Skateboarding can be a challenging activity, and it doesn’t necessarily get easier as we get older. The falls can hurt more, the skate crew might shrink due to other commitments, and there can sometimes be a sense of existential crisis when you find yourself as the older person at the skatepark, surrounded by younger kids on scooters. However, inspiration can be found in unexpected places, like the Instagram account @brittle_bonesbrigade. This account, managed by Josh Sigler, offers a glimpse into the lives of a group of adult beginner skaters in Birmingham, Alabama, who are navigating the world of skateboarding in their 30s and 40s. Their journey is a reminder that skateboarding isn’t solely about mastering the most difficult tricks; it’s also about having fun and finding a community.
Brittle Bones Brigade Header
We connected with Josh and a few members of the Brittle Bones Brigade to delve into their skateboarding origins, their memorable moments, both good and bad, on the board, and what keeps them motivated to progress.
JOSH SIGLER — Founder
31, Birmingham, AL
How did The Brittle Bones Brigade start?
Last year, Birmingham welcomed its very first skatepark, generating a lot of excitement. During the lead-up to the opening, Faith Skate, our local skate shop, hosted an anonymous “Ask Me Anything” session on Instagram. Someone asked, “I’m in my 40s and want to start skating. Is it too late?” I immediately messaged the shop and said, “Send that person my way.”
Since the thread was anonymous, Faith Skate couldn’t identify the person, so they shared my Instagram handle and said, “If you’re a beginner, reach out to Josh!” To my surprise, several people contacted me, and soon we had a group of four or five people skating together in parking lots.
Once the skatepark opened, we decided to make it a regular weekly meet-up and named ourselves the Brittle Bones Brigade. After a couple of posts went viral, our group continued to expand.
What was it like going to the skatepark for the first time as an adult beginner?
I never would have gone to the park on my own. I would sometimes drive by, trying to build up the courage, but then I’d see experienced skaters. I think the biggest fear for most beginners is that they’ll get in everyone’s way.
Luckily, when I lived in Memphis, a coworker who saw me riding my board to work invited me to join him at the park. I was still a bit intimidated, but he suggested we go early before it got crowded. He never tried to formally teach me or force me to do things his way. He simply answered my questions, encouraged me when I doubted myself, and celebrated my wins as much as I did. I think that’s all people need to feel welcome at the skatepark.
Brittle Bones Josh
Do you ever feel like a poser at the skatepark?
In five years, no one at the park has ever said anything negative about my skill level. It’s online where you sometimes have to worry about that. Fortunately, 99% of the time, people are kind and supportive towards true beginners who are skating with us.
When people call me a poser, they usually mean they’re better than me, which isn’t saying much. I know I’m not very good and I never will be, but I still love it, and it still means something to me. I believe the term “poser” only holds as much power as you allow it to. If you’re pretending to be better than you are or claiming to do things you can’t, then maybe you are a poser.
Have any pros or notable figures in the skate industry contacted you about your project?
We were at our regular Wednesday meet-up when we saw that Tony Hawk had liked one of our posts. We freaked out like little kids on Christmas. I mean, it’s Tony Hawk!
Daewon Song has liked and commented on several of our videos and seems to be following us, which is unbelievable to me as he’s one of my all-time favorite skaters. The guys from Braille have also been incredibly supportive from the start. We’ve also partnered with OC Ramps, which has been great since my backyard ramp is one of their kits and appears in many of our videos.
How has the Brittle Bones Brigade been received by the local skate community in Birmingham?
One of my main goals for Brittle Bones is to not stay isolated in our corner of the park. I want to connect with the rest of the skateboarding community in any way possible. We’ve tried to contribute to builds and use our platform to promote local events, and I think the community has appreciated that.
What advice would you give to people who want to start their own skate group at their local park?
We all have jobs, kids, and responsibilities. It’s unrealistic to expect everyone to be there every single week. If you can learn not to stress about how many people show up each week, you’ll enjoy it a lot more. Some weeks you might have three people, and the next you might have fifteen. I love the unpredictability of who will show up on Wednesday nights!
Also, rely on your local skate shop if you can. We wouldn’t exist without Faith Skate.
FRANK DALEY — Member
31, Birmingham, AL
Can you recall your first experience with skateboarding?
I remember trying to skateboard with kids in my neighborhood when I was around seven or eight, but I never really got the hang of it. Then the Razor scooter became popular, and I quickly switched to that, leaving my skateboarding days behind. However, after Tony Hawk Pro Skater came out, I was completely immersed in the virtual world of skateboarding, just not the physical one.
What made you get back into skating?
Josh and I have been friends for over 10 years, and last year I simply wanted to spend more time with him, so I decided to start skating with him. As we started meeting up regularly, more friends wanted to join, and that turned into what it is now! It’s become a highlight of my year, and I didn’t believe that simply wanting to hang out with my friend would lead to this.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of learning to skateboard?
The most rewarding part has been stepping outside of my comfort zone while skating. As an adult, routine can take over, and I never want to stop trying new things. With work and everything else, it can be difficult to find activities that truly make you happy.
What was it like going to the skatepark for the first time as an adult beginner?
I 1000% felt like a poser. It took me back to middle school, like a dorky teenager. But once I realized that everyone was just focused on skating and didn’t care about my skill level, I got over myself.
What advice would you give to people looking to start or continue skating in their 30s and beyond?
Don’t be afraid to have fun. Be willing to be bad at something. As an adult, it’s easy to avoid activities you’re not immediately good at. Remember as a kid, you were bad at everything you tried, but you still persevered?
That’s what it’s about: try new things, be bad at them for a while, and enjoy the journey of slowly getting better.
Brittle Bones Frank
RYAN HART — Member
43, Birmingham, AL
How was it going to the skatepark for the first time as an adult beginner?
It was intimidating to actually be there in person. Everything looked much smaller online.
What are your best and worst moments while skating?
My best moments so far were skating with my family when my kids were younger and wanted to try it, and then meeting up with Josh and Frank a few years later when I wanted to try it again on my own.
My worst moment was breaking my tailbone trying to skate a curb when I was a kid.
What advice would you give to people looking to start or continue skating in their 30s and beyond?
Go for it. If you’re worried about injuries, get a helmet and some pads, and don’t push yourself too hard. Focus on progress over time.
What’s your favorite recovery method?
A hot shower, ibuprofen, and bourbon & coke.
What advice would you give to people that are looking to start their own “chapter” at their local park?
Josh’s willingness to invite anyone who wanted to meet up is what sparked my interest. My advice is to take the chance, be friendly, and don’t worry about what people think about you or your skill level.
Brittle Bones Ryan
KAYLA MAZERAC — Member
35, Nashville, TN
Can you recall your first experience with skateboarding?
My first exposure to skateboarding was seeing it on TV in the 90s, mostly because I grew up in rural Alabama. I thought it was cool, but I didn’t see it as something I could do.
Then, a little over two years ago, I quietly bought my first board from Zumiez. I went to the skatepark at around 7 AM almost every day, just pushing around and trying things. My passion for all things skateboarding has grown more than I thought possible.
What are your best and worst moments while skating?
The worst moment was slipping and fracturing my skull. It was incredibly scary.
The best moment was definitely attending Skate Like A Girl’s WT skate camp for adults last year. I made more friends in a week than in the previous ten years. I progressed a lot, and I got to skate with some of my favorite pros.
How was it going to the skatepark for the first time as an adult beginner?
Scary. It was a new environment with only one learning tool: falling. I was intimidated and suffering from major imposter syndrome, but the thrill of being there with my board motivated me to keep going. It felt like the first day at a new school – scary but full of opportunities.
Do you watch skate videos? How interested are you in skate history?
I love Elissa Steamer’s style, and I love watching anything she’s in. Gassed Up has been on repeat. Credits by Vans, Ruining Skateboarding…the list goes on.
I also saw a premiere of a new film called Skate Dream which showcases the rise of women’s pro skateboarding. I’m interested in the history of skateboarding, but I’m equally interested in its future.
What advice do you have for people looking to start or continue skating in their 30s and beyond?
First, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. There are a million reasons not to do something, but you only need one reason to go for it. Skating motivates me to take better care of my body, which is crucial for being able to do it for as long as I want.
Find friends to skate with, who are at least somewhat close to you in age. If you think there is nobody, look harder. Remember to have fun and not take yourself too seriously — too much pressure will only lead to burnout.
Brittle Bones Kayla
The Brittle Bones Brigade demonstrates that skateboarding is not just a young person’s game. It’s about community, personal growth, and the joy of learning new things, no matter your age. This group’s story is an inspiration to anyone thinking about picking up a board or returning to skateboarding after some time away. They remind us that it’s never too late to start, and the journey is just as important as the destination. So, if you’ve been hesitant to hit the skatepark, maybe now’s the time to give it a try. You might just find your own Brittle Bones Brigade along the way.
