To want to skateboard to work?

[CarriesBucketOfBlood]

I work in a reasonably 'cool' area, think lots of hipsters and alternative mums etc. Work doesn't have a dress code, and I don't have to commute with much (no laptop etc).

In the last week I've seen three different people skateboarding once they get off the tube. One of the men works in my building (although a different office) and for me it's a 15 minute walk. By the time I get to work I can see him sat down at his desk drinking tea and eating breakfast. I also see him whizz off to the sandwich shop for lunch. My break is shortened because of the walk to and from the shops.

AIBU or crazy to think that I could learn to skateboard like him? Obviously not learn to do tricks, just as a mode of transport? I am in my 20s, I have ok balance (I don't fall over when we go ice skating). I considered a scooter but it looks too big/ heavy to take on two trains before I really would use it.

His skateboard is quite distinctive (very bright colours) so I had a quick look on Amazon and found the brand. They are about £30-40. Would I just be wasting this money? I think I'd have time to learn, a couple of hours each weekend. The pavements near work are usually quiet enough that the skateboarding commuters can pass by easy enough.

I always cringe when I'm in the City and see adults in suits on scooters/ skateboards. It's probably different if you're in a hipster area and dressed casually though, and you are in your 20's so wouldn't look as youth-grabby.

Still, you seem to be really interested in the sport so why not get one even if you ultimately just use it for leisure? £30-40 isn't exactly a huge amount to waste if you don't enjoy it and at least you will have tried!

I'm the wrong side of 30 but they look like a hell of a lot of fun. I'd love to try one, but am over the recommended (80kg) weight limit... which is mildly depressing

I bought some roller blades for this reason. Unfortunately I had no factored in the fact I live on a 20% hill. My first foray resulted in me swan diving over my neighbour's hedge as I coudn't stop. Then on the way home it was far too steep to skate and I had to walk. So that was that. It actually took me longer to skate than walk in the end.

Ps if it makes you feel any better I am a 34 year old woman and have a BMX. I go to the skate park super early before the kids. I'm actually pretty good! and it's a great workout. People tell me I have great arms. I think it's from my secret BMXing.

I would get a second hand bike and have it just to do the commute from your last tube stop to work; so you leave it locked up outside the last tube stop.

Who gives a flying fuck if you 'look like a wolly'

It's a brilliant idea. One I've adopted myself. Couldn't give a crap who judges me, the only see me of 0.03 seconds as I speed past their walking arses .

Skateboarding sounds perfect.

Good luck.

It's much harder than it looks.

I really want to scooter to work but everyone on MN says I will look stoopid

Everyone long boards to work here, but the city it ain't. There are bye laws that rule which streets have to be board free, and you aren't allowed to use them after 11pm because of the noise pollution.
We also have people on roller-skis. And in the winter, cross country skis.
However, I am 44 and will continue to use my car.

oh skateboard WAY cooler than a scooter

They look appalling

I broke my arm skating to University. Not great in rain, either.

son skates - he has broken bits of his arm three times

Perhaps he's shit at skating.

[[http://www.pennyskateboards.com/uk/penny-backpack-pastel.html] A nice bag to carry your penny board]

www.pennyskateboards.com/uk/penny-backpack-pastel.html

Sorry!

Skateboards are OK until you turn 30

Rodney Mullen disagrees:

sadly, he is not.

and NEVER a penny board

Best get some granny shoes if you're over 30.

Why not a pennyboard? I love that you can get a bag to go with them.

My DS2 takes his everywhere with him. He hasn't been told off for skating in school, oh no. (Apparently the signs only say no skateboarding on the the stairs outside school)

DD has a much cheaper look-a-like, - she attributes this to the fact that she can't go round corners. It's all the boards fault, apparently.

Haven't read the whole thread, I'm too excited!

DO IT! you're young, more women are skateboarding these days!

I bought my longboard at 26. I'm still shit, and I don't use it much these days (live in a hilly area and currently pg) but I love it!

Don't buy a penny type board (the red one you linked) it'll be unstable and will break easily. Buy a cruiser or longboard, ask a shop to change the trucks/bushings to soften it up for turning.

Get on Facebook and look for the women's long boarding/skateboarding pages (and Cooler magazine).

Go Skateboarding day is next June.

There are also a handful of older women skaters around on Facebook. They are my inspiration. I want to learn to skate a ramp/bowl before I'm 40.

If you want something pretty, look up Hurtle skateboards.

Can I high5 chrome (having read upthread a bit). DH and I cruise the park early on a Saturday morning while DS is at a club.

The other parents give us disapproving looks!

I suppose that'll have to go on hold for a bit now though.

Look how beautiful this one is! Though it's a bit longer and probably a lot more expensive than you're looking for.

I scoot to work, saves me half an hour in time/day (or paying £10a day to park near work)

I fail to see why an adult scooting is any different from an adult cycling /playing football/etc etc

Go for it, you only live once! What have you got to lose, 30-40 pounds? You could always sell it if you don't like it. I do like the idea of asking the man downstairs for a lesson/tips/advice.

OP, life's short and you should do whatever you want.

However, I think adults on scooters and using skateboard look like try-hard cunts.