Meet B.C.’s Inspiring Silver-Haired Skateboarders: How They Defy Age and Soar Above the Pavement!

Three seasoned skateboarders, who are nearing or have crossed the age of 60, share their journeys and the thrill of skateboarding later in life.

Douglas Charlton Farr envied skateboarders during his youth but felt too old to start at age 30. Fast forward 28 years, and at 58, he spotted a skateboard at Costco. Nostalgia kicked in. “If I don’t do it now, it’ll be too late,” he thought. And he took the plunge. With a background in gymnastics, Doug embraced skateboarding. He quickly adapted, despite facing some bumps and bruises along the way. Now 70, he has skated for 12 years, reveling in the freedom it brings. “It feels like flying,” he says, comparing himself to a bird.

Doug isn’t alone in his late skateboarding venture. In Victoria, B.C., many older skaters are rediscovering their passion. When Living 60+ reached out on social media, they found a thriving community.

I met two of Doug’s friends, Ricky Jak, 59, and Terry Orr, 62, at Topaz Park. Both have skated since the late ’70s, wearing colorful stickers on their boards and protective gear. They reminisce about the rebellious days of skating when it was illegal on many streets, yet they continued to ride anyway.

Terry has an impressive past as the first owner of a skateboard shop in Victoria, known as Spine Grind Skateboards. Ricky recalls the vibrant skating community that dramatically shrank over the decades after injuries and venue closures led to the dismantling of popular parks like Saanich Skatewave.

Now, skateboarding has transformed from a counterculture movement into an accepted sport, with new, high-tech parks serving the community. The next generation welcomes older skaters, bridging gaps and creating bonds.

When Doug started skating, he learned in his driveway before venturing to quieter skate parks. Young skaters often mistook him for a pro, amazed by his determination. He found the community to be overwhelmingly positive and supportive, a far cry from the stereotypes.

Ricky echoes this sentiment. “We skate with kids,” he says, explaining how all ages come together. As friendships form through shared passion, he feels a close-knit sense of belonging.

At Topaz Skatepark, Ricky and Terry practice tricks, taking tumbles but quickly laughing it off. The physical toll is real; injuries come with the territory. “Skateboarding is one of the most painful sports,” Ricky admits. But they endure the aches and pains for the love of the sport. Terry jokes about their post-skating routine: “It’s Ibuprofen and then the pub!”

Despite the challenges, they embody the spirit of skating, celebrating life and community through their shared hobby. Ricky sums it up perfectly: “You didn’t quit skateboarding because you got old. You got old because you quit skateboarding.”

This journey of rediscovering skateboarding illustrates more than just a hobby — it highlights resilience, community, and the joy of staying active, no matter your age. As more older adults embrace sports like skateboarding, it signifies a positive trend toward remaining active and finding joy in life at every stage. According to a recent survey by AARP, 47% of adults aged 50 and older reported that staying active improves their quality of life.

Skateboarding offers not just exercise but a vibrant community, proving that age is just a number when it comes to following your passions.

Check out this related article: Okanagan Basin Water Board Invests $350K: Discover How This Funding Will Impact Our Communities!