Man, I love this thing!!

I know that many people think 39 is too old to get back into skateboards. So, I didn't. I got a new longboard, instead. You know, the whole, "Same thing only different" escape clause.

That said, I started off by buying some components and making the deck myself. I got everything figured out and put together, rode it for a week, and my daughter sort of "took it over." She absolutely loves the one I had built, and has been riding it in the basement every single day. So, we went to buy a new set of trucks, wheels, and bearings so that we could duplicate my board for her.

But, while browsing the skate shop, a board made by "Sector 9" out of California caught my eye. That's when I gave my daughter a choice - we could do as planned, and buy some components to build her one like mine. Or, she could have the one that I had just built that she wanted so badly. She jumped at the offer, and was absolutely thrilled with the idea of having my board.

I bought the new board and took it home. Wow, what a cool board. It's 46 inches long, 10 inches at it's widest point, and made out of bamboo. Yes, I said bamboo. It's strong with good flex, light weight, and tough as nails. And, yeah, it's cool looking, too! HA!!

And, the graphics on the back really top it off. They portray a cool-looking monkey, staring out over the surf. I originally planned on upgrading the trucks later this year, as those that came on it get mixed reviews. But after riding them, I really like them, so I'll spend ten bucks on a better set of bushings and save a bit of money.

As for my daughter, I let her try my new board, but she still likes my old board better. And, for her, it probably is easier to learn on. It was set up to ride low to the ground on a set of what I feel are the most stable trucks you can buy for a board - Independent 169's. (Not that many of you will know what those are, but it's my blog, so either google it or deal with it. HA!) I have some softer bushings on it that match her weight a bit better than the ones I rode on, and wedged the bases a bit to make the board turn better without sacrificing stability.

So, here I am, 39 years old, and getting back into a sport that I used to love when I was younger. Actually, I used to do a lot of things that I don't do anymore - skateboard, dirt bikes, skiing, snowboarding. I stopped because, if I were to get hurt, there was a good chance that I couldn't do my job - a consequence I simply could not afford.

But, now that I am out of the field and in the office, things are different. Even if I broke my leg, I could still do my job. So, I got back into something that interests my daughter as well as well as me, so that we can do it together.

Considering the great time we've been having, I made the right choice. Now, if only I could get my wife back on a pair of roller skates... hehehe

Oh, and you can click on the above pictures to see them full size.