Chapter 4: Skateboarding is a numbers game

In the introduction of this book, I mentioned a book called The Fourth Turning. To get everyone up to speed, here are two key ideas from the book:

The authors propose that history moves in recurring cycles, each lasting about 80–100 years (a "saeculum"), and each are divided into four distinct eras, or "turnings." The Fourth Turning places generational demographics (i.e., boomer, Gen X, Gen Z, millennial) at the core of its cyclical model. It argues that each generation's age, size, and characteristics shape—and are shaped by—the historical era they inhabit. I grew up in the 1970s, which has shaped my thinking. For example, I was 13 when I first discovered punk rock in 1977. Those baby boomers 15 years older than me in 1977 might not have embraced it like I did.

While I am fascinated by “The Fourth Turning”, the truth is that it has its problems. To be as transparent as possible, I looked at what some of the book's detractors feel about it. Several critics believe it is overly simplistic and has a very selective history. They note the authors have omitted inconvenient facts and simplified complex events to fit their cyclical theory. These are some accurate points.

The authors have also been accused of making broad, sometimes unfalsifiable, predictions based on loosely connected historical cycles. Some of their predictions from 1997 were close to real events, others were wildly off or were too general to be meaningful. This had led to skepticism about the book's prophetic claims. Again, this is absolutely accurate. 

The book's lack of international perspective is another problem. What happened in the USA can be challenging to apply to other places. It is American-centric, and critics have detected a strong right-wing or alarmist slant in the narrative and recommendations.

Finally, the practical guidance offered is often seen as vague, generic, or non-actionable, lacking substantive direction for readers. Guilty as charged. In presenting a doomsday scenario, it can get pretty damn overwhelming.

In 2023, the book was revamped by one of the original authors - Neil Strauss. He added 26 years worth of history and called the book “The Fourth Turning is Here.” 

Now you're probably wondering, if this Fourth Turning book is so full of crap, why the hell did I include it in The SkateGeezer Manifesto? The reason is that even if you think 80% of the book is garbage/useless, 20% is enough to kick-start difficult but much needed conversations. 

“The Fourth Turning” provokes you to reflect on where you've come from and where you're going. It prompts you to ask, "Where exactly do I fit on this planet, and how do I prepare when the shit hits the fan?" Cycle, or no cycle, shit will eventually hit you, no matter what demographic group you’re part of.

If you've followed closely, you'll realize each chapter so far corresponds to a specific year. Chapter 1 starts in 1975. This was the year I started skateboarding. In Chapter 2, which correlates to 1976, I got deeper into it. In 1977, I wound up with a top-of-the-line skateboard. For this chapter (4), I hit 14. 1978 was indeed spectacular for me. I got sponsored by a local skatepark, got heavily into music and had girlfriends. SkateBoarder Magazine also hit its largest issue ever. To my way of thinking, 1978 was probably one of the greatest times in the history of skateboarding.

It's interesting to note that the average age of a skateboarder is 14. Seventy percent are under the age of 18. People over 18 are joining the skate geezer ranks thanks to things like longboarding and surf skating. However, only 1% of skateboarders are over the age of 55.

Part of this book's message is to encourage you to continue rolling, regardless of age. Skateboarding in your 50s, 60s and beyond is like dipping your toe into the fountain of youth. While this metaphor is intriguing, it doesn't really explain why skateboarding helps to keep your body and mind young.

Let me introduce you to two unique ideas from the world of psychology. The first concept is called “mortality salience residue.” This revolves around the idea that when we are reminded of death, it changes us.

Suppose you've watched a film featuring someone grieving over a death, or you find yourself attending a funeral. As a result of this interaction, there is a great possibility that your mind and behaviour won't just be affected in that moment but afterwards too. This lingering effect is called mortality salience residue. If you've experienced it, you might feel more connected to objects and rituals. You might become more open to stories that make sense of life and death. 

What's really interesting is there is a counterpart to mortality salience residue. Some call it “vitality awareness” or “life salience.” This is where people experience a heightened awareness of life's value, potential, and vibrancy. When people are immersed in environments or experiences that strongly affirm life, celebration, and continuity, they often experience lasting psychological effects. 

You might have experienced life salience attending birthday parties, being in nature or awards ceremonies. The effects include increased optimism and future-oriented thinking. People also get an enhanced sense of connection and social bonding. They have a greater appreciation for everyday experiences. People may find themselves in a state of heightened motivation and reduced anxiety.

To tie this all together, if you continue skateboarding after you are 18, you will experience several critical benefits that align with the powerful psychological principles found in life salience. Skateboarding is all about freedom and movement. This is a profound feeling and leads to something called “flow state.”

In a flow state, your body and mind work in perfect harmony. On your skateboard, you're completely immersed and focused. Time seems to slow, senses sharpen, and you become unified with your skateboard. Your actions and awareness merge into effortless momentum. This is why, at one point, I created stickers that said "NEVER GRADUATED FLOW STATE."

These feelings of joy you first experienced as a young skater are now part of a continuous thread that weaves for years. The very act of skateboarding then and now is part of a tangible timeline. As Jay Adams famously said, "You didn't quit skateboarding because you got old - you got old because you quit skateboarding."

Skateboarding is a unique experience that can be done alone or within a group. You will find community at its heart - in things like skateboard parks, skate shops and contests/meetups. When young and older skaters connect, intergenerational knowledge transfer creates meaning and purpose. 

It can be painful when you fall at 14, but chances are you'll walk it off. Falling at 60 can lead to a very long recovery - or worse. So yes, old skaters are in touch with their youthful side, but they shouldn't ignore physics or small rocks.

Skateboarding generates such powerful vitality residue. The skateboarder literally learns to maintain physical balance while moving forward—an embodied lesson that creates psychological resilience. 

Skateboarders often fight their parents to get new equipment when they are young. I experienced this on many occasions. But once you've got a paycheck, the financial negotiations are diminished considerably. The feelings of walking into a skate shop or visiting a skatepark for the first time are powerful and they’ve been with me for close to fifty years. Even the smell of grip tape is enough to get my senses working overtime!

The truth is however, that the numbers don’t lie. Very few people ride skateboards in their 50s. So, if you're going to be skating for decades, it is my belief that the street skateboard won't be the only type you'll want to ride. You're going to need a quiver. This could include things like pool boards, longboards, surf skates, slalom skateboards, freestyle skateboards and long distance pushing boards.  The state of your knees, ankles and other joints will most likely determine your choice of ride!

My skateboard collection of both skateboards and memorabilia is not just nostalgic stuff but a physical timeline. It’s evidence of an active and full life. For me, these physical artifacts carry vitality residue across decades. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

To put the best way I can: riding concrete waves can generate psychological ripples that support a lifetime of both resilience and joy.