Bam Margera’s Journey Back to Skateboarding
Bam Margera has had quite a ride, to say the least. The former pro skateboarder and MTV star, known for shows like “Jackass” and “Viva La Bam,” has faced significant struggles with substance abuse over the years, going through rehab 13 times for alcohol and drugs. That’s about three years’ worth of treatment, if you can believe it. But now, he’s been sober for two years and is rediscovering his long-lost passion for skateboarding.
In a recent chat, Margera shared, “I realized I don’t need medication. Skateboarding is my medicine. If I skate every day, it helps keep my mind in a better place.” Many fans remember him for his audacious stunts, but he admits that off-screen, things have been challenging—especially after the tragic loss of his close friend Ryan Dunn in a car accident back in 2011. Following Dunn’s death, Margera found himself on a downward spiral.
“In 2013, my doctor told me my feet were like dry rubber bands due to my drinking, and I felt hopeless about skating,” he reflected. Thankfully, his wife, who’s a stretching coach, encouraged him to commit to a stretching routine, and now he feels more nimble than ever. “I stretch every day for about an hour, and my feet, which used to feel so old, feel young again.
He even recounted a harrowing experience with COVID and pneumonia: “I was on a life-support tube for a while, and it made me realize how easily I could fall back into bad habits. But gradually, as I detoxed and lost some weight, I returned to skating.” The return has been rocky but rewarding. “It wasn’t easy, but I’m back at it every day now, and I’m getting better at tricks that used to be tough.”
Margera, now 44, is also making waves in the gaming world as a character in the reboot of “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4.” Interestingly, he almost missed the opportunity to be in the game, but thanks to a timely conversation with Tony Hawk, he secured his spot. “I called him up, and that led to everything falling into place. It really is a blessing,” he said.
It’s an honor for him to be part of the game. He acknowledges that not just anyone gets to be featured. “There are tons of amazing skaters out there who might not get recognized unless you’re really into the scene,” he noted. “But being part of this is a badge of honor.”
As he looks ahead, Margera emphasizes the importance of skateboarding in his life. “I need it to keep going. Without my passion, I think I’d lose my way. Boredom can lead down a dark path, so it’s crucial to stay obsessed with learning new tricks and pushing myself.”
