to pad up I had to agree because every slam is harder on your body at this age.

[@i-never-look-at-replies-lol]

I like old dudes like this. I can put in more time between now and when I make it to his age than the years I put in skating when I was younger, so I've got plenty of room to keep progressing at my age! I wouldn't be surprised if the years I spent skating in my youth become a fraction of the time I've spent skating in my life compared to what I'll put in over the next two decades.

[@rainerkambacheld5414]

Best regards from Germany. I been skateboarding since I was 9 years old. seriously since i was 13 years to 30 years old. Then came a parental break of almost 18 years where I only drove very rarely. Now at 48 I am infected again like I was 13 years old. I wonder how well it works. Not as fast anymore, but many tricks still work. And I think some will come back. For me it is the best sport and I hope I can do it for a very long time.

[@saifulizhan]

I just started skating again 2 months ago at the age of 45 after 25 yrs not skating. I never got good in skateboarding back then because there wasn't any skateparks anywhere. I only had to skate at malls/ carparks / tarmac etc. One day I came to visit a skatepark and was impressed on how the sport had progressed and gained much acceptance. I remembered when I was a teen we never had that kind of facility and eagered to try skateboarding again. You know relive a teenage dream. Brought a 30 yrs old 7.25 deck to the skatepark and slipped on the floor. A kid told me my skateboard was too small ( I got it when I was a teen and was into street skating) so I took his advice and got a 8.25 with softer wheels. Now after 2 months I got much progress in my skating.

[@mattdonovan8517]

I greatly enjoyed Mike's story! I'm 65 and broke my femur a decade or so ago just from wheel pinch. My wife was mad but still encourages me to live dangerously so I do. Using pads and bucket always. Stretch or else!

[@paulcook1004]

Awesome I still skate parks @61 years old skool 4 ever❤ 5

[@kevmoreland8106]

Hello from the UK, I'm 59 and I've only been skating one year,,,,inspirational, thanks

[@Carson_Gelsinger]

this is amazing he deserves so much respect

[@bobcatransom]

This is so so rad. 34 here after a 20 year break and the prof shreds much harder than me. Crossing my fingers that he’s right and we can keep progressing through middle age. Killing the content man!

[@skating4satori672]

So inspiring! I'm glad that I found this video and hope to be able to keep skating into my mid 50s like Mike and your Father. Started skateboarding at 42 & just turned 50 and continue to be blessed with the health and ability to ride the parks with my son 4-6 times a week. Agree that the name of the game is longevity and pad up so that we can keep rolling.

[@bnicolay]

Thanks Mike! At 45, you have just broadened my skating horizon.

[@scottgarred6261]

I'm a music therapist, age 48, and have been progressing again with skating. It's so thrilling. This is a great little bio! Thanks!

[@FastSannies]

Great video Zack, Mikes story is really uplifting, especially for someone who came back to skateboarding after 20 years at the age of 43 this year. It’s been the best decision mentally and physically, I love it. And I now get to skate with my son (12) and nephew. I’m in it for the long run :D

[@scottlandb6579]

I freaking love seeing this. I’m 48 will be 49 this year. Skate w/ a 55 and 58 year old. We used to run our town. We all still skate. Here’s some more wise words for the young, stretch, hydrate, never stop riding even if it means doing some basic tricks etc to mailbox whatever, most importantly keep having fun as you explore the world of skateboarding. It’s still one of the most fun sports to me ever. Also I’m the same I for some reason can do blunts, front and back side lip slides/disasters, I mean a slew of tricks but the front side grind (transition), frontside slash grind, front side smith, 5.0 and 50/50 etc is completely terrifying to me. Makes no sense but some how I’m beyond freaked out. Still try to do them or do them and it’s so much fun.

[@woodismetal2079]

Such a good video! Mike is a great story teller. Just started back up at 30 and I’m loving it. Learning transition/bowl skating so this channel helps a bunch!

[@woodismetal2079]

@Gcoolsnow hell yeah! I totally agree much higher appreciation for it at this age. Good luck out there! 🤘

[@islandbear987]

Spencer Barton introduced me to this dude (since passed unfortunately) and he was around 75 skating. Skating keeps the youth shining even in upper ages. I’m 31 and back on the board after 13 years 10 of which I battled undiagnosed tick borne illnesses (lyme, with co-infections). Skating has helped me regain my general walking (had balance issues), and I find I’m not bumping into things trying to walk around them anymore as well as other similar benefits. Skating pushes me to fight my disabilities, thanks to seeing all the amazing “disabled” peoples during competitions (my fav. part to watch).

[@winnebagojones4069]

Awesome video! I love hearing stories/tips from older skaters who are still going. I'm learning to skate at 40, just got my rock to fakie down consistently on a mini ramp and now working on frontside 180. It's difficult to progress, but so rewarding and satisfying.

[@Brusselsproutsk8]

Keep shredding, respect to all the old school shredderz out there!

[@chyelyetan2299]

You are such an inspiration to all the old young guys out there. Keep rocking Mike :-)) love & peace from Singapore.

[@shimsham6]

This is so lovely to see and really shows that nothing is off limits! With passion, appreciation and determination you can achieve so much, regardless how old one might be. People like this are a great inspiration of showing us all that we can achieve so much at any age, as long as your committed to keep trying and have fun doing the things you love to do.

[@d.ber.1187]

Great stuff. That last line was pretty sweet - those decked out rock 'n rolls are so stylish... I've got 48 years on me and really got back into skating about 4 years ago (I just put up a vid of my 48 tricks on 48th birthday challenge). I still feel I'm improving and folks like this make me believe I've still got years of progression left in me. Thanks Zack and Mike. :)

[@user-ig2vz4oz5z]

Also I’m working on skating with my son I only speak easy English but I really love you guys here Awesome Thanks for making this video

[@jamesblack687]

I agree, skateboarding is the best exercise in my opinion. The professor is doing amazing 👍👏

[@ericcoppola]

im with u... very good wisdom.... im 52 and still skating for the same reasons... have fun!!!

[@sk8fm448]

Inspiring. Im 49. I started in the late 80's in National City. No vert ramps, parks or pools, just street. Thank you Hosio, fingers, and gonz.

[@michaelprovence2409]

Thank you, Zack! This was lots of fun! Who would think my skating peak would be at 55? Next time you can teach me the backside air. Mike

[@OGskater]

That is rad. I starting skateboarding more regularly now that I am 55 years old. Hopefully I can into my 80s.

[@BlackMarketHoney]

Awesome! So inspiring! I am 47. I feel like 60 in the morning, but I feel like 12 years old again when I skate! It is truly the foundation of youth!!! I hope he gets those back side airs! All the best, Rich in Sweden.

[@samyarnold8447]

What a nice Dude.

[@1toysoldier15]

To a 49 tr old who's just started street skating again after a 27 yr break this is so inspirational.I wear pads and impact shorts under my baggy clothes now,gives me more confidence,helping me progress more,ollies and kickflips came straight back,im psyched!Thanks for sharing dude.

[@jaded9087]

Doing what you love keeps you young at heart , the mind sharp and keeps the body fit. I use to teach dance and had student in their 80s keeping up with 25 yo's ❤ what a star. Ive quad skated for 44 years with only short breaks between and now im just getting in to skateboarding as you can bail, unlike skates. Its my safer option.. lol My old bones are not taking the falls as well anymore but i love doing vert and bowls so im changing the means , not the style and im still at the local skate park with the grand kiddlet 3 times a week with our new boards and my skates. We are learning together and what a way to bond ❤ The family that skates together will never have nothing to talk about... Look nan , can we skate that ? As im driving to the supermarket but have the boards in the boot... lol Priceless! I just wish i took up the skateboard with my son but its never to late to learn and my grandson thinks its so cool that i can hit the bowl with stezz on my skates and im learning the board with him, instead of just sitting on the sidelines watching, being old! We both are like " i could do with a skate, want to go?" all the time. Dropped in for the first time on a board only last week and kiddlet did too. Everytime we see another its always " look what i figured out or what do you think im doing wrong here and we end up out side trying new trick together on the proch. Its the begining of what is going to keep me rolling for many years to come and building a very strong relationship with my gandson and we are both loving it . Thinking of putting in a kit mini ramp in the garage for rainy days is a must for xmas... he he .. But who is the gift for? The kid or me ? lol

[@winstonloh1051]

This was great. I really believe you can do that backside air man, go for it!

[@mikeschwendeman4403]

Hell yeah🤘 I'm 45 and still at it😎

[@springvalleyskatepark]

Great content and inspiring story!

[@vincent6670]

👍a scholar and a skater... Wow talk about a journey.. keep shredding

[@motherfudger6664]

This was great. Just started back up at 45 and look forward to many more years/decades ahead.

[@JacksonBates]

Thanks for this, Zack. I'm getting a board for my 39th birthday next month - never ridden before except helping my 7yo daughter get some basics down on a cheap ass penny board recently. Good to know I can hope to still be doing it 15-20 years from now!

[@mikeyverano5453]

Thank you for sharing this!!

[@elpadre4202]

I can relate. Although started skating about 3 to 4 years ago and I'm 47 now. skate every day. Love the skateboard community, the feeling of being on my board, learning tricks I never thought possible for me and skating with my son's. Hope I'm still skating at 55 and beyond.

[@alohaboard]

I'm 48 and started skateboarding at 38. It's been years now, I'm still doing it and loving it ^^ hopefully, make it last over 60. Keep Skating !!

[@mic9857]

Love your content! Keep up the great work and showcasing the San Diego scene.

[@RussellSyx]

This guy is sick

[@cheviot2988]

PHD in middle eastern history what a interesting dude :D

[@thecollector5209]

I can't skate 😂😆 but dude very nice story good u spent time and could skate with your son .and great story on your career much love man glad u enjoy what you do and never quit ....

[@markdearlove8634]

Good to see. Us oldies are everywhere. I've Been skating since the wheels were made of clay. 61 now and skate a couple of times a week. More if the surf is flat

[@jeremycorkery]

Really enjoyed this video and felt I could relate. 44 from NZL. Also have backside airs as a goal... Three years in! I hope the professor gets his.

[@TheBurtonian]

What a inspiration! I'm way into medieval history an do reenact quite a bit of it and I'm into boardsports and particularly skate and snowboarding. I skated like to a decent cruising ability and I could do a small ollie on the grass and then I had an hiatus until 4 years ago. Now skate is so much a part of life for me. I skate to my job every day and sometimes with the kids at the youthcentre were I work. Im 49 now and plan to skate the rest of my life.

[@autumndayskater]

I’m 44, been back skating for almost a year after 20+ yrs away. I agree with the guy in the interview, as much as I hate it, I now wear wrist and shin guards on street and full pads on transition. Aging and physical decline is the mortal enemy of skating, put it off as long as you can.

[@souperdave2009]

Hell yeah! Wisdom... 🔨

[@MonkeyMagick]

Very cool. Cheers.

[@dw1572]

Thank you for proving you can skate at any age

[@jakekrause961]

Been skating since I was 7 & I'm 26 now. If everything goes smoothly I plan to skate till the wheels fall off. The best thing about skateboarding is that it doesn't matter how good you are, what matters is that you don't stop trying. I get after it everyday, whether it's for 30mins or a couple of hours.

[@ce_eff]

What an interesting biography! I also started at age of 9 but never was really good as a kid. I got back into it about 3-4 years ago after a 10+ year break. I'm obsessed now and have learned so many new things. I know that at some point it will be more about maintaining tricks but I am not afraid of that.. the only thing I am afraid of is having to quit at some point! Until then, I skate whenever I can.

[@topdeckdog]

ripping! 🤘

[@matthewbrandon267]

So awesome

[@bonelessankles]

I am 51, started skating at the age of 48, stoked by my little son who learned to to drop in the skate bowl close to our home. Similar to Mike I regarded bowl skating as an alternative to surfing, but nowadays I prefer skateboarding to surfing. Skateboarding is pretty difficult to learn but very rewarding

[@darksaga80]

Gullwing's on a comeback. They've been making long board trucks for a while and are bringing back all their old products.

[@Skateboardingofficial]

This is great 😍

[@semigloss]

45 and still riding, still learning

[@TH-nc1gj]

Great vid

[@ChrisPlush]

killer video. keep em coming in the format.

[@benoduartebd]

Yes! Me one day!

[@d.l.barlow8724]

Represent for the old guys 🤙🤙🤙

[@GraeOne_]

I am 32 starting again after 18 years not touching a board. Scared af but it's so much fun.

[@jjmm4965]

sick story, very inspirational

[@mrzoom214]

Pofessor is so cool.

[@BjornGevert]

57, I might go for a lunch spin today. Can't do rock'n'roll... but I can do both ways Ollies (off of hips).... and backside Aerials are easy. FS Airs though, tuck knee... fuhgeddaboudit!

[@gameboysleepyd4277]

Today is my birthday. Just turned 43 and still sk8 every day

[@ZackDowdy]

Happy Birthday!

[@gameboysleepyd4277]

@@ZackDowdy thanks bro. Appreciate it

[@spenskate104]

dude check our movie ROM BOYS 40 years of rad theres 30 of us over 50 we inhabit the worlds only grade 2 listed skatepark the legend that is the ROM

[@jonealpha]

53 still rolling

[@arielvillaverde9507]

Great video! (I can relate) But is Mike riding Gullwings? (5:20mins) lol

[@mspprofits725]

Yes those are Gullwings

[@jwalk2287]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@wavesummit]

Loved the audio and video, what gear was used to film?

[@phildogfather]

Pure Stoke! That is what is all about!

[@lookbacklibrary]

excited to ask you about your dad's days at GULLWING when i see you next....

[@roe2132]

Thanks for the vid motivation, Zack! Loved it! The real question is, are you gonna pad up? :)

[@ZackDowdy]

I've been padding up for the big bowls! But haven't made that commitment yet haha

[@nickkilislian2877]

47..everyday ❤️🛹🙏

[@oldnatty61]

Dude don't sell yourself short! Your skill at 55 is far beyond mine at my prime in high school.

[@daveweinstein6434]

Stretch for hamstrings for longevity, trust me.

[@glennfreo6651]

i intend to start skating in my current age of 49! i'd be a complete noob! i've started working on stretching and knee strengthening and balance. am i gonna be ok?

[@ZackDowdy]

You got this!!

[@glennfreo6651]

@@ZackDowdy thank you man!

[@chinarello2928]

Hockey pants, I got to try that. Falling on the hips or tailbone is not fun.

[@ZackDowdy]

Such a good call, tried some recently I'm a fan.

[@matejskreko3903]

Dog to Z, good stuff. XD

[@Dontbustthecrust]

Start lifting weights, run or ride a bike. Dont drink alcohol. That's how longevity is done in skateboarding.

[@Knightgil]

You can add sleeping well, eating healthy, not sitting for long periods of time, staying emotionally healthy and safely exposing yourself to sunlight for that sweet vitamin D that will make your bones less likely to break. Oh, and having good sex should help too.

[@Dontbustthecrust]

@@Knightgil yep. And all of those you mentioned will come much easier in the absence of alcohol and in the presence of real training.