Is it weird for an adult to still skateboard?

The Perception of Skateboarding

You know, I wouldn't normally find myself hunched over my laptop at midnight jotting down what many could consider an existential conundrum. But here I am, Kieran from Melbourne, ready to unmask the often controversial subject touching the hearts, and wheels, of many: "Is it weird for an adult to still skateboard?" Believe me when I tell you this isn't your typical discourse on adult skateboarding; we're submerging ourselves deep into the fiber of the question without a care for outdated social constructs.

We roll on to the perception of skateboarding, and it would be remiss of me not to admit that society generally paints a youthful image of this sport. There's lingering notion that skateboarding is quite literally child's play, a misplaced piece in the jigsaw of a mature being. However, as I'm about to expound, this perception is not only skewed, it's reductionist and pretty off the mark.

It's crucial to underscore that savoring an activity is not bound by the hands of the clock. Even though our society attempts to enforce that harsh chronological scaffolding upon us, it's not always beneficial nor productive. Who decided that mac and cheese is a kiddie meal? Who dictated that bedtime stories are just for sub-eight-year-olds? And more to our point, who skewed our view of skateboarding so much that adulthood and plastic wheels are considered incompatible? While we contemplate these questions, let's journey on.

The Skateboarding Community

The skateboarding community, contrary to popular belief, is a tapestry of diverse ages. Just step out to any skate park - you're sure to spot a decent proportion of adults owning the ramps. While the quintessential image of a skater is rooted in the rebel without a cause archetype fraternizing with teens, the reality is much more inclusive. We're seeing adults, graced with multiple decades of life, defying gravity and stereotypes much to the chagrin of societal expectations.

Furthermore, this sense of community transcending age barriers provides an adult skateboarder with a unique and fulfilling social circle. The shared interest offers chances for unique interactions and social engagements, an advantage that one may not find in more conventional adult hobbies. They say laughter is the best medicine, but I'm pretty sure sharing 360 flip successes and wipe-out stories at the local skate park is a pretty close second.

Health Benefits

Because skateboarding is often entwined with the image of a reckless teen, many overlook its health benefits. As a cardiovascular activity, it's a dynamic alternative for the treadmill-jaded individuals. It pulls in muscle groups you didn't even know existed, making it an all-around body workout. If you're someone who finds the conventional gym an arduous road to health, then SK-8 might just be your ticket to fitness.

Supporting this skateboarding allure is the mental health value it presents. Ask any board rider and they'll extol the virtues of the liberation that comes with it. The act of engaging with your surroundings, focusing on the tricks, and being 'in the moment' can be immensely therapeutic. It’s a form of moving meditation that can bolster one's mental well-being. Adulthood amplifies stress; isn’t it wise then to have a hobby that not only elevates your pulse but your spirit too?

A Journey Back in Time

Adulthood often comes with an encumbering luggage of responsibilities and pressures. Sometimes, it's wholesome to kick off the work shoes, pick up a skateboard, and transport one's self to less complicated times. Often we seek escapism through movies or books, but there's a raw simplicity in physically reliving our youthful indulgences, a simplistic beauty that perhaps a Turner Prize photograph could never encapsulate.

The essence of skateboarding, much like other forms of 'play', consistently maintains an undertone of freedom and rebellion against the monotony of life. In the adult world of mortgages, deadlines, and myriad worries, a skateboard can serve as a chalky reminder of simpler, carefree days. Add to that, being in your prime shouldn't imply sacrificing fun, should it? As an adult skateboarder, each ride is not just an adrenaline rush - it's a celebration of vitality, of breaking age barriers, and cherishing one's youthfulness.

Conclusion—The Wheel doesn’t Stop Rolling

From my vantage point, Is it really that weird for an adult to skateboard? Absolutely not! If anything, it's an embodiment of celebrating life, of valuing health, and relishing community. So, grown-ups, if you've ever toyed with the idea of picking up a skateboard, don't let staid societal norms curb your enthusiasm. Besides, life's too short for limiting ourselves based on a number. And who knows, you might see me, Kieran, whizzing past you in Melbourne's skate parks, offering a thumbs-up in solidarity. See you on the ramps!