Defying Limits: The Unexpected Journey of Middle-Aged Skateboarders
In Singapore, a rising group of skateboarders defy the typical image of youth culture in the sport. Aged over 50, these individuals share their stories of how skateboarding has transformed their lives, offering fresh insights into self-discovery and overcoming life’s challenges.
When Erwan “Youri” Supian was released from prison in 2008, little did he know that his 18-year cycle of incarceration was about to end. After years of being arrested for impulsive actions, he was given an unexpected challenge by a friend – to try skateboarding. This moment led to a new passion and a profound shift in his life.
Youri’s first experience was far from graceful, as he faceplanted on his first attempt. However, he was undeterred. He committed to learning, spending two months mastering longboarding at East Coast Park. His journey took a new turn when his friend introduced him to downhill skateboarding, which became his true calling.
Fast-forward a decade, and Youri, now 45, embodies a calmer, more focused persona. He describes the thrill of downhill skateboarding as both exhilarating and meditative, where speed provides a sense of freedom and control. “When I go downhill, everything slows down,” he says, reflecting on the personal transformation skateboarding has provided.
Youri is just one of many older skateboarders in Singapore. At 58, Raymond Tan started skateboarding after a stint working in China. Seeking a new challenge, Raymond was drawn to the complexity of the sport, especially the challenge of mastering the basics. “It took months, but I never made excuses. I just kept at it,” he shares. His dedication led him to participate in international competitions, where he earned top-three finishes in events aimed at skateboarders over 50.
Meanwhile, 62-year-old Danny Chong, who started skateboarding only eight months ago, embraced the sport for its portability and adventure. Initially skeptical about falling, he soon found himself skating long distances, with his passion for speed fuelling his progress. “Skateboarding is organic. I can take it anywhere,” he says, explaining why he chose it over other sports.
For many, skateboarding is more than just a physical activity – it’s a personal rebellion. Wan Su Sin, 54, resisted her parents’ strict expectations, opting to embrace longboarding in her later years. She found that age should never be a barrier to trying new things. “If you don’t try, you’ll never know what you’re capable of,” she says.
Other middle-aged skateboarders, like psychologist Neo Eng Chuan, find that skateboarding offers a spiritual and emotional release. “Skateboarding is an experience of transcending myself. I feel free in ways I never did before,” he says, reflecting on how the sport has empowered him.
Despite the occasional fear of falling, these individuals have found ways to cope by using safety gear and embracing the inevitable tumbles. For Youri, the experience of falling has become a part of the learning process. “Skateboarding has taught me patience and discipline. You fall, you learn, and you rise again,” he reflects.
Through skateboarding, these individuals have discovered not just a sport, but a new chapter of their lives, full of growth, resilience, and personal victory. Their stories remind us that age is no obstacle when it comes to embracing a new challenge and finding joy in the unexpected.
