Congratulations on 50 years Santa Cruz Skateboards and thank you for recognizing Judi Oyama and her dedication to skateboarding and its culture for the love and fun of it! Beyond sport, this is the soul of skateboarding.
Thank you BK. Love you! I'm super proud of you and stoked that you are the go to photographer in the media. Glad they know who is a core skater photographer.
IM A BRIT AN 60 WE USED A OLD NEATEL SAKTE AN A OLD COMIC AN BIGGEST THE BIGGEST HILL I RIDE OLD BRITISH MOTERCYCLES ITS ALL ABOUT MONEY IT SHOWS US OLD FOLK CAN STILL WHOOP THERE ARSES RESPECK FROM WALES UK
It is a litmus test. Stupid people ride skateboards. Its really that simple. A horribly inefficient mode of transportation that is dangerous to boot. Most rational GenXers recognized the skate board disaster as it is by 1980. It wasn't until the nineties that another generation was dumb enough to employ this pathetic mode of transport. Millennials are truly the dumbest generation in Human History.
I have a friend like this in his late 50s. He just never quit being active and never had a desk job. He still rides half pipes and bowls on his bike. Last time I watched him ride, it didn't look much different than when we were kids. If you don't let your body go idle, this is what happens. He has a job and 2 kids but never quit the sport he loves.
Most of us active,positive minded senior cant quit due to brain and memory insync unaware programmed inside JOY. This programmed was buried deep inside covered by truckloads of responsibilities of life onwards journey ,to be completed, unloading itself till 60. This is the reason our JOY realeased its reserved energy from the soul ( self timer storage) for us, are given to use " the youth ON PAUSE energy" taste pure youth again but come with knowledge to assist fear in riding with JOY , fearless but with full awareness. The one incharge for this section journey belong to the Soul..cos it want to share the last joyfull ride that it never had the chance to taste ,with it's Human owner thats all...now you can see how sweet the human soul is.. Look after your soul with good beautiful programming for tomorrow JOY even in aloneness there is pleasure to be taste. I am 68 , selling ice cream with Mr. Taylor the ice cream machine(Brilliant machine ) 6 years now. We take ambush customers like a mecenary , the joy is in the hispeed working with calmness in service action and footwork of a martial art and netball captain memory of my youth. I am from Singapore where hispeed and good service is required in high human traffic business area.We are being called McDonald Aunty. I'M LOVIN IT ! PEACE
As a old school BMX rider and Skater, I must say that this is what Skateboarding is about. it's not about heel flips, death flips, cock flips, it's about having fun on your skateboard and sharing those fun memories with others. This documentary is freaking awesome. God bless you Judi Oyama!
@@bigben1986 I skate mostly alone still because I go super early to the skate parks to avoid scooters and parents that allow their kids to cut everyone off. I try to teach them if they listen.
@@KittensgiveMorbogas What are you zx$#? Asleep at the wheel? Clearly you've never ridden at a high level in the disciplines she's done. I've placed in slalom comp. and FS + was like her an early vert rider. My first ride was in 1970. Like to see your board control kiddo on what we used to have to ride. Let alone as clearly a world class slalom skater at 63. We didn't box things up back into 'woke' & 'unwoke' back then. We just skated.
You go girl!!! I'm two years older than you, and I can't skate because I'm paralyzed form the shoulders down, so you need to go two more years and skate for me! I'm rootin' for you to keep skating until you don't want to anymore, which I hope is never.
@@JudiOyama I will definitely be rooting for you! It will be great just to make it, but I'm hoping you'll go all the way to the top. Whatever the result, you're the best in my book!
I have 14 and 15 year old daughters that skate bowls. On Saturdays there are a few old school skaters at the local park in the east bay. My girls are grateful for the encouragement they get from that crew. Respect to the ones that never quit!!🤙🏻
@@FIREGURU That is another girl. I haven't skated Newark yet. I have been focusing on slalom lately and riding parks in Santa Cruz. I hope to get over there sometime. Scott Foss and a few of my friends ride there and rip it up.
I'm a 46 year old that started surfing at the age of 30. Born in New Zealand, half Polish and Japanese. I got a surf skate for "surf training" six months after I'd started surfing. After a while, the landsurfing became something else. I still can't drop in, always skate around alone but love it so much, I keep riding. The journey goes on. Thank you for your inspiration and dedication. You ride so fast too. (The car park looks real fun)
Thank you all for this! This is a prime example of the sheer treasure of history and stories you guys are now curating. Please make this a feature! There are many people watching this that have picked up skating way before youtube and multimedia, and most of us only have memories we now see materialized in front of our eyes. Thank you Judi and thanks to everybody that kept on going no matter what or where or how, just keeping skateboarding close to their hearts. I once read a closing remark on a Thrasher interview: "it doesn't matter if you can do the latest tricks, having fun is all that matters."
The same can really be said for anybody who is really trying to or actually is competing at the highest level of a specific discipline of sport. The days of skaters partying constantly and still competing consistently are done. Just like any professional sports skaters are constantly preparing both physically and mentally for the strain that theses new era skate contests put them through. Street league has made the best skaters even better. Watching these guys land trick after trick after trick is just absurd sometimes
She’s awesome. She had to overcome being a girl and Asian back when things are not as accepted as they are today. She kicked the door open for female skateboarders. Thank you Judi and thank you Santa Cruz for the amazing video.
Thank you! I'm lucky Santa Cruz Skateboards supported women from day one and continues 50 years later. Doug, Rich and Jay had a vision and Rich and Bob Denike have kept it going along with an awesome team of people.
From the videos I've seen since covid began, asians still have a rough go of being accepted in USA streets. Some really ugly unprovoked assaults of senior asian women. Generally by young african-americans. I hope none of those losers harassed her
I am so thankful everyday that I ride and skateboard 4-5 days a week at 49yrs old! Nothing in my life has been more consistent and given me more smiles!
This is so inspiring and amazing!! I often feel self conscious getting ready to be 50yrs old next month often being the oldest skateboarder at my local skatepark. Asking myself what am I doing? Then its stories like this that make me realize I have to keep going. Thank you Judi Oyama! Your contribution to the sport is unquantifiable!!!
I was the oldest competitor at my last Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition at 55. There were over 1100 competitors at the tournament. Somehow, I beat a 40 year old, but lost in the final. When I stepped off the mat, a group of about 6-8 people came up to me and told me what an inspiration I was. Still get misty eyed over that. Keep at it, bro. Cheers from Texas.
Wanted to skate so bad as a teenager in the 80s but it seemed all the guys were just insanely good, didn't know how to begin. There was no instructional youtube videos back then! Anyway finally got my first board 2 years ago at 51. I'm just a beginner and don't do tricks, but I love it and skate all the time. And I'm really lucky I meet an older skater at the pumptrack and he got me into a Whatsapp group with about 40 others my age, we go in groups so not to feel the most old LOL.
I remember you Judi. I saw you a couple times at Winchester, my home park. I was 8 years younger than you and younger than Caballero too. Glad to see you're still skating! After Winchester closed I quit skating and started surfing a couple years later.But got back into it about 5 years ago.
That's awesome. Cab was 14 years old when he started. I remember telling him don't worry you'll get good. He was ripping in 6 months and everytime a pro came through doing a new trick, he had it wired by the time they left.
I'm glad that there are other skaters who have been skateboarding all their lives into their 60's. I am 65 and mostly skated transition, ramps, halfpipes, skateparks, a few small concrete pipes and pools. But now I just like to go fast and enjoy carves
I'm 63 also and this is SOOOO INSPIRING! Cycling is my sport but I aspire to belike Judi and keep pedaling faster and higher until I can't any longer. Thanks for the inspiration🙏
@9:14 I've never done downhill competitions, but I think anyone who has ever conquered a big hill can relate to this feeling. That rush when you're going too fast to jump off and it's literally do or die is indescribable.
What an amazing story about Judi Oyama!! I love it! I hope to be able to still skateboard when I am 63. Thanks Santa Cruz for making this video! I hope to see more stories like that!
@@MrInuhanyou123 @MrInuhanyou123 Japan won 5 gold medals in first skateboarding event in Olympics. This comment prob in relate to her comment seeing japanese girls being succeslful in skateboarding in recent times.
@@MrInuhanyou123 Just to be clear I am considered a Japanese American. My parents were born in California my dad is still alive at 94 but in hospice care.
@@MrInuhanyou123 He also talks about current Japanese young skaters. Japan is definitely a skater powerhouse now. Don't know about Yuto Horigome, Ginwu Onodera and Sakura Yosozumi? Americans are funny If you gain fame, you are considered American, but if you lose, you are considered Japanese or Asian. Who did not recognize her parents as American and put them in a internment camp? Americans are really obsessed with nationality and race. by the way, you seem like an otaku who likes Japanese anime lol
Congrats, born and raised in Oakland. I've been skateboarding for over 57 years, am 64 now. As a disabled veteran it kills me to get on my board but I've gotta do it or die. Sk8rdie!
Love You Judi!!!Made me cry happy tears! I miss Capitola, my kid is still there.!! I'm female, my first board was a Huffy in 3rd grade...lol and I am now 54 and YOU ROCK!! Retired in Texas... This and only this... made me cry and be homesick. Blessings!!
Wow! I thought I was up there in age for a 49 year old longboarder, but Judi is truly an inspiration! She's proving that age may be an obstacle, but not a limitation. Thank you for this video! BTW, I'm a proud owner of a Santa Cruz drop through longboard.
I'm 62. I can still do a handstand on a skateboard, and carve S turns while doing it. In 2019 I raced the fastest middle school student at our end of school year party. It was my final year as a middle school teacher. We raced from one soccer field goalpost to the other and back. We did the same race the previous year, and she barely beat me. That year I won. I dance at the campfire several nights each week for the past 42 years. I split and stack 8 cords of wood every year for the past 42 years. I run as fast as I can at least once a week, just because I can. When was the last time you skipped? Why did you stop? Live hard, not to struggle, but to thrive.
I started skating in 1974 on a team in San Diego home ave. You’re inspiring and I still look at reservoirs and banks as if I could skate them! I’m 61! And was the only girl on my team but double grind at montebello skate park won me 2nd place over a ton of guys. Bahne skateboard, trackers and kryptos. Love your story my step dad is from Santa Cruz loved surfing there, lived on west side in 1981! Cheers!
I stumbled upon this video… I am an Asian woman from Hawaii and so admire this woman!!! She’s sooo cool!! Never heard of her til just now!! You go girl!!!!!!!
I have a new hero, thank you! A few of years back I met a local in Pacifica, she was in her 60s and had been surfing since she was young. She’s a diehard like this great woman, and back when she was pregnant she reworked her wetsuit to accommodate her growing tummy and kept at it. These women give me the courage to grow old.
What a maverick! Judi is truly a BAMF and whoever shot this did an amazing job. Round of applause for Judi and the team helping to tell her story, ya'll did a great job.
growing up in a costal town in the 80's you saw Santa Cruz all that time on boards, shirts, hats and rear windshields everywhere. It was the brand to get stoked about. 30 years later I get jazzed about it al the time. its good to see the youth of tomorrow carrying on tradiintions of yesterday. congratulations Judy 50 years and going strong!!!
loved it. We should see more of these people connected with Santa Cruz and the culture sharing their stories and past. For me as an 80's kid all I really know about are the Z-Boys and the Bones Brigade.
62 here. I tried out for the Santa Cruz team in ... 72? They had open try outs in Saratoga. I stunk. But I still stink and I know that for a fact because I still skate. I'll go put 40 cones at 5.5' in the waterpark parking lot a few times a week. The concrete parks scare me because I know what it's like to fall off a 9' concrete wall. But I've been thinking about building a 3' mini in the yard and you just convinced me that "thinking about it" is the wrong tack. Gonna start cutting trannies this weekend. Thanks, Judi! Also, while you were talking I had severe visual flashbacks of spending an afternoon on the washboard, rolling the snake, transferring the clover, or trying to cope the keyhole. Campbell and Winchester forever! Can't remember which one had an observation deck but watching Black burn drop into (the snake?) from it was one of the scariest things I've ever seen. Nuts. Oh, and, Bombora! Hupper Hodie!
Last year i was slaloming in the local park (I'm 58 ) and a lady stopped and asked me what we were doing, how long had we been doing it and could she get lessons. Next two weekends she skated for the first time in her life ; she's the same age as i am . Needless to say , i have had to send her this clip 🤗
You are fucking awesome man! 🤘🐸 I am 57 & still rip through the city, beaches & harbors on rollerblades. I enjoyed bombing hills during the Covid lockdown with no cars 😊. I do not know anyone my age that skates like me. It’s refreshing to see you still have the passion & skill that I also have ❤✌️ skate forever!
I'm 58 and skate slalom and cruise to the store or just get out as often as the weather permits. My first board was a Black Knight and my favorite current ride is my 03 Turner Fulnose. Never stop skating Judi.
Santa Cruz lady rides a Santa Cruz !!! Cool. I saw at a Big 5 website a lady 60 years old who rides a longboard so Ms.Oyama isn't only lady skating a board,only 60 plus that is. Several years ago when I retook skateboarding after nearly 3 decades (at age 13,stopped and retook at age 41)I've been told "aren't you too old to ride a skateboard." Didn't care plus therapist (I've autism) even would ask me if I kept/been doing it & importance of pleasure (good duh) only to find out of older then me skateboard or retaking it. I'm 47 with a collection now of boards to ride.
I started skating in 1969 at 7 years old.Had a steel wheel roller derby board.Was on a local skate team in my teens in Ocean City Maryland.Went in the Marine Corp at 17 and after boot camp I took my G&S Fiber Flex everywhere I went.Even got to skate with a couple of Z boys in 1980.I still skate at 60.More into carving and a little downhill.Its been part of my life longer than anything else.I still have my 1978 Fiber Flex. State Til You Die!
This is so inspirational. I'm 60 years old, haven't skated seriously in decades but have been considering doing it again. I loved it, growing up in the San Fernando Valley in the 70s. I'm a little concerned about taking falls at my age but I guess if you have the right pads/braces/helmet it doesn't have to be that dangerous. The pads are so much better than we used to wear. Absolutely LOVE that Elvis Costello board! Where can I get one :)?
In addition to protective gears, don't forget to go with the flow, roll & deflect the force instead of absorbing it. Parachutist do as well when they land.
When I was growing up in the late 90’s it was rare to see any women at skatepark who were skateboarding. It makes me so happy that so many more women are shredding it up now days and supporting each other. I love hearing about her amazing and inspiring life. What a legend, we’ll all women who blazed the trail for us now are legends. Just them skating and living their life was activism and punk af.
This shit gives me alot of hope of relearning how to skate. Ive had an 18 year hiatus from skating but just got back into it, cant do any tricks YET, but still just getting re aquainted to skating. Sometimes its nice being an adult because i bought the deck ive always wanted since i was a kid playing THPS. Got the Bloody nose deck 7.5 By ZERO. Shits so fucking awsome to skate again, and this lady has definitely inspired me to start trying tricks we used to know!
Very encouraging. I'm in my late 60s and still ride my Santa Cruz Cruiser, a BMX, and mountain bike nearly every day. I appreciate your approach as we don't 'bounce' anymore.
@@JudiOyama my mom is 69 and my stepdad is 79 and they still travel the world together playing in seniors basketball tournaments, they’re both senior national champions. I showed her this video and she loved it, you rock!
As a fellow female (former)skateboarder, I am from a family of 6 kids, 5 boys and me- the only girl, so tomboying around was a given. This story gives me life🤗💕.
I met you Judi upstairs at NHS on 41st back in 1973. I was that odd skater on Roller Skates. Do you remember that year Capitol contest was canceled due to reasons and I took everyone to the Buena Vista pool that I discovered with Tom Cuthberson.
I remember the original slalom contest was canceled because the promoter forgot to show up. We sat at the top of the hill and waited. That's how Rich and Jay started doing their own events and thus the Capitola Classic started. I remember going to the pool but it's been a minute. Thanks for sharing.
I learnt decent bowl skateboarding when I was about 45, never ever skated before. I used to drop my kids at the skatepark and got tired of not doing anything, as a dedicated and seasoned surfer and snowboarder from my 15 years old to 25, the feeling and the balance was already there. I learnt vertical dropping and keep momentum inside the bowl with a decent style, I loved going saturdays and sundays at 8:00 am before all the newies arrived and enjoy the bowls and snake runs. My kids growed up and no more rides to the skatepark ever happenned since 7 years ago, they quitted. Last time I rode I was about 48 in my new town, I have been thinking about returning since. After whatching this lady I am considering a return, now I am 52, with less spare time, older, much busier and time has started to pass quickly and tolling my body. Thank your this amazing video.
That was super inspirational. At 32 I decided to pick up a mtb and do mtb street with it, first thought I had was... wtf am I doing? I'm too old for this sh**. But then there are people like you. Thanks! I'm gonna shred till I can't!
Congratulations on 50 years Santa Cruz Skateboards and thank you for recognizing Judi Oyama and her dedication to skateboarding and its culture for the love and fun of it! Beyond sport, this is the soul of skateboarding.
Thank you BK. Love you! I'm super proud of you and stoked that you are the go to photographer in the media. Glad they know who is a core skater photographer.
Much love Bryce! All praise to Judi 🙌 Great seeing you at Rip Ride Rally this summer, hope to see ya again soon!
Thank you Bryce for your contribution to skateboarding. Make the world a better place, hug a skateboarder ♥️
@@JudiOyama this was an amazing peice done on you, you judi are a LEGEND
@@aaronwetzel1981 Thank you. I feel really lucky. Keep riding!
I'm not really all that into skateboarding but she is genuinely amazing. What an inspiration.
Thank you. I still love riding and all the support really is nice.
IM A BRIT AN 60 WE USED A OLD NEATEL SAKTE AN A OLD COMIC AN BIGGEST THE BIGGEST HILL I RIDE OLD BRITISH MOTERCYCLES ITS ALL ABOUT MONEY IT SHOWS US OLD FOLK CAN STILL WHOOP THERE ARSES RESPECK FROM WALES UK
Skateboarding has never been just a sport. It's a lifestyle.
Skateboarding is whatever you want it to be! 🤝
It is a community and a culture.
It is a litmus test. Stupid people ride skateboards. Its really that simple. A horribly inefficient mode of transportation that is dangerous to boot. Most rational GenXers recognized the skate board disaster as it is by 1980. It wasn't until the nineties that another generation was dumb enough to employ this pathetic mode of transport. Millennials are truly the dumbest generation in Human History.
...but it does require a lot of training if you want to be among the top shots.
@@manoman0 If your Sport requires Judges to determine a winner then you need a new sport, lol.
I have a friend like this in his late 50s. He just never quit being active and never had a desk job. He still rides half pipes and bowls on his bike. Last time I watched him ride, it didn't look much different than when we were kids. If you don't let your body go idle, this is what happens. He has a job and 2 kids but never quit the sport he loves.
Most of us active,positive minded senior cant quit due to brain and memory insync unaware programmed inside JOY. This programmed was buried deep inside covered by truckloads of responsibilities of life onwards journey ,to be completed, unloading itself till 60. This is the reason our JOY realeased its reserved energy from the soul ( self timer storage) for us, are given to use " the youth ON PAUSE energy" taste pure youth again but come with knowledge to assist fear in riding with JOY , fearless but with full awareness. The one incharge for this section journey belong to the Soul..cos it want to share the last joyfull ride that it never had the chance to taste ,with it's Human owner thats all...now you can see how sweet the human soul is.. Look after your soul with good beautiful programming for tomorrow JOY even in aloneness there is pleasure to be taste. I am 68 , selling ice cream with Mr. Taylor the ice cream machine(Brilliant machine ) 6 years now. We take ambush customers like a mecenary , the joy is in the hispeed working with calmness in service action and footwork of a martial art and netball captain memory of my youth. I am from Singapore where hispeed and good service is required in high human traffic business area.We are being called McDonald Aunty. I'M LOVIN IT ! PEACE
Straight up, its the inactivity that kills you. If watched this audio-only I wouldn't be able to tell she's 63
@Orange300 what does being woke have to do with this
@Orange300 well obviously you have to be healthy. If you're obese, you'll probably break the skateboard and be unable to do all those moves😅
@@orange300-ct8fc Go see a psychiatrist about your obsession with wokeness.
I've been skateboarding since 1975,have cancer now. Make the world a better place, hug a skateboarder ♥️. God bless you Judi, and your family.
Beat that shit. Fuck cancer.
Ditto, starting in ‘75. yellow Bahne fiberglass from a Zayre store in the burbs of Chicago. Still pushing currently. Sending you lots of ❤️❤️❤️.
Thank you.Waiting for a little warmer weather to go out and sk8 .currently in the hospital again. Right back at you from Rhode Island ♥️
Beat this so you can ride on!
@@davidbarrus6542 Peace be with you, brother. Keep shredding ‘til the wheels fall off! 🤙 🛹
Santa Cruz, please give us more skater stories like this.
God bless you Judi Oyama, you are awesome!
We have some we would love to share!
nooooooo no more this was not a skater
@@sydneyconcerts902 what?
she stands tall for a sm lady...
@@sydneyconcerts902 Go have a cry.
As a old school BMX rider and Skater, I must say that this is what Skateboarding is about. it's not about heel flips, death flips, cock flips, it's about having fun on your skateboard and sharing those fun memories with others. This documentary is freaking awesome. God bless you Judi Oyama!
Dickflips?
no cock flips?
@@nickybobby8753 This as well. I know a few who skated alone and had the time of their life.
@@bigben1986 I skate mostly alone still because I go super early to the skate parks to avoid scooters and parents that allow their kids to cut everyone off. I try to teach them if they listen.
HI JUDY. THIS IS MIKE ROMERO .I REMEMBER SKATING WINCHESTER POOL WITH YOU .HAD TO BE AROUND 1978.YOU RIPPED THEN GLAD TO SEE YOU STILL AT IT.
So sick! 🙌
Thanks Mike. Winchester was the best pool ever. Great to reconnect.
This is what skateboarding is all about
1000% 📠
@@SantaCruzSkateboards 😍💪
@@SantaCruzSkateboards more woke garbage, is what it’s really about.
@@KittensgiveMorbogas
What are you zx$#? Asleep at the wheel? Clearly you've never ridden at a high level in the disciplines she's done. I've placed in slalom comp. and FS + was like her an early vert rider. My first ride was in 1970. Like to see your board control kiddo on what we used to have to ride.
Let alone as clearly a world class slalom skater at 63. We didn't box things up back into 'woke' & 'unwoke' back then. We just skated.
@@KittensgiveMorbogas Well you mentioned it, so you represent it.
You go girl!!! I'm two years older than you, and I can't skate because I'm paralyzed form the shoulders down, so you need to go two more years and skate for me! I'm rootin' for you to keep skating until you don't want to anymore, which I hope is never.
Thank you. My goal it to try and make the World Skate Games in Italy 2024. I thought Argentina 2022 was my last race but I am still skating.
@@JudiOyama I will definitely be rooting for you! It will be great just to make it, but I'm hoping you'll go all the way to the top. Whatever the result, you're the best in my book!
May God bless you
@@gabrielgabriel5177 Thank you for your kind regards.
May the Buddha's wisdom and blessings be with you always.
Love you both.
I have 14 and 15 year old daughters that skate bowls. On Saturdays there are a few old school skaters at the local park in the east bay. My girls are grateful for the encouragement they get from that crew. Respect to the ones that never quit!!🤙🏻
That’s awesome ❤
@@JudiOyama I think we've seen you at that same bowl. In Newark?
@@FIREGURU That is another girl. I haven't skated Newark yet. I have been focusing on slalom lately and riding parks in Santa Cruz. I hope to get over there sometime. Scott Foss and a few of my friends ride there and rip it up.
@@JudiOyama : Hi and congratulations on keeping on what you love. From the other side of this planet, cheers from a fellow skateboarder clocking 61.
@Judi Oyama You are awesome. & an inspiration 🫶🏾
I'm a 46 year old that started surfing at the age of 30. Born in New Zealand, half Polish and Japanese. I got a surf skate for "surf training" six months after I'd started surfing. After a while, the landsurfing became something else.
I still can't drop in, always skate around alone but love it so much, I keep riding.
The journey goes on.
Thank you for your inspiration and dedication. You ride so fast too.
(The car park looks real fun)
Thank you for sharing. Keep riding!
@@JudiOyama 真にありがとう御座います!!
Judi is awesome!. Had the pleasure of chatting with her a while back. little did i know I was in the presence of skateboarding royalty.
Judi is the best! 🙌
I liked checking on your website. Are you still doing it?
Thank you all for this! This is a prime example of the sheer treasure of history and stories you guys are now curating. Please make this a feature! There are many people watching this that have picked up skating way before youtube and multimedia, and most of us only have memories we now see materialized in front of our eyes.
Thank you Judi and thanks to everybody that kept on going no matter what or where or how, just keeping skateboarding close to their hearts.
I once read a closing remark on a Thrasher interview: "it doesn't matter if you can do the latest tricks, having fun is all that matters."
Stoked you're stoked!! 🙌 Whoever has the most fun wins 🤝
7;o clock in the morning I watch this video
I am 45 years old skateboarding Is lovely
The same can really be said for anybody who is really trying to or actually is competing at the highest level of a specific discipline of sport. The days of skaters partying constantly and still competing consistently are done. Just like any professional sports skaters are constantly preparing both physically and mentally for the strain that theses new era skate contests put them through. Street league has made the best skaters even better. Watching these guys land trick after trick after trick is just absurd sometimes
This was immensely inspiring.
What a legend.
She’s awesome. She had to overcome being a girl and Asian back when things are not as accepted as they are today. She kicked the door open for female skateboarders. Thank you Judi and thank you Santa Cruz for the amazing video.
Thank you! I'm lucky Santa Cruz Skateboards supported women from day one and continues 50 years later. Doug, Rich and Jay had a vision and Rich and Bob Denike have kept it going along with an awesome team of people.
From the videos I've seen since covid began, asians still have a rough go of being accepted in USA streets. Some really ugly unprovoked assaults of senior asian women. Generally by young african-americans. I hope none of those losers harassed her
I am so thankful everyday that I ride and skateboard 4-5 days a week at 49yrs old! Nothing in my life has been more consistent and given me more smiles!
This is so inspiring and amazing!! I often feel self conscious getting ready to be 50yrs old next month often being the oldest skateboarder at my local skatepark. Asking myself what am I doing? Then its stories like this that make me realize I have to keep going. Thank you Judi Oyama! Your contribution to the sport is unquantifiable!!!
Bro, that's what I was kinda feeling, but after seeing this I was like YEP. (With joy I might add)
Thank you! Super stoked and happy so many people have been so kind.
You’re young! Keep ripping! I learned to tail drop at 50 and started CrossFit at 53. Never too late!
I was the oldest competitor at my last Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition at 55. There were over 1100 competitors at the tournament. Somehow, I beat a 40 year old, but lost in the final. When I stepped off the mat, a group of about 6-8 people came up to me and told me what an inspiration I was. Still get misty eyed over that. Keep at it, bro. Cheers from Texas.
Wanted to skate so bad as a teenager in the 80s but it seemed all the guys were just insanely good, didn't know how to begin. There was no instructional youtube videos back then! Anyway finally got my first board 2 years ago at 51. I'm just a beginner and don't do tricks, but I love it and skate all the time. And I'm really lucky I meet an older skater at the pumptrack and he got me into a Whatsapp group with about 40 others my age, we go in groups so not to feel the most old LOL.
Judi is awesome, love her story.
Judi is the best, endless inspiration 🙌
Thank you for doing this piece! She’s a keeper!! I’ve been lucky enough to call Judi my mentor and a friend 🎉
Thats awesome! Judi rules 🙌
Love you Mike. Thanks. I didn't know it was you! Thanks for being my friend for all these years. See you soon.
You are so inspiring, Judi! I´m a 48 year-old skater and still having so much fun learning new tricks
Thank you. Keep at it! I never expected to still be riding but I'm still having fun.
I turn 40 this year and I still go every weekend to the local skateparks, 33 years in now lol.
I remember you Judi. I saw you a couple times at Winchester, my home park. I was 8 years younger than you and younger than Caballero too. Glad to see you're still skating! After Winchester closed I quit skating and started surfing a couple years later.But got back into it about 5 years ago.
That's awesome. Cab was 14 years old when he started. I remember telling him don't worry you'll get good. He was ripping in 6 months and everytime a pro came through doing a new trick, he had it wired by the time they left.
I'm glad that there are other skaters who have been skateboarding all their lives into their 60's. I am 65 and mostly skated transition, ramps, halfpipes, skateparks, a few small concrete pipes and pools. But now I just like to go fast and enjoy carves
I'm 63 also and this is SOOOO INSPIRING! Cycling is my sport but I aspire to belike Judi and keep pedaling faster and higher until I can't any longer. Thanks for the inspiration🙏
big up to her, happy womens history month yall ❤️
All praise to Judi! 🙌
This is the kind of stuff i need to see I'm not a Skateboarder, i'm an artist but when i am in a slump People Like her inspire me!!!!
@9:14 I've never done downhill competitions, but I think anyone who has ever conquered a big hill can relate to this feeling. That rush when you're going too fast to jump off and it's literally do or die is indescribable.
She's not just a pioneer....she's a living legend
What an amazing story about Judi Oyama!! I love it! I hope to be able to still skateboard when I am 63. Thanks Santa Cruz for making this video! I hope to see more stories like that!
Thank you Denise. Keep riding!
Japan is absolutely killing it in skateboarding !!! I'm so glad her story is being shared
You mean American? She was born in America and lived her entire life in America. Why would she be considered Japanese now?
@@MrInuhanyou123 @MrInuhanyou123 Japan won 5 gold medals in first skateboarding event in Olympics.
This comment prob in relate to her comment seeing japanese girls being succeslful in skateboarding in recent times.
@@MrInuhanyou123 Just to be clear I am considered a Japanese American. My parents were born in California my dad is still alive at 94 but in hospice care.
@@MrInuhanyou123
He also talks about current Japanese young skaters. Japan is definitely a skater powerhouse now. Don't know about Yuto Horigome, Ginwu Onodera and Sakura Yosozumi?
Americans are funny If you gain fame, you are considered American, but if you lose, you are considered Japanese or Asian. Who did not recognize her parents as American and put them in a internment camp? Americans are really obsessed with nationality and race.
by the way, you seem like an otaku who likes Japanese anime lol
@@JudiOyama
Japanese DNA have a really long life expectancy.
Judi is a true inspiration in skateboarding & in life. Thank you for everything you do & big ups to Santa Cruz Skateboards for this! RESPECT!!!
Thank you Mark. Hope you are well.
Damn that is one cool grandma. So sick and inspirational to know someone like this exists.
Congrats, born and raised in Oakland. I've been skateboarding for over 57 years, am 64 now. As a disabled veteran it kills me to get on my board but I've gotta do it or die. Sk8rdie!
🔥🔥🔥 JUDI 🔥🔥🔥
Ride the Best!!!
Thank you! Thanks to Fausto, Eric and Gwen. Fausto and Eric use to drive to NHS every Friday and deliver trucks.
Greetings from Germany. Glad to see such a passionate woman who is still rippin. Stay healthy and thanks for the video.
This woman is a legend. Wish I knew about her growing up. She's awesome.
I love this woman!!!!
Love You Judi!!!Made me cry happy tears! I miss Capitola, my kid is still there.!! I'm female, my first board was a Huffy in 3rd grade...lol and I am now 54 and YOU ROCK!! Retired in Texas... This and only this... made me cry and be homesick. Blessings!!
Wow! I thought I was up there in age for a 49 year old longboarder, but Judi is truly an inspiration! She's proving that age may be an obstacle, but not a limitation. Thank you for this video! BTW, I'm a proud owner of a Santa Cruz drop through longboard.
I think I made a lot of people feel young! Which is good. Keep riding and having fun.
I'm 62. I can still do a handstand on a skateboard, and carve S turns while doing it. In 2019 I raced the fastest middle school student at our end of school year party. It was my final year as a middle school teacher. We raced from one soccer field goalpost to the other and back. We did the same race the previous year, and she barely beat me. That year I won. I dance at the campfire several nights each week for the past 42 years. I split and stack 8 cords of wood every year for the past 42 years. I run as fast as I can at least once a week, just because I can. When was the last time you skipped? Why did you stop? Live hard, not to struggle, but to thrive.
Many thanks to NHS and Santa Cruz for putting this out there. So so inspiring.
JUDI OYAMA... Skateboarder ... Human... Woman... Inspo ... LEGEND !!!
Judy is such an inspiration. That's my life goal. THANK YOU!
Bruno. It was fun racing with you at Worlds. Will see if I make it to Italy 2024!
This makes me want to buy only Santa Cruz products. The support they have for this legend stokes me out. Keep pushing🙌
I started skating in 1974 on a team in San Diego home ave. You’re inspiring and I still look at reservoirs and banks as if I could skate them! I’m 61! And was the only girl on my team but double grind at montebello skate park won me 2nd place over a ton of guys. Bahne skateboard, trackers and kryptos. Love your story my step dad is from Santa Cruz loved surfing there, lived on west side in 1981! Cheers!
I stumbled upon this video… I am an Asian woman from Hawaii and so admire this woman!!! She’s sooo cool!! Never heard of her til just now!! You go girl!!!!!!!
Thank you. I’m honored to get so much support. I hope I encourage more skaters or no skaters to do what they love.
She's a winner! She's got such a winner mentality, and in such a male dominated field to go so far to the very top. Bravo! 👏❤
I have a new hero, thank you! A few of years back I met a local in Pacifica, she was in her 60s and had been surfing since she was young. She’s a diehard like this great woman, and back when she was pregnant she reworked her wetsuit to accommodate her growing tummy and kept at it. These women give me the courage to grow old.
What a maverick! Judi is truly a BAMF and whoever shot this did an amazing job. Round of applause for Judi and the team helping to tell her story, ya'll did a great job.
Thank you! So awesome to see the new generation of women at the xGames Vert event yesterday.
growing up in a costal town in the 80's you saw Santa Cruz all that time on boards, shirts, hats and rear windshields everywhere. It was the brand to get stoked about. 30 years later I get jazzed about it al the time. its good to see the youth of tomorrow carrying on tradiintions of yesterday. congratulations Judy 50 years and going strong!!!
loved it. We should see more of these people connected with Santa Cruz and the culture sharing their stories and past. For me as an 80's kid all I really know about are the Z-Boys and the Bones Brigade.
62 here. I tried out for the Santa Cruz team in ... 72? They had open try outs in Saratoga. I stunk. But I still stink and I know that for a fact because I still skate. I'll go put 40 cones at 5.5' in the waterpark parking lot a few times a week. The concrete parks scare me because I know what it's like to fall off a 9' concrete wall. But I've been thinking about building a 3' mini in the yard and you just convinced me that "thinking about it" is the wrong tack. Gonna start cutting trannies this weekend. Thanks, Judi!
Also, while you were talking I had severe visual flashbacks of spending an afternoon on the washboard, rolling the snake, transferring the clover, or trying to cope the keyhole. Campbell and Winchester forever! Can't remember which one had an observation deck but watching Black burn drop into (the snake?) from it was one of the scariest things I've ever seen. Nuts. Oh, and, Bombora! Hupper Hodie!
Frikken AWESOME!!!!
Good on ya Judi!!!!!
Shout out Judi!!! 🙌
Thanks Kenny. See you at the Texas Sizzler in a few weeks. Your daughter Maggie is the future of our slalom sport. I love her!
i'm still skating since 1985. still riding indys and ojs.
Judi is skating in the 15 years decade and making it difficult to learning from the moment of grinding the rail and riding down to the street!
WHAAAAaaaaaTTtttt 63 and STILL ripping it?! Damn girl!!! You're a legend!
Good job girl, I’ve been skateboarding and surfing from the time of rock wheels. And I’m still doing it at 64 years old. 👍🏽😎
What an inspiration!! Do what you love no matter your age and NEVER judge a book by it's cover!
What a Legend, Live Young, LIVE LONG...Keep Doing It
Thank you! You as well.
I got goosebumps watching this.
Last year i was slaloming in the local park (I'm 58 ) and a lady stopped and asked me what we were doing, how long had we been doing it and could she get lessons. Next two weekends she skated for the first time in her life ; she's the same age as i am .
Needless to say , i have had to send her this clip 🤗
You are fucking awesome man! 🤘🐸 I am 57 & still rip through the city, beaches & harbors on rollerblades. I enjoyed bombing hills during the Covid lockdown with no cars 😊. I do not know anyone my age that skates like me. It’s refreshing to see you still have the passion & skill that I also have ❤✌️ skate forever!
Thanks for sharing. Keep ripping.
Thank you for your skateboarding Judi Oyama.
You are awesome Judi. I miss Santa Cruz. I am 65 and lived on base at Ft. Ord from 75-77.
So sick! Keep killing it Judi! Much love
She still has gas in the tank! ⛽
Cool she kept her memorabilia great to see
Thanks lady. Thanks Santa Cruz
Love from NZ.
THIS WOMAN GIVES ME HOPE
You have lots of hope if I am able to do it. Anyone can.
Im 47 and was worrying about how much longer i can skate, Judy gives me hope! God bless ya Judy!🙌🙌🙌
Do it. I thought I'd be done in my 40's and when a friend said image when we are skating in our 60's. I looked at her and said that won't be me.
I'm 58 and skate slalom and cruise to the store or just get out as often as the weather permits.
My first board was a Black Knight and my favorite current ride is my 03 Turner Fulnose.
Never stop skating Judi.
Santa Cruz lady rides a Santa Cruz !!! Cool. I saw at a Big 5 website a lady 60 years old who rides a longboard so Ms.Oyama isn't only lady skating a board,only 60 plus that is.
Several years ago when I retook skateboarding after nearly 3 decades (at age 13,stopped and retook at age 41)I've been told "aren't you too old to ride a skateboard." Didn't care plus therapist (I've autism) even would ask me if I kept/been doing it & importance of pleasure (good duh) only to find out of older then me skateboard or retaking it. I'm 47 with a collection now of boards to ride.
Keep skating! ❤
I started skating in 1969 at 7 years old.Had a steel wheel roller derby board.Was on a local skate team in my teens in Ocean City Maryland.Went in the Marine Corp at 17 and after boot camp I took my G&S Fiber Flex everywhere I went.Even got to skate with a couple of Z boys in 1980.I still skate at 60.More into carving and a little downhill.Its been part of my life longer than anything else.I still have my 1978 Fiber Flex.
State Til You Die!
This is so inspirational. I'm 60 years old, haven't skated seriously in decades but have been considering doing it again. I loved it, growing up in the San Fernando Valley in the 70s. I'm a little concerned about taking falls at my age but I guess if you have the right pads/braces/helmet it doesn't have to be that dangerous. The pads are so much better than we used to wear. Absolutely LOVE that Elvis Costello board! Where can I get one :)?
That Elvis board was an Alva Board that I hand painted and silkscreened. It was in the Campbell Museum for a year.
In addition to protective gears, don't forget to go with the flow, roll & deflect the force instead of absorbing it. Parachutist do as well when they land.
Judi Oyama, is a role model for breaking down an age barrier. If you want to do it there is no reason why you cannot do it.
I miss living in Santa Cruz! many great childhood memories! she looks amazing still 💪
When I was growing up in the late 90’s it was rare to see any women at skatepark who were skateboarding. It makes me so happy that so many more women are shredding it up now days and supporting each other. I love hearing about her amazing and inspiring life. What a legend, we’ll all women who blazed the trail for us now are legends. Just them skating and living their life was activism and punk af.
What an incredibly cool woman! You totally rock, Judi Oyama! 🤘😎
Thank you! I'm stoked to see the level of women's skateboarding finally getting on the main stage again at the XGames after a 13 year break.
beautiful, skateboarding saved my life, it has an effect on me like nothing else on earth, ride for life, roll for the soul, skate family!!! xxx
This shit gives me alot of hope of relearning how to skate. Ive had an 18 year hiatus from skating but just got back into it, cant do any tricks YET, but still just getting re aquainted to skating. Sometimes its nice being an adult because i bought the deck ive always wanted since i was a kid playing THPS. Got the Bloody nose deck 7.5 By ZERO. Shits so fucking awsome to skate again, and this lady has definitely inspired me to start trying tricks we used to know!
Do it you won't regret in 10 more years thinking I should have. Have fun.
She is such a motivation!! Skateboarding is great exercise, she still moves like a young girl! 💖
Hell yeah!!! Talk about a kickass inspiration!! Judi - if you read this message, you rock! 🤘🔥
Lots of respect to you. You're so awesome ♥️♥️♥️💯💯💯👍👍👍👍👍🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷 Love, Japan ♥️♥️♥️
Skaters and riding bikes are a different breed. Many of us had skating as our therapy, our escape, and our joy. Judy is a true pioneer
Very encouraging. I'm in my late 60s and still ride my Santa Cruz Cruiser, a BMX, and mountain bike nearly every day. I appreciate your approach as we don't 'bounce' anymore.
She's so freaking chill. I love her.
Thank you!
@@JudiOyama my mom is 69 and my stepdad is 79 and they still travel the world together playing in seniors basketball tournaments, they’re both senior national champions. I showed her this video and she loved it, you rock!
@@SegaGenesisEvangelion That's awesome. It keeps them young.
Amazing!! Stoked on this!
Catch y'all at the premiere! 🙌
Thank you so much! I am an sf native and Asian American woman and never knew about her! She is amazing and a mother and an athlete! How inspiring !
Thank you Stella.
Absolute legend❤
As a fellow female (former)skateboarder, I am from a family of 6 kids, 5 boys and me- the only girl, so tomboying around was a given. This story gives me life🤗💕.
Salute to you I'm 45 been skating 35 yrs I would of talked to you , keep killing it
Finally someone from my generation. I'm 42 and have been on since 1985.
I met you Judi upstairs at NHS on 41st back in 1973. I was that odd skater on Roller Skates. Do you remember that year Capitol contest was canceled due to reasons and I took everyone to the Buena Vista pool that I discovered with Tom Cuthberson.
I remember the original slalom contest was canceled because the promoter forgot to show up. We sat at the top of the hill and waited. That's how Rich and Jay started doing their own events and thus the Capitola Classic started. I remember going to the pool but it's been a minute. Thanks for sharing.
Very inspirational !
Went out to skate the second it ended! Judi rules 🙌
Brings back memories! Ahh The 70's Good times Awesome documentary.
Respect,Great Woman!
I learnt decent bowl skateboarding when I was about 45, never ever skated before. I used to drop my kids at the skatepark and got tired of not doing anything, as a dedicated and seasoned surfer and snowboarder from my 15 years old to 25, the feeling and the balance was already there. I learnt vertical dropping and keep momentum inside the bowl with a decent style, I loved going saturdays and sundays at 8:00 am before all the newies arrived and enjoy the bowls and snake runs. My kids growed up and no more rides to the skatepark ever happenned since 7 years ago, they quitted. Last time I rode I was about 48 in my new town, I have been thinking about returning since. After whatching this lady I am considering a return, now I am 52, with less spare time, older, much busier and time has started to pass quickly and tolling my body. Thank your this amazing video.
Legendary Mama big ups. Straight up Beasting God Bless Bravo Bravo 👏
That was super inspirational. At 32 I decided to pick up a mtb and do mtb street with it, first thought I had was... wtf am I doing? I'm too old for this sh**. But then there are people like you. Thanks! I'm gonna shred till I can't!
This was great backstory!
Endless stoke 🔥
Im 61 stillsurfing windsurfing kiting ,surfskating ,dont let anything stopyou very inspirational😊
The real O.G´s. Great they´re having credit.
What an absolute badass and an inspiration.