How Skateboarding Saved My Life: Micky Papa 

Share your own stories here of the impact skateboarding has had on you 👇

Takes courage to talk about this

Skateboarding really is the most therapeutic thing. You can always look up to a solid sesh w your homies

Skateboarding has saved lots of people.

I’m a recovering heroin addict, my sobriety date is December 13th, 2016. Skateboarding didn’t save my life, but it completed me. It gave me that other form of recovery. There’s so many similarities. 1. You fall on your face and get back up 2. You learn from the people that have been doing it for years and know what they’re talking about 3. Skate videos and magazines are our literature 4. Skatepark sessions are our meetings, street skating is our book work This is a great edit, I truly relate

This is why skateboarding is so different to other sports or activities. I’m coming from a not dissimilar background as Micky there and I’m now 33, living in a different country, having a great job, a great family, a group of really supportive friends and none of that would have been possible if it wasn’t for the friendships, support and the sheer joy that skateboarding brings. I still go out and push around, still try to land new tricks and still think that it’s quite simply the best thing you could ever do. Regardless of whether you are a pro or you struggle to land your kickflips, never walk away from something that brings you that joy.

props to everyone involved in making this. Not easy to talk about this stuff, thanks Micky

Love Micky Papa. Have had my own struggles with mental health and man skateboarding is just that escape that reminds me to be a kid again and not take life to seriously. Skateboarding is definitely a silver lining all the difficulties in life. Much love to everyone going through hard times, you can get through it, you are strong, and you are worth it.

Mickey is the man. I remember when he got sponsored he was at Vans skate park. He was so happy He said he got some cash bought a car after that his skills just grew to super dope mode. If you ever get a chance to watch this dude in person skate you will stop skating and just watch him like a movie so dope. Big ups mickey

Came fully prepared to do a deathblow breakdown, so I'll drop this just for fun, growing up I loved Micky's Part in Yesterday's Future (along with Chad Dickson's [the song tho] ) Micky Papa BATB 9 2nd Place Career 4 Wins - 2 Loses 27 letters given to 16 letters taken Overall, 143 of 171 83.62% on offense, 96 of 108 88.88% on defense, 47 of 63 74.60% His 2 defeats came in the BATB 9 Finals and BATB 10 round 1, but against a former champion (Cody Cepeda, who won BATB 7 and got 3rd Place in BATB 8) He Skunked Brian Peacock on 14 tricks and Youness on 34 attempts, although 7 were on defense He Matched Aramis's Hudson Frontside Caballerial Flip on their BATB 9 Match, along with the always weird heelflip and nollie heelflip sexchange Was the first to ever land a Varial Heelflip Revert (after only 1 missed attempt by Johnny Giger vs P-Rod) he made it his trick, getting letters on Cody McEntire, Diego Najera (after Micky missed once) and Cody Cepeda Youness matched it after Micky missed it once Used it as his deathblow vs Aramis Hudson Overall, 5 of 7 71.42% all on offense

Holy smokes, what a story - and what an inspiring message that follows. You're the man, Micky. Keep up the great job you've been doing with those four wheels and a piece of wood. This is what you call wholesome content. Big ups the Berrics. All the best from Poland!

Mickey is such a great human being. He barely knew me just seeing eachother around the local parks in Vancouver and everytime I would message him for a deck he would bring a handful of his barely used decks to the park for me and didn't ask for anything in return. Crazy to hear this story like this I remember watching him for hours practice the same tricks over and over and over in order to perfect his tricks and just being blown away every second. You're the man Mickey !

Without skateboarding I dont know who or what I would be. Sometimes I forget how much you really have to fight for what you love, I've gone down a hole of depression and suicidal thinking, but skateboarding helps me remember, if what you want to become is better, then all you need is love. And I think skateboarding teaches that incredibly well.

Always knew there was something about Micky that made him who he was. Such a genuine guy he deserves all his success.

I grew up in northern British Columbia. Grew up ghetto and skateboarding saved my life alot like it did for Micky! Lost friends to drugs but skateboarding took me down the same path of a creative outlet. Now I live in Costa Rica and want to help kids here have an outlet! God works in many great ways 😊

Great story, thanks for sharing. Also, I am blown away by the tricks in this video. Is Micky the G.O.A.T.?! How is he not talked about more. Literally legendary tricks just thrown in there like it’s nothing.

Appreciate this very much, everyone tells me that I waste my time skating but I know the truth

Needed this more than expected. Thank you Micky for reminding us that we may all have it difficult and it's our place to choose the correct path no matter how bad it gets.

Skateboarding and rap saved my life! Here in Brasil things are just too fucked up and these 2 are what keeps me motivated to enjoy my life. Also Micky is underrated af in my opinion, dude is just so humble and skillful

His story gave me goosebumps. What a dude 👍

I remember you as a young buck in the underworld video. Being about the same age as you at the time i can say that you were a big inspiration for young canadian skaters.

When you already loved Micky Papa but then this comes out! Huge love & respect! As a father, this brings a tear to my eye as I would never want my daughter to grow up like this. He's lucky he made it through it and made him where he is today, respect! A lot of kids will not and especially with our lockdown laws in Australia atm. Child suicide & self-harm is rising more than this v irus. Look after each other and reach out if you need someone!

I got to admit that i honestly dont really like his "style", but his tech level is on a nother level. Its litterly insane. His Story also changed my opinion for Sure! Thank you Berrics and Micky Papa for the insights!

i went to micky's elementary school, spent many hours watching him at rocky point skate park. really looked up to him as a kid. cool to hear more about his struggles and really happy for him hes able to do what he loves

Skating saved us all

this was truly a blessing to hear and very convient too. this was the first vid i watched tonite coming back from an aa meeting and honestly feeling hopeless. skateboarding has been my crutch of my sobriety. going out and skatin with the homies was the only thing that i could look forward too as my time was going up. now im at a year and 6 months and i couldnt be more greatful. thank you skateboarding and THANK YOU MICKY keep at it

Congratulations to the team that put this together. People don't realize how much time and effort goes into making a film like this. Everyone involved did a great job telling this story.

Micky is such a beast. What a great video and story, thanks for sharing this.

Now he’s one of the best fuckin skaters in this world living the good life he deserves!! Happy for you Micky and glad you from Canada and reppin 🤙🏽🇨🇦

Forever one of my favorites and I had no idea about the rough upbringing. I love hearing about people channeling the toughest days and experiences into their skateboarding or whatever the passion is. God most definitely had his eyes and hands on Micky. Much love and I look forward to this young man's bright future skating and inspiring all of us! ❤

Skateboarding was therapy and an escape from a broken home. With all the blood, and broken bones, the satisfaction and love is that much stronger. Happy for anyone living ther dream

R.I.P Henry gartland

Mad Respect to Micky. Takes a lot of self love and compassion to be vulnerable like this in front of millions of viewers. Thank you.

This is why you don’t boo someone at BATB. Have a heart guys. You never know how much adversity someone must overcome to become a successful skater. Much love Micky. A true gentleman. A true skater.

I remember this dude used to sell me his barely used decks out trunk of his civic all the time was a blessing. Nicest guy ever

Helluva story. Crazy how a piece of wood with wheels on it can save so many of us from bad environments

This hit.... youve earnd my respect Micky, looking forward to see what you got cookin this year. Your SLS qualfier runs were insane at the start of the season.

You and me both my man

Thank you for sharing your Story. I am from germany and got to know you through your Video Parts and Street League almost a decade ago. I never ever thought you had been going through such hard times. I am really glad you made your own path. You are such a sympathetic and unbelievably talented pro in the skateboarding world. Your skating developed exponentially, so fuckin crazy. Never ever let you down & keep it up!

Love you Mickey, never even realized how hard you had to work to get where u are, you’re an inspiration to me ❤️

Needed to hear this. Struggling with sobriety, skating, and working rn. Perspective is the biggest thing that helps me get thru my struggles whether I’m doing right or wrong for myself. Perspective is everything, life will never get better but ur mind does

Im in this skateboarding way for 20 years and i don´t gonna give up!

I skated with micky papa at the very 1st maloof money cup in Kimberley south africa . And he inspired me so much . And he was so good. And npw look at him !

If you are here reading this right now and have a difficult time believe me there is a solution for everything and you can get trough it, just believe in yourself and start to thing positive, skateboarding is more than a sport and it brings so much joy, I stopped skating for 10 years, im 28 now and got back to skate since May this year and its been and awesome journey, I lost 27 Kg already in less than 6 months and im feeling better than ever before thanks to skateboarding, now i injured my MCL cause skating wich gave me thoughts about keeping skating but i decided that i cant stop doing something that gives so much joy to my soul, so after my recovery im going back on my skateboard stronger than ever. Keep pushing guys and keep smiling :)

Thanks to Micky to opening up, had a similar situation growing up when my dad lost his job at maytag.

It’s very therapeutic. Skating is like life your try to learn something new, struggle, push through hard times/moments, learn about yourself, falling down and getting back up and keep trying. I’ve struggled with mental health from a young age and the things I went though as a kid into adulthood. And when I picked up my first board. And that feeling of your first time and to learn and struggle with it. And to keep pushing yourself till you land that one trick you’ve been chasing for days, weeks, months, and hell even years. But to land that trick after all that is just unlike anything else in this world. Just a priceless moment in time.

one of the most underrated skaters

It’s good to be real about your mental health, whatever your situation is

What a legend, love skateboarding love Micky papa and it has saved so many lives

I have way way much more respect for this man, because this is exactly what I say. You don’t ever know what someone is going through. Happy for you Micky!

Thank you for sharing. Takes balls to get that story out there. There is no one better at tech rail skills than Micky. He is in that first tier.

Already loved the guy before watching watching this. Representing our country well 🇨🇦 🍁

I'll never forget skating with you at South Park brossard montreal, you're an awesome person never knew you went through all this in life, Love you Micky!

Beautiful! Proud of this man!! God bless you

Canadian legend love this guy

He is the men, he had being allways there, he's not the most famous but for thouse that skate in the 2010's he have a place on our minds, dificult to forget, because he does really dificult tricks.Happy to see him still skating. great last videopart.

This is heavy, thank you for talking about this Micky. So glad you're still here. Much love Micky.

Wow. I am floored. Thank you Micky. And thank you for skateboarding

I've never really been much of a fan of this guy before now. With this new understanding of what he had to overcome to be where he is now makes me like the guy a whole lot. Endurance and perseverance pretty much sums it up. Keep ripping Micky.

I'm such depressed, and i cried watching this video, skateboarding is life.

I’m very thankful to hear this story. That was an uplifting and inspiring story. This young man is an extraordinary skater. We are lucky to have him. Thank you Berrics and Micky Papa for sharing this with us. I would appreciate if you guys can do more bits like this in the future. We all love these men and women and so their stories are very interesting to us. May God bless you evermore.

Micky rules man. I remember watching him years ago when he was riding for Underwold I think, this Canadian skate shop. He's one of the best skateboarders in the world..so tech and also skates big stuff. Really respect you Micky! Cheers from Montreal. -Nick

His story can help a lot of other people. Great advice there at the end.

I think that alot of people can relate to this story, alot more then we think. Very inspiring.

Always been a fan of his skating, but now I’m a fan of Micky as a person .

You never know anyone , I always seen him in Cali & Tampa pro always smiling being a nice guy. Every one has a story.

Micky Papa is a legend! Thanks for putting this out.

I already loved Micky Papa and after seeing this it made me love him even more. I'm glade he's where he is at now.

Our Canadian legend

I really love that we started to hear more personal stories from skateboarders and people from the industry. It makes you understand that they are not super humans, but just people like you, who go through the same struggles, have same problems and work hard. Thank you!

Underrated

So much more respect for him that I all ready had. Such bravery to speak up.

Love you Micky, needed something like this to remind me it ain’t ever easy and it only gets better

Skateboarding helped me cope with the loss of my younger brother and dealing with the hardships of growing up in a poor and abusive household. About to be 30 next year and recently got back into skating after a decade of being off the board. Thank you guys for this video🙌

So sick how he just surrendered his life over to skateboarding 🙏🛐🤲

Much love bro, I have a very similar story. I'm so happy you made it through, and you are kicking ass. I'm glad you and your brother are okay. I wish I wouldn't have given up my dreams, when I was younger. For everybody out there hurting, just take it day by day, try and get help. There are tons of people out there willing to help you, stay safe. Be strong! You can do this.

his tech ability is literally comparable or better than shane oniell crazy

Good job The Berrics! You can see it in His style how Skateboarding is meditation for well Being! Thank you ♥️

Respect. He sure is a survivor of life.

Thank you Micky for being vulnerable and sharing your story - a gift to us all. Really appreciate it and all the best.

So much respect for this dude

He’s one of the most underrated greats of all time

Love this so much, Micky is a beast, he has been so nice to me and my little brother the both times we’ve met him

All the homies love Micky Papa🙌

So much respect for this dude 🤘🏻❤️🛹

Thank you for sharing your story with me, with the world. I have a lot of respect for you. For you being open and honest about something that isn’t easy to talk about. Thank you.

Micky Papa and Andy Anderson are national treasures. Best current Canadian technicians lol.

I can attest the unique psychological effect skateboarding has on a person. In a sense, having it so deeply ingrained in my soul makes its' absence sort of a kryptonite, but that's nothing compared to the powerful way that it can elevate my mood and confidence, as well act as a catalyst to channel negative emotion, creativity and manifest reality through visualization, faith and then action. There have been times in my life when I'm so utterly empty and depressed and one session of skating completely destroyed that and brought a flicker of joy, hope and fulfillment back to me. Almost it acted as a reminder of who I truly am in the midst of the struggles of life stripping me of my identity. Skateboarding is such a beautiful craft. The point of contact where human meets board is a special place where the eternal, abstract and ambiguous potential of reality becomes manifested through the soul's desire and gives birth to something beautiful. It's such a random thing, but to those who know, it's such an amazing tool to experience and to watch. I'm so grateful to God for it 🔥

Love this! What a legend

Recently saw a few competitions with Micky placing really high. Glad to see him come up some more. It takes courage to talk about this and I can tell hes going places. DEfinitely one of my favorite skaters now!

Micky you are an inspiration and an unbelievable skateboarder. I never realized the magnitude of the tricks you’ve done until I saw this footage.

Amazing story, thank you so much for having the courage to share your story Micky. You are such a positive influence to all your fans around the world. Much respect

That was amazing. Thanks Micky - huge respect to you for sharing so much of yourself in this way!

Total Respect dude \../

Love seeing Micky get more shine lately. So underrated. Now I'm an even bigger fan.

We're proud of ye, boi! It was always a privilege to watch you skate.

I appreciate this story.

God bless you Micky!!! Thank you for sharing that, so powerful

Soo good, thanks for sharing. The streets raised us, especially in the 90’s

Great video. Thank you for sharing everything Micky. Skateboarding definitely helped me get through depression/anxiety at a young age. Hoppin on my board, and channeling all those heavy emotions and fears towards learning a new trick, saved me. Unfortunately I had to stop skating because of injuries, but I still ride around and love everything about it!