Still showing up. Still learning. Still flowing.

This is the second post in our Skateboarding Heroes series.

We started this to make space for the everyday skaters. The ones who ride for headspace, for their kids, for connection, or just because it feels good. 

If that’s you, or someone you know, email us at team@ripindustries.co.uk. We want to tell more of these stories.

 

Meet Brad

You’ll find him on Instagram :@brad_wheeler_skate.

He first got hooked in Year 9, right when Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater took over every living room. That era stuck hard. Soundtrack in his ears, oversized D3s on his feet, copying tricks in the car park that he’d just pulled off on screen.

“We spent just as much time skating as we did playing the game. Probably more.”

It didn’t last. Tricks didn’t click, and when you’re 14, that’s usually that. He veered off into blades, BMX, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking. Built a business. Raised a family.

But the board never really left. It just waited.

Getting Back on the Board

It started with scooters. His boys, three and six, tearing around the park while Brad stood on the sidelines, arms folded. Weekend after weekend.

Then it clicked.

“I realised I didn’t have to just watch. I could be part of it.”

Two weeks later the board showed up. He stepped on and pushed. Simple as that.

“It dawned on me five years after my eldest was born that I could be joining in.”

No pressure. No tricks to chase. Just movement 

What He Rides

Brad’s setup is part function, part throwback.

Here’s the full build:

• Deck: 8.5” Santa Cruz Dot Logo (custom painted with a white line)
• Trucks: Bullet
• Wheels: Spitfire Radial Full 59mm
• Bearings: Bones Swiss
• Grip: MOB
• Bushings: Independent Super Hard
• Extras: Rails and Seismic skid plate
• Shoes: DC Command 2025s

“Mega wide riding surface, proper feel underfoot.”

His Local Scene

Brad’s local is Harlow Town Park. Bit of everything there. Street, transition, and a metal coping bowl he rates pretty highly.

He’s also into Ware Priory Park. Good spot for skating with the  kids. Low-key, no pressure.

When everyone’s up for it, they head out to Oxhey Park in Watford.

“Our best days start early so we can have some time before it gets busy.”

Skating and Mental Health

Brad’s not in it for status. He skates for peace.

“Getting outside onto the board again has given me a fresh feeling of being active and thrill seeking.”

Life stacked up. Work, pressure, parenting. The usual grind. Skating didn’t help him escape — it brought him back.

“It gives me a break from the business to focus on myself. It’s time that’s mine.”

There’s no inbox. No noise.

“There’s just the park and the flow. Everything else drifts away.”

When Life

“I struggle with keeping my cool and not letting stress take over.”

Brad doesn’t front. He knows it gets heavy, and he says it straight. Skating’s part of the reset now.

“Even ten minutes on the curb or a session with the boys helps.”

It’s not about perfection. Just showing up.

“Progression gives me something to look forward to. There’s no pressure with it. Just me and the board.”

Learning at 38

He’s not aiming to be a pro. He’s aiming to stay consistent.

Right now, he’s learning to carve the bowl, frontside and backside, and build up to coping height. Roll-ins still mess with his head, but he’s working on it.

“It’s not about being good. It’s about staying with it.”

What’s Changed Since Back in the Day

“Everyone I’ve met, no matter what they ride, has been mega friendly.”

The scene has shifted. More scooters now, but the energy is welcoming. His kids look up to everyone riding, no matter the wheels.

He’s also noticed the evolution of skateparks. Better layouts. More concrete. Bigger communities.

“Skateparks are a really important part of the sport. Councils should be building more.”

Advice for Late Starters

Brad knows how it feels to start again. The nerves. The aches.

Wondering if you’ve missed the boat.

“If you think you’re too old, go online. There are so many skaters in their thirties, forties, fifties and beyond.”

He’s seen it first-hand. Older heads picking it up for the first time or dusting off a board after decades. No egos, just good energy.

“Wear pads. Ask questions. Take your time. Everyone I’ve met has been sound.”

Skating can look like a solo thing, but it isn’t. Not really.

”There’s a crew out there. You’re not on your own.”

Why He Keeps Turning Up

“I see this as a ten-year deal with myself.”

He’s not skating for clips or likes. He’s doing it for the long game. To stay active. To connect with his kids. To keep turning up.

“If I keep turning up, that’s enough.”

What Skating Means Now

“Skateboarding for me means connection.”

Connection to his boys. Connection to his body. Connection to community. Whether that’s in person or online.

“If you’re reading this, message me. Say hello. That’s what it’s all about.”

Instagram: @brad_wheeler_skate.

Still Pushing

 

Brad’s not chasing recognition. He’s chasing flow.

And that’s exactly what this series is about.

Real people. Honest stories. No hype.

Just movement that matters.

If that’s your story too, get in touch at team@ripindustries.co.uk

In support of @thecalmzone