If you are going to throw yourself at concrete before sunrise, you may as well do it with friends.
The Winchester Old Dogs, a skateboarding group aimed at adults, meets at 06:00 before work at River Park in Winchester, Hampshire.
Most of the group skated when they were younger and have returned to the sport later in life.
Noel Robins, 54, said: “We’re a bunch of older gentlemen that have all got a common love of skateboarding.
“We’ve all got day jobs and this is our release to clear our heads and have a laugh.”
About 30 people attend sessions regularly.
Mike Seren, 38, joined the group a year ago and said: “As a kid we didn’t wear the safety gear but now, as an adult, you learn the value of wearing pads. You think ‘I don’t care if I look a bit dorky’.
“I’ve lost like a stone and a half. There’s not a lot of exercise that I’m willing to do in all fairness. But this, I’ll skate and sweat and just go until your legs give up.”
Adam Bryant said he joined the crew after suffering a period of bad health.
“I had cancer three years ago,” he said.
“Realising that life is short, you’ve got to do things that are meaningful and fun and purposeful.”
At present the crew is entirely male, but Robins said he hoped that would change.
“We have had some ladies skate with us. We would definitely like some more. Everyone’s welcome.”
Jake Ridley said: “It’s about getting up early, doing some exercise with like minded people and every session that you don’t hit the concrete is a win.
“What else are you doing at 06:00 in the morning?”
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