Getting sober is like a fish eye lense - you see more. Three great things about this whole experience Chad 1) others can learn from your experience and not repeat the same mistakes 2) they will listen to you because you inspire people and 3) you found skating again and a way to share it with more people than ever before. You’re a legend mate
That’s so good , I’m 48 clean and sober 13 years . Always surfed and started skating again with my young son now I’m hooked . I want to surf and skate as long as possible.
BRO. Going on 3 years now TOO! No smoking or drinking. Skating every day now for over a year like I used to when I was 20. Skateboarding/Art/Music/Family/Gaming is all more exciting now and I love being 100% present for all of them :) #straightedgeforlife
Hey man glad you're enjoying life more now! Just a quick question, when you say sober, do you mean no alcohol AT ALL, or do you sometimes have a beer or two, but without getting drunk ?
Im a recovering heroin addict about 1 year clean. Im 30 and enjoy the challege of skating. Also I guess I am a sucker for being at the veil. The suspense of fucking myself up but also seeing progress with my skating is really attractive. Congrats on your sobriety and I appreciate your voice. God Bless!
100 days sober today from heroin. I watch your videos periodically throughout the week and skate everyday before or after work. Learning most my tricks from your channel at the Nashua NH mini ramp. Inspirational especially because I didn't know you were in sobriety until now. I've had alot of experience with recovery and after a decade of treatments and different relapses, I'm still the point where this feels like the path I'm supposed to be on. No regrets, only progression and growth. Thanks for being open about it, helps others who are "ashamed" know that its okay. We all learn one way or another, I'm just grateful to be alive today. 🙏
Good job comrade ! I was on a 2 year sobriety but i fucked up and got drunk so gotta reset that shit. ( i'm 28 and started when i was 12 ) No big deal. If there's people out there struggling with being sober, know that it's ok to relapse or fuck up once in a while. Drinking has been a big part of your life, it's crazy to think you can get out of it like that, it's a fight. Stay strong, keep skating, doing what makes you feel good and keep yourself away from the product. One love!
thanks for the video brother. I was the exact same, got into partying real hard, quit skating, became a real addict for years(thought people that didn't drink were morons), got the DUI went to jail 7 times over the limit - I literally had blood flowing in my alcohol bro. HUGE lawyer fees and still got the criminal record. Eventually met a lady and had a kid and that changed it for me. Getting back on the board now in my 30's when i never thought i would ever get on a board again. 3 years sober too! Thanks for sharing brother homie!
Addiction is the most patient thing in the world. It’ll hide for years just waiting for the right moment. Proud of u bro! I just made it a little over three months. I’ve had 3 DWIs in the past five years, got into coke really bad, etc. skating is helping a lot and I graduate treatment today actually can’t believe it
I'm considering getting sober and just the thought of it is terrifying. It seems like an impossibility at this point but I've been looking back over the past few years and realizing it's just a huge blur and I'm missing out on so much. Good luck to everyone out there in the same situation!
Best of luck, do your best but don’t overburden yourself, it’s nearly impossible to undo years of habit in a day of motivation, if you convince yourself that that’s how it is, sobriety will appear to be an unclimbable cliff-face rather than a steep hike
I feel you man, I have just over 27 months clean from a 12 yr long heroin addiction. Every day is a struggle but every day that I wake up clean and go to bed clean is a victory in my book. I lost way to many friends to addiction so I salute you man. Congratulations to you on your sobriety it's not an easy accomplishment.
Best video you've done, Chad. Thanks for sharing your story. If just one young skater chooses a healthy path after watching this,, you'll have made a huge difference.
Chad.... I want to thank you for taking the time to record this video. There are many fans of yours that are no doubt struggling with addiction. I'm proud of you dude. I'm proud of you for accepting responsibility for your own life and more importantly, for realizing that you deserved the life you have now. God damn my man. Very proud of you.
Loved your observation of waiting for opportunity vs starting something today, embodying the change, and seeing that people then want to be a part of it. This is the truest realization. Your self awareness and combo of introspection with guts and drive is super rare.
Love this video so much. Come back to it often. The piece about accountability and waiting for things to just happen for you is so relatable and something I have felt but have never been able to articulate as well as you did. Keep it up man, I am on that path too.
Hey Chad, im 25, just picking up skating again after many years because of your videos. I'm really inspired by you cuz ur an "older dude" (respectfully) and still crushing it. I wanna be like you when I'm you're age. but after hearing your story man, I really relate. i just like want you to know that you're doing some good shit here. like being so open and honest is truly inspiring. I'm heavily dependent on weed and this video is just giving me lots of energy to stop. Much appreciation for what you're doing man.
hey man. epic weirdness here. I'm going thru it rn. still not sober but this video just popped up on my recommended videos.. I thought it was a new upload so I was like, SICK! So i watched the whole thing again, only then realizing it's the same video i saw while I was going thru CHS in 2020. I think this video needed to find it's way back to me... or the youtube algorithm genuinely cares about my well being.. lol im joking but just wanted to drop this here cuz ur still inspiring me everyday man. Keep at it, much love!
This is so inspiring to anybody who finds themselves at the bottom of life, stuck in an addiction with no way out. It can get better, just take the first step. Thanks Chad, you’re a great guy.
I think your comments on “becoming someone or something that others want to be a part of” is so useful even to people who haven’t gone through a period of addiction. It’s just plain old good advice. Keep shreddinn
good job on explaining your story to these youngsters out here , it's very dangerous to go down that path. been there before , cut down 98% of drinking.
Dude, I had no idea and I have been watching your vids for a couple of years now. First off, congrats on three years. I have recently cut back on drinking significantly as I'm borderline diabetic. This is inspiring brotha!
Thanks for sharing man. I started skating again recently and your miniramp videos helped me get back into it, after not even a week I had like 15 tricks down and I took a 10 year break from skating.
Thank you for this video, I am18 and going clean from smoking, and then I drank twice this week for no reason, even lying to my girlfriend about it. I realized right there that there was a problem. Growing up in Florida where drinking and smoking are so encouraged really made me think these couldn’t be bad things, but now I know. My path really starts today, and I won’t lose any more time this way anymore. What you said about no longer skating, but instead just talking about skating was chilling to me, that’s what I’m seeing happen with my friends already- we’ll just talk about the past. This video was encouraging because I know that if I don’t stop now, my life is going to be focused on what could have been. Thank you again chad.
I just want to say congratulations! I’ve been clean for almost 8 months I fought Opiate and benzo addiction it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I wish I had a way to share my stories to help people wish I could show every addict how much more amazing life is with out drugs and alcohol. There’s so much more living to be done and when your in your Addiction you can’t see that. My names Marc thank u for ur videos
I am 6moths sober an I started back skating an built an 3foot mini in my back yard I am thankful and am a better man an person Sober!!! Thank you for your videos your awesome my brother!!
I can relate to your story Chad from tearing my mcl up to drinking and driving on a regular basis. I too felt like a miracle that I never got into a serious accident. Our young brains make the worse decisions when trying to please others rather than thinking logically and taking care of ourselves first. It’s like searching for some sort of acceptance from “friends”. Everyone at that age is trying to figure it out so so I understand and it becomes a mess when we are all together. Many will eventually realize that surrounding ourselves with good people will minimize unnecessary drama and help us grow as people. Clear your mind and stay disciplined with the help of skateboarding, Cheers.
Wow dude thank you for sharing your story! I have a very similar one with 2 DUIs in my 20's. Now in my 30's I'm trying to start skateboarding again after a 10+ year hiatus. I stumbled on your channel and am almost half way through your 50 states series and really enjoying it. You're a huge inspiration, your genuine passion for skateboarding and life are apparent in your content. I just wanted to drop this comment to say THANK YOU for doing what you're doing, and that you're making a difference in my life- and just now learning about your struggles with alcohol made me relate to you even more (I'm still struggling). Stay strong and stay you.
Thanks for sharing man. A lot of times God will allow us hit the bottom to make us realize we need him. I’m proud of you man, very inspirational. I’ll be praying that you will continue in stride.
Awesome. Great experience to share with people. I didn't stop having a drink but when I started skateboarding I stopped "drinking." It wasn't a purposeful decision. I just had less time as I was getting into skating. Additionally I drink cheap beer. I was spend more in Uber and Lyft than I was at a bar. So I stopped going out and used that time to skate. At the same time I offered to drop of my friends on the way to the park and pick them up on the way back. I still have a beer but I no longer go out to drink. Drinking is no longer the activity it is a beverage.
Always inspiring to hear about sobriety of others thank you Chad. I've been sober about 7 and half years now and the lessons never stop coming. A huge realization was that everything is my fault therefore it's up to me to fix it not wait on others or things to just happen, also after this long sober achieving goals becomes the norm rather then a dream.
Damn dude it’s crazy how you’ve turned your life around. It takes a lot to be vulnerable in sharing a story like this too. So I just have a lot of respect for you. Thanks for sharing this.
Hi Chad, I was curious to watch this video, I was wondering what kind of dark skate stuff you have to share with us and finally I realized that this video is not about skateboarding at all. I can say that I didn’t imagine you had so many troubles in the past and I am even more happy to see how good you are at skateboarding and also teaching tricks and tips knowing the difficulties you have faced. Congratulations, I am a 1 years skateboarder, I have begun the skateboard too late but I like it and really appreciate the way you explain every tips. I am French so you can imagine how far your work is travelling thanks to the effort that you put in TH-cam. I just want to say thank you, I am learning skateboarding, English practicing every time I am watching videos and now human life tips. Big up and keep going this way, your videos are really useful. Merci l’ami ! 🤙🏼
Thanks for sharing your story! I just started skating again after taking 10+ years off. I like to drink beer but don’t like to get messed up. However, I’ve noticed that my skating is way better when I’m ready to go and recharge. Always have the worst skating after nights of drinking. For that reason I’ve been trying to decrease my drinking and hopefully quit one day. Thanks for your inspiration, always a fan of your content.
i feel like high schools need to hire you to give some talks. i remember my high school gave a talk about DUI and (in CA it's called DUI) and as a teenager I was "sorta" spooked. but honestly i didn't relate to the guy AT ALL. nobody did. but I feel like you could really relate to today's youth and make a difference. you're a rad human being chad. f'ing a. mad respect! thank you for all you do.
Respect bro well done. First you inspired me to learn transition after like 20 years of being street only and now you are starting to make me want to be a better human too.
I'm going through the same thing right now. Over three months sober, found skating again a year and a half ago and things have never been better! Trying to skate everyday if possible and staying healthy! You're an inspiration Chad!
Thanks for sharing your story. I'm in my 3rd month of sobriety and am trying to find that passion again. This video was a nice little uplifting video for me this morning.
I had no idea. I've been watching your videos for a while and really like them a lot even though I haven't skated for about 30 years. Anyway, 4 years sober here and life has never been better.
I really like your message, especially about how we each have the power to shape our own lives. Noone is going to step in and hand us what we are looking for just because we think we deserve it or just because we are lucky. We have to make positive and active choices for ourselves to put ourselves out there. Thank you for this reminder.
Chad, I just found your channel and subscribed. Powerful message here, you are so brave and deserve all the good that's flowering from your efforts. I watched your most recent videos and learned you now have a knee surgery coming up and you're still going hard. That's awesome, and don't worry you've made plenty of content already that I as a new subscriber will enjoy while you recover from surgery. Thanks for your honesty and sharing knowledge on this platform. Keep at it.
Hey man, im 31 and 4 months sober today. I started watching your videos because I picked up skating again in my sobriety. I saw 33yr old learn to hard flip and thought, "thats going to be me". Its really awesome to find something like this so randomly. Keep it up brother. Your an inspiration ✊🤟👏🙏
All addictions are generally the same, u do smth not for yourself but for something unnecessary which is feels necessary, and I can sign under every your word. Man I feel u, I quitted psychedelics and abusing weed which has developed in destructive relations. Now Imma not always sober but smokin only a bit, not to get buzz, never alone and with absolute conscious. I absolutely agree a fact that when u quit u facing 2 roads - to reforge urself back or to avoid it with a substanse again. Big up to u and to all folks I cannot advise to never start coz there will always be let's say forbidden things that u'll want to try but stay aware and responsible. If u lose at least 1 of these 2 things, awareness and responsibility - it is a signal that u losing urself in a substance. Thanks for a video!
Thank you for sharing your story. I started skating and surfing at age 5 and then got into skating later on in earnest by 13. By the age of 19-20 I had stopped skating for various reasons (like being moved around too much). and started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Drugs and Alcohol are there to destroy everything good that we once possessed. Now, at age 47, I have finally returned to the one true thing I have always loved and the thing that had always brought me peace: Skateboarding. I have multiple leg injuries that never perfectly healed now, I wake up every morning in pain, and I suck. And I don't care. Even though I dont do it anymore, I have always been a surfer, and I have always been a skater, despite all the lost and wasted years…… Because its in my blood. God bless you for having the courage to share your story. Thank you
Proud of you 👏 proud of all of you. Sounds all too familiar. It’s unfortunate it takes us to hit rock bottom before we pick ourselves up but all that matters is that we do. I’m thankful for the opportunity because it could of easily went the other direction.
I'm super glad for you that you were able to overcome your addiction. That says a lot about the type of person you are. Keep it up, brother. I'm pulling for you.
Bravo buddy.. bravo 👏. As a fellow alcoholic myself, on my third run with sobriety (7 months so far), I can relate to and understand your story deeply. What it’s like to be in it, the denial, continuing to drink regardless of the negative impact on everything in your life- hitting rock bottom. That feeling when it just hits you, that realization that you HAVE to change. When I first decided enough was enough, I cried- I balled my eyes out every time I thought about it... it broke me down harder than getting a divorce after ten years and two children.. I’ve had my few relapses, those one nighter where you just go “wtf happened..?!” and I restart my sober clock.. Standing up and talking about sobriety is HUGE bud, sometimes it’s difficult and wears you down mentally, sometimes getting it out there and sharing feels great, teaching others about addiction and how to avoid it.. or that one person down the road when they have their “epiphany” moment.. they think of that time you told your story and they reach out for help beginning their recovery. This time around I’m doing things differently than before. I teach soldiers about substance abuse, how it starts- the spiraling path it takes you down.. the effects on not just your own life but all those around you, I even get into some of the science about the effects on the brain now that I’m getting more comfortable with it. And like you said Chad, getting back into the things you used to love. I went downtown to attend an AA meeting last weekend, long story short I never found the group in the busy ten acre park.. BUT, what I did find was a skatepark, and I watched kids skating from beginners to lookin like a young Ryan Sheckler out there. It’s been ten years now since I last stepped on a board, but I went online that afternoon and ordered a complete from skatewarehouse (and a helmet and knee pads since I’m not so young and resilient anymore lol). That skate park shall become my new safe zone, my sober place, my distraction from alcohol all while enjoying something that for nearly ten years of my life I was doing constantly, every day, SKATING. Thank you Chad for sharing your accomplishments with all of us, see you out there!! -Mike A.
Love you, Chad! Keep up the good work, your videos have inspired me beyond belief and the skills I have gotten on miniramp after getting back to skateboarding is largely thanks to you and your resilience. Looking forward to all your future videos!
Thank you for sharing your story. Going sober is incredibly hard, I've never managed it. As someone going through a rough period of my life I feel the time is coming though. Problem is as soon as I feel stressed or upset I start thinking about drinking.
I know so many people in denial from marijuana addiction and i myself had to put it down for about half a year to get things in perspective. Drugs let us tune out of reality which is great in moderation, but make it a constant thing and youll start to see your life fly right by you
Awesome story man. I'm getting back into skating after 20 years and really it's all due to sobriety. It seems that when I'm at the skatepark, I think all the older dudes skating are also sober. IDK, maybe not but I def wouldn't be out there if I wasn't. Again thank you. I love all your videos, I've gotten so many great tips and inspiration. Peace!
Thanks for the video! I'm currently getting out of drinking myself and back into skating for the first time in probably 13ish years. It is truly amazing what you can discover about yourself whenever you just put the bottle down. Thank you for your awesome channel!
its Interesting to hear peoples stories like this so thanks for sharing, I think what you went through was part of growing up, I don't mean growing up from a kid but there's this extra stage that people don't talk about between your 20's and 30's where perspective on life kicks in and you start to realise things that are important to you beyond just partying which is a lot of people's focus between the time they leave school and their 30's. Drinking definitely has a big impact on our thoughts and behavior, I don't drink much anymore because the days afterwards my mind is fogged, not just with a hangover but with a slight depression and inability to think straight which then stops me being able to do the things i love to do. Since i started skating again 2 years ago I realised i cant skate if I drink, i love skating so much that i just dont drink anymore. Anyway keep doing what you are doing i think you've found yourself and your passion and you are doing a great thing here 👊
Been struggling with alcohol for the last 20 years. It is a slow build for sure. My blackouts were occurring more frequently, more suddenly, and with less alcohol. During those blackouts I was putting myself in extremely dangerous situations. I'm sober 9 months now. I'm in the best shape of my life, best financial position, my relationships are better, my memory has improved, I'm smarter (as I always knew I was) and my ability to commit to goals in the long term has improved dramatically. Best decision, by far, I've ever made!
I'm glad you got outta that man.. i lost two of my favorite uncles and my dad.. they were all victims of alcoholism... boozing is overrated and life is much better without it..#LIVELIFE #LOVELIFE
Thanks for sharing this very very personal thing. It takes a lot of courage to be so open about yourself. In a way, you can consider yourself to be a very lucky person. Not many people are willing or able to evaluate their own behaviour, face their faults or weaknesses, and thereby learn. Leave alone people who are struggling with alcohol. When alcohol becomes an addiction, it becomes almost impossible to face the problem - the problem is simply denied, and all the resulting trouble is due to other causes. You faced yourself, and managed to change. You were lucky that you were able to do that. But in a way, you can even be lucky that all this happened to you, because it made you a wise man. Of course, you must be given credit too. You made the change, you made it happen. Be proud of that. I have dealt for over 10 years with someone who could not make the change. I was almost going down together while trying to fix, save and solve problems which just kept coming and coming. Then i started skating, and it made me understand that i needed to change. I had to stop trying to solve someone else's problem, and focus on my own life. On what i want to do, on what makes me happy. Just like you explain. Once more, thanks a lot for this revelation.
All the cred for posting a really open and honest video that has a lot of value for a lot of people in it. Your story encourages others! You do a really great job man. Been following since you had 700 followers! Congrats to a awesome channel with a lot of value for us viewers ❤️❤️❤️
Great work. Drank for about 10 years. Haven't drank for about 8 now. Hard but feel 100% better for it. Drink driving not good though! I did it and crashed and broke my leg. No one else was hurt. You were lucky mate. But do know where you coming from! Well done for getting out of it. Great stuff!
Congrats on staying sober and appreciate you having courage to tell your story. Selfishly, I'm also happy you are sober bc I enjoy watching your videos and watching you skate. Motivates me to get out and hop on a board. Keep on, keeping on!
Much appreciation Didn't know about your clean time and watch almost all your uploads Just made 5 months myself Congrats man Maybe I'll catch you out here in Nassau at the park sometime
Thanks for sharing Chad. I’m so glad you got sober as I’ve learnt loads from you. You’re a gifted teacher and explain things really clearly. Another talent!
Love the Puerto Rico board! Blessings from "la Isla del Encanto" my friend. I've been watching your Mini ramp tips for a while and they've been very handy. Keep rippin'!
I love the outlook. Regardless of the vice, they all accomplish the same thing: distract you from yourself. It takes a lot of guts to be open to that part of yourself. Congrats on 3 years, it’s very inspiring!
Thank you for sharing that.. I am sober since 2010, but after that I do many stupid and dangerous things.. Now when I look people drinking until doing shit, i try to help us, because I know that Nightmare is. Thank you for that video, I hope that help people.. You’re a good person!
![ILLSLICK X YOUNGOHM - We're The same [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yUJNkobYR0E/mqdefault.jpg)
dude as i hear you talk your life is just like mine im going to get sober TODAY. thanks man i needed to hear this.
How is it going man?
Hope ur pushing through man
Its a decision you have to keep making. Some days its moment to moment, but it gets better. Keep trying, you got this bud.
Keep pushing man.
4 months later: how's it going, Daniel? Hope you kept at it.
Getting sober is like a fish eye lense - you see more. Three great things about this whole experience Chad 1) others can learn from your experience and not repeat the same mistakes 2) they will listen to you because you inspire people and 3) you found skating again and a way to share it with more people than ever before. You’re a legend mate
When you quit a addiction you grow up fast, 30 years for me that's why I can still skate and surf most everyday at 62 years of age.
That’s so good , I’m 48 clean and sober 13 years . Always surfed and started skating again with my young son now I’m hooked . I want to surf and skate as long as possible.
@@surfman72 and get into bikes mate .
BRO. Going on 3 years now TOO! No smoking or drinking. Skating every day now for over a year like I used to when I was 20. Skateboarding/Art/Music/Family/Gaming is all more exciting now and I love being 100% present for all of them :) #straightedgeforlife
Hey man glad you're enjoying life more now! Just a quick question, when you say sober, do you mean no alcohol AT ALL, or do you sometimes have a beer or two, but without getting drunk ?
I do feel like my next high is sobriety
think it just helps to not feel so alone
It’s awesome seeing other people who are sober in the skate scene, I’ll have 9yrs this December. Thanks for this !
Im a recovering heroin addict about 1 year clean. Im 30 and enjoy the challege of skating. Also I guess I am a sucker for being at the veil. The suspense of fucking myself up but also seeing progress with my skating is really attractive. Congrats on your sobriety and I appreciate your voice. God Bless!
100 days sober today from heroin. I watch your videos periodically throughout the week and skate everyday before or after work. Learning most my tricks from your channel at the Nashua NH mini ramp. Inspirational especially because I didn't know you were in sobriety until now. I've had alot of experience with recovery and after a decade of treatments and different relapses, I'm still the point where this feels like the path I'm supposed to be on. No regrets, only progression and growth. Thanks for being open about it, helps others who are "ashamed" know that its okay. We all learn one way or another, I'm just grateful to be alive today. 🙏
Good job comrade !
I was on a 2 year sobriety but i fucked up and got drunk so gotta reset that shit. ( i'm 28 and started when i was 12 )
No big deal.
If there's people out there struggling with being sober, know that it's ok to relapse or fuck up once in a while.
Drinking has been a big part of your life, it's crazy to think you can get out of it like that, it's a fight.
Stay strong, keep skating, doing what makes you feel good and keep yourself away from the product.
One love!
thanks for the video brother. I was the exact same, got into partying real hard, quit skating, became a real addict for years(thought people that didn't drink were morons), got the DUI went to jail 7 times over the limit - I literally had blood flowing in my alcohol bro. HUGE lawyer fees and still got the criminal record. Eventually met a lady and had a kid and that changed it for me. Getting back on the board now in my 30's when i never thought i would ever get on a board again. 3 years sober too!
Thanks for sharing brother homie!
Addiction is the most patient thing in the world. It’ll hide for years just waiting for the right moment. Proud of u bro! I just made it a little over three months. I’ve had 3 DWIs in the past five years, got into coke really bad, etc. skating is helping a lot and I graduate treatment today actually can’t believe it
Dudes such a real one
Sounds like me. I was completely fucked up all throughout my 20s. I’ll be sober one year this May.
I'm considering getting sober and just the thought of it is terrifying. It seems like an impossibility at this point but I've been looking back over the past few years and realizing it's just a huge blur and I'm missing out on so much. Good luck to everyone out there in the same situation!
Any luck man? Hope all is going well bro 👍
Keep pushing brother!
AA can help. Good luck!
Best of luck, do your best but don’t overburden yourself, it’s nearly impossible to undo years of habit in a day of motivation, if you convince yourself that that’s how it is, sobriety will appear to be an unclimbable cliff-face rather than a steep hike
goin on over 3 years myself dude!! life changes for the better when your sober!
I feel you man, I have just over 27 months clean from a 12 yr long heroin addiction. Every day is a struggle but every day that I wake up clean and go to bed clean is a victory in my book. I lost way to many friends to addiction so I salute you man. Congratulations to you on your sobriety it's not an easy accomplishment.
How you doing?
@@neloqz8534 living life one day at a time homie, you?
Wasted like 4 years of my life drinking being a waster , thankfully 2 months sober , working and on my a game with skating!
kevin keaveney Fuck Yeah brother props to you. Getting sober leads to a greater life. Also I love that picture of Dimebag. 🤟🏻
Hope you're still going strong!
Best video you've done, Chad. Thanks for sharing your story. If just one young skater chooses a healthy path after watching this,, you'll have made a huge difference.
Late reply but thanks for sharing your story, being vulnerable, and just keeping it real. It made an impact on me and I appreciate it.
Chad.... I want to thank you for taking the time to record this video. There are many fans of yours that are no doubt struggling with addiction. I'm proud of you dude. I'm proud of you for accepting responsibility for your own life and more importantly, for realizing that you deserved the life you have now. God damn my man. Very proud of you.
Loved your observation of waiting for opportunity vs starting something today, embodying the change, and seeing that people then want to be a part of it. This is the truest realization. Your self awareness and combo of introspection with guts and drive is super rare.
Love this video so much. Come back to it often. The piece about accountability and waiting for things to just happen for you is so relatable and something I have felt but have never been able to articulate as well as you did. Keep it up man, I am on that path too.
Hey Chad, im 25, just picking up skating again after many years because of your videos.
I'm really inspired by you cuz ur an "older dude" (respectfully) and still crushing it. I wanna be like you when I'm you're age. but after hearing your story man, I really relate. i just like want you to know that you're doing some good shit here. like being so open and honest is truly inspiring. I'm heavily dependent on weed and this video is just giving me lots of energy to stop. Much appreciation for what you're doing man.
hey man. epic weirdness here. I'm going thru it rn. still not sober but this video just popped up on my recommended videos.. I thought it was a new upload so I was like, SICK! So i watched the whole thing again, only then realizing it's the same video i saw while I was going thru CHS in 2020.
I think this video needed to find it's way back to me... or the youtube algorithm genuinely cares about my well being.. lol im joking but just wanted to drop this here cuz ur still inspiring me everyday man. Keep at it, much love!
This is so inspiring to anybody who finds themselves at the bottom of life, stuck in an addiction with no way out. It can get better, just take the first step. Thanks Chad, you’re a great guy.
Thank you for this video. I know it’s old but it’s very poignant and completely helpful. Thank you for your honesty.
You should be proud of yourself for that change. I'm so impressed by your naked honesty. Congratulations Chad.
I think your comments on “becoming someone or something that others want to be a part of” is so useful even to people who haven’t gone through a period of addiction. It’s just plain old good advice. Keep shreddinn
Dude your channel rules. As a fellow skater in his 30’s I really appreciate your content. Extremely relatable.
good job on explaining your story to these youngsters out here , it's very dangerous to go down that path. been there before , cut down 98% of drinking.
Dude, I had no idea and I have been watching your vids for a couple of years now. First off, congrats on three years. I have recently cut back on drinking significantly as I'm borderline diabetic. This is inspiring brotha!
Thanks for sharing man. I started skating again recently and your miniramp videos helped me get back into it, after not even a week I had like 15 tricks down and I took a 10 year break from skating.
Thank you for this video, I am18 and going clean from smoking, and then I drank twice this week for no reason, even lying to my girlfriend about it. I realized right there that there was a problem. Growing up in Florida where drinking and smoking are so encouraged really made me think these couldn’t be bad things, but now I know. My path really starts today, and I won’t lose any more time this way anymore.
What you said about no longer skating, but instead just talking about skating was chilling to me, that’s what I’m seeing happen with my friends already- we’ll just talk about the past. This video was encouraging because I know that if I don’t stop now, my life is going to be focused on what could have been. Thank you again chad.
I just want to say congratulations! I’ve been clean for almost 8 months I fought Opiate and benzo addiction it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I wish I had a way to share my stories to help people wish I could show every addict how much more amazing life is with out drugs and alcohol. There’s so much more living to be done and when your in your Addiction you can’t see that. My names Marc thank u for ur videos
I am 6moths sober an I started back skating an built an 3foot mini in my back yard I am thankful and am a better man an person Sober!!! Thank you for your videos your awesome my brother!!
havent seen you breathless skating ur ass off like this thanks for this brother it looked hard to talk about but much appreciated
I can relate to your story Chad from tearing my mcl up to drinking and driving on a regular basis. I too felt like a miracle that I never got into a serious accident. Our young brains make the worse decisions when trying to please others rather than thinking logically and taking care of ourselves first. It’s like searching for some sort of acceptance from “friends”. Everyone at that age is trying to figure it out so so I understand and it becomes a mess when we are all together. Many will eventually realize that surrounding ourselves with good people will minimize unnecessary drama and help us grow as people. Clear your mind and stay disciplined with the help of skateboarding, Cheers.
You sharing your story is so encouraging because it shows that you can accomplish anything
Sobriety + change = recovery Excellent channel keep up the great work! Thanks
Wow dude thank you for sharing your story! I have a very similar one with 2 DUIs in my 20's. Now in my 30's I'm trying to start skateboarding again after a 10+ year hiatus. I stumbled on your channel and am almost half way through your 50 states series and really enjoying it. You're a huge inspiration, your genuine passion for skateboarding and life are apparent in your content. I just wanted to drop this comment to say THANK YOU for doing what you're doing, and that you're making a difference in my life- and just now learning about your struggles with alcohol made me relate to you even more (I'm still struggling). Stay strong and stay you.
My man, you inspire me to seek a deeper understanding and purpose in my life. We can do anything and you Chad have proven it.
Thanks for sharing man. A lot of times God will allow us hit the bottom to make us realize we need him. I’m proud of you man, very inspirational. I’ll be praying that you will continue in stride.
Awesome. Great experience to share with people.
I didn't stop having a drink but when I started skateboarding I stopped "drinking." It wasn't a purposeful decision. I just had less time as I was getting into skating. Additionally I drink cheap beer. I was spend more in Uber and Lyft than I was at a bar. So I stopped going out and used that time to skate. At the same time I offered to drop of my friends on the way to the park and pick them up on the way back.
I still have a beer but I no longer go out to drink. Drinking is no longer the activity it is a beverage.
Always inspiring to hear about sobriety of others thank you Chad. I've been sober about 7 and half years now and the lessons never stop coming. A huge realization was that everything is my fault therefore it's up to me to fix it not wait on others or things to just happen, also after this long sober achieving goals becomes the norm rather then a dream.
Damn dude it’s crazy how you’ve turned your life around. It takes a lot to be vulnerable in sharing a story like this too. So I just have a lot of respect for you. Thanks for sharing this.
Hi Chad,
I was curious to watch this video, I was wondering what kind of dark skate stuff you have to share with us and finally I realized that this video is not about skateboarding at all. I can say that I didn’t imagine you had so many troubles in the past and I am even more happy to see how good you are at skateboarding and also teaching tricks and tips knowing the difficulties you have faced.
Congratulations, I am a 1 years skateboarder, I have begun the skateboard too late but I like it and really appreciate the way you explain every tips. I am French so you can imagine how far your work is travelling thanks to the effort that you put in TH-cam.
I just want to say thank you, I am learning skateboarding, English practicing every time I am watching videos and now human life tips.
Big up and keep going this way, your videos are really useful.
Merci l’ami !
🤙🏼
Thanks for sharing your story! I just started skating again after taking 10+ years off. I like to drink beer but don’t like to get messed up. However, I’ve noticed that my skating is way better when I’m ready to go and recharge. Always have the worst skating after nights of drinking. For that reason I’ve been trying to decrease my drinking and hopefully quit one day. Thanks for your inspiration, always a fan of your content.
i feel like high schools need to hire you to give some talks. i remember my high school gave a talk about DUI and (in CA it's called DUI) and as a teenager I was "sorta" spooked. but honestly i didn't relate to the guy AT ALL. nobody did. but I feel like you could really relate to today's youth and make a difference. you're a rad human being chad. f'ing a. mad respect! thank you for all you do.
Respect bro well done. First you inspired me to learn transition after like 20 years of being street only and now you are starting to make me want to be a better human too.
I'm going through the same thing right now. Over three months sober, found skating again a year and a half ago and things have never been better! Trying to skate everyday if possible and staying healthy! You're an inspiration Chad!
Thanks for sharing your story. I'm in my 3rd month of sobriety and am trying to find that passion again. This video was a nice little uplifting video for me this morning.
I had no idea. I've been watching your videos for a while and really like them a lot even though I haven't skated for about 30 years. Anyway, 4 years sober here and life has never been better.
I really like your message, especially about how we each have the power to shape our own lives. Noone is going to step in and hand us what we are looking for just because we think we deserve it or just because we are lucky. We have to make positive and active choices for ourselves to put ourselves out there. Thank you for this reminder.
Glad you are doing better man, i always admired how humble you are. thank you for sharing your story
Thanks so much for sharing I’m 2 months in to going sober now I look forward to many more months and year props dude 🤙🏼
Chad, I just found your channel and subscribed. Powerful message here, you are so brave and deserve all the good that's flowering from your efforts. I watched your most recent videos and learned you now have a knee surgery coming up and you're still going hard. That's awesome, and don't worry you've made plenty of content already that I as a new subscriber will enjoy while you recover from surgery.
Thanks for your honesty and sharing knowledge on this platform. Keep at it.
Hey man, im 31 and 4 months sober today. I started watching your videos because I picked up skating again in my sobriety. I saw 33yr old learn to hard flip and thought, "thats going to be me". Its really awesome to find something like this so randomly. Keep it up brother. Your an inspiration ✊🤟👏🙏
a lot of skateboarders do other shit too man
V
Congratulations bro! You inspire us to be free and think clearly. Best wishes
you are courageous to expose your history trying to save other people's life. You are a nice guy Chad, must be a great friend
All addictions are generally the same, u do smth not for yourself but for something unnecessary which is feels necessary, and I can sign under every your word. Man I feel u, I quitted psychedelics and abusing weed which has developed in destructive relations. Now Imma not always sober but smokin only a bit, not to get buzz, never alone and with absolute
conscious. I absolutely agree a fact that when u quit u facing 2 roads - to reforge urself back or to avoid it with a substanse again. Big up to u and to all folks I cannot advise to never start coz there will always be let's say forbidden things that u'll want to try but stay aware and responsible. If u lose at least 1 of these 2 things, awareness and responsibility - it is a signal that u losing urself in a substance. Thanks for a video!
Thank you for sharing your story. I started skating and surfing at age 5 and then got into skating later on in earnest by 13. By the age of 19-20 I had stopped skating for various reasons (like being moved around too much). and started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Drugs and Alcohol are there to destroy everything good that we once possessed. Now, at age 47, I have finally returned to the one true thing I have always loved and the thing that had always brought me peace: Skateboarding. I have multiple leg injuries that never perfectly healed now, I wake up every morning in pain, and I suck. And I don't care. Even though I dont do it anymore, I have always been a surfer, and I have always been a skater, despite all the lost and wasted years…… Because its in my blood. God bless you for having the courage to share your story. Thank you
Proud of you 👏 proud of all of you. Sounds all too familiar. It’s unfortunate it takes us to hit rock bottom before we pick ourselves up but all that matters is that we do. I’m thankful for the opportunity because it could of easily went the other direction.
Thank you. Stumbling, falling, getting back up and refocusing. Few things are as uplifting as fellow human beings overcoming adversity.
Compelling story, thanks for sharing!
I'm super glad for you that you were able to overcome your addiction. That says a lot about the type of person you are. Keep it up, brother. I'm pulling for you.
Bravo buddy.. bravo 👏. As a fellow alcoholic myself, on my third run with sobriety (7 months so far), I can relate to and understand your story deeply. What it’s like to be in it, the denial, continuing to drink regardless of the negative impact on everything in your life- hitting rock bottom. That feeling when it just hits you, that realization that you HAVE to change. When I first decided enough was enough, I cried- I balled my eyes out every time I thought about it... it broke me down harder than getting a divorce after ten years and two children.. I’ve had my few relapses, those one nighter where you just go “wtf happened..?!” and I restart my sober clock..
Standing up and talking about sobriety is HUGE bud, sometimes it’s difficult and wears you down mentally, sometimes getting it out there and sharing feels great, teaching others about addiction and how to avoid it.. or that one person down the road when they have their “epiphany” moment.. they think of that time you told your story and they reach out for help beginning their recovery.
This time around I’m doing things differently than before. I teach soldiers about substance abuse, how it starts- the spiraling path it takes you down.. the effects on not just your own life but all those around you, I even get into some of the science about the effects on the brain now that I’m getting more comfortable with it.
And like you said Chad, getting back into the things you used to love. I went downtown to attend an AA meeting last weekend, long story short I never found the group in the busy ten acre park.. BUT, what I did find was a skatepark, and I watched kids skating from beginners to lookin like a young Ryan Sheckler out there. It’s been ten years now since I last stepped on a board, but I went online that afternoon and ordered a complete from skatewarehouse (and a helmet and knee pads since I’m not so young and resilient anymore lol). That skate park shall become my new safe zone, my sober place, my distraction from alcohol all while enjoying something that for nearly ten years of my life I was doing constantly, every day, SKATING.
Thank you Chad for sharing your accomplishments with all of us, see you out there!!
-Mike A.
Love you, Chad! Keep up the good work, your videos have inspired me beyond belief and the skills I have gotten on miniramp after getting back to skateboarding is largely thanks to you and your resilience. Looking forward to all your future videos!
Mad props to you Chad. Stay strong. BTW, that board behind you has my flag. 🇵🇷 Sick!
That's awesome, keep it up!! I am 46 years old and 20 sober, still skating everyday I feel better than when I was in my 20"
Man, you have to be proud of everything you have reached after that!! Thank you very much for sharing your story with us!! I admire you!!
I'm having the same issues these days, thank you for talking about it in public !
Awesome story bro! I’ve been sober for almost a year and a half and your story sounds a lot like mine. Keep it up and keep shredding!
Thank you for sharing your story. Going sober is incredibly hard, I've never managed it. As someone going through a rough period of my life I feel the time is coming though. Problem is as soon as I feel stressed or upset I start thinking about drinking.
Thanks for sharing. Really. I feel it takes a lot of bravery to talk about something like this and you’re setting an excellent example. Thank you.
I know so many people in denial from marijuana addiction and i myself had to put it down for about half a year to get things in perspective. Drugs let us tune out of reality which is great in moderation, but make it a constant thing and youll start to see your life fly right by you
Thank you so much for being so honest about it, felt really encouraged
Awesome story man. I'm getting back into skating after 20 years and really it's all due to sobriety. It seems that when I'm at the skatepark, I think all the older dudes skating are also sober. IDK, maybe not but I def wouldn't be out there if I wasn't. Again thank you. I love all your videos, I've gotten so many great tips and inspiration. Peace!
Thanks for the video! I'm currently getting out of drinking myself and back into skating for the first time in probably 13ish years. It is truly amazing what you can discover about yourself whenever you just put the bottle down. Thank you for your awesome channel!
Raw, honest, vulnerable, inspiring! Thank you, Man. You are a stand up dude... ✌️
its Interesting to hear peoples stories like this so thanks for sharing, I think what you went through was part of growing up, I don't mean growing up from a kid but there's this extra stage that people don't talk about between your 20's and 30's where perspective on life kicks in and you start to realise things that are important to you beyond just partying which is a lot of people's focus between the time they leave school and their 30's. Drinking definitely has a big impact on our thoughts and behavior, I don't drink much anymore because the days afterwards my mind is fogged, not just with a hangover but with a slight depression and inability to think straight which then stops me being able to do the things i love to do. Since i started skating again 2 years ago I realised i cant skate if I drink, i love skating so much that i just dont drink anymore.
Anyway keep doing what you are doing i think you've found yourself and your passion and you are doing a great thing here 👊
Great job Chad, we are all super proud of you 🤘😁
Happy for you Chad. Thank you for sharing.
Been struggling with alcohol for the last 20 years. It is a slow build for sure. My blackouts were occurring more frequently, more suddenly, and with less alcohol. During those blackouts I was putting myself in extremely dangerous situations. I'm sober 9 months now. I'm in the best shape of my life, best financial position, my relationships are better, my memory has improved, I'm smarter (as I always knew I was) and my ability to commit to goals in the long term has improved dramatically. Best decision, by far, I've ever made!
I'm glad you got outta that man.. i lost two of my favorite uncles and my dad.. they were all victims of alcoholism... boozing is overrated and life is much better without it..#LIVELIFE #LOVELIFE
You're a good person keep doing what you're doing Chad.
Thanks for sharing this very very personal thing. It takes a lot of courage to be so open about yourself. In a way, you can consider yourself to be a very lucky person. Not many people are willing or able to evaluate their own behaviour, face their faults or weaknesses, and thereby learn. Leave alone people who are struggling with alcohol. When alcohol becomes an addiction, it becomes almost impossible to face the problem - the problem is simply denied, and all the resulting trouble is due to other causes. You faced yourself, and managed to change. You were lucky that you were able to do that. But in a way, you can even be lucky that all this happened to you, because it made you a wise man. Of course, you must be given credit too. You made the change, you made it happen. Be proud of that. I have dealt for over 10 years with someone who could not make the change. I was almost going down together while trying to fix, save and solve problems which just kept coming and coming. Then i started skating, and it made me understand that i needed to change. I had to stop trying to solve someone else's problem, and focus on my own life. On what i want to do, on what makes me happy. Just like you explain. Once more, thanks a lot for this revelation.
What an awesome video dude, thanks for being super honest !
You’re an inspiration on the board and off, Chad. Keep it up!
All the cred for posting a really open and honest video that has a lot of value for a lot of people in it. Your story encourages others! You do a really great job man. Been following since you had 700 followers! Congrats to a awesome channel with a lot of value for us viewers ❤️❤️❤️
Love watching you skate well done on staying sober your a good guy
I love that leap board
Great work. Drank for about 10 years. Haven't drank for about 8 now. Hard but feel 100% better for it. Drink driving not good though! I did it and crashed and broke my leg. No one else was hurt. You were lucky mate. But do know where you coming from! Well done for getting out of it. Great stuff!
Congrats on staying sober and appreciate you having courage to tell your story.
Selfishly, I'm also happy you are sober bc I enjoy watching your videos and watching you skate. Motivates me to get out and hop on a board. Keep on, keeping on!
You're a Wonderful sharing person Chad. Keep it going!!! Congrats & further success on your sobriety!
Much appreciation Didn't know about your clean time and watch almost all your uploads Just made 5 months myself Congrats man Maybe I'll catch you out here in Nassau at the park sometime
Respect for talking about this . Another step toward breaking stigma on mental health . Thank you
Thanks for sharing Chad. I’m so glad you got sober as I’ve learnt loads from you. You’re a gifted teacher and explain things really clearly. Another talent!
Love the Puerto Rico board! Blessings from "la Isla del Encanto" my friend. I've been watching your Mini ramp tips for a while and they've been very handy. Keep rippin'!
so cool dude. keep it up and thanks for the video!
I love the outlook. Regardless of the vice, they all accomplish the same thing: distract you from yourself. It takes a lot of guts to be open to that part of yourself. Congrats on 3 years, it’s very inspiring!
Thank you for spreading hope!
Thank you for sharing that.. I am sober since 2010, but after that I do many stupid and dangerous things.. Now when I look people drinking until doing shit, i try to help us, because I know that Nightmare is. Thank you for that video, I hope that help people.. You’re a good person!