Barbara Odanaka
Age: 51
Age I learned to skate: 9
Favorite Skate Park: Lake Cunninham Skate Park, San Jose CA
Why I skate: Skateboarding is my therapy, anti-depressant and fountain of youth rolled into one. It demands concentration and focus, forcing me to think only in the moment. It's like zen on wheels.
What I would tell a grown women intimidated to skate: Everyone is intimidated when they start and some of us feel a little intimidated years later. But that's skateboarding!
Tamra Bowman
Age: 56
Age I learned to skate: 54
Favorite Skate Park: Etnies, Lake Forest CA
Why I skate: Adrenaline high! Keeps me active and lets me sleep better at night. I get a lot of admiration from my peers who don't skate and it's a huge ego boost, I won't lie!
What I would tell a grown woman intimidated to skate: You've got to do it because YOU want to do it.
Sandra Peterson
Age: 52
Age I learned to skate: 49
Favorite Skate Park: The Cove, Santa Monica CA
Why I skate: To keep up with my kids and younger husband. Plus, since I'm always the oldest mom at least I'm the coolest mom.
What I would tell a grown woman intimidated to skate: Learn the language and use it every time you see someone do a cool move. You get respect and gain tremendous popularity.