Flying high: 10-year-old finds success at skateboard competitions

Manny Maire, 10, practices his skills at Washington Park. Maire has been competing since he was 6 and recently competed at the King of the Groms in Minneapolis. Photo by Stephen Brooks.

By Leah Freeze

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Manny Maire is a typical 10-year-old.

He is in the 4th grade at Thorpe Gordon Elementary School. He plays guitar in the Rockestra at Class of Rock, 2503 Industrial Dr. He likes snowboarding, surfing and playing video games.

But he’s also highly ranked in the world of skateboarding.

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His dad, Tim Maire, bought him his first skateboard when he was just 5.

“It sat there for a few months, but when I took him out skating, he seemed to be a natural,” Tim said.

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mrs_winky 2 years, 1 month ago

He sounds like a great kid, and his achievements at skateboarding are awesome! But, where is his helmet? He is a role model to other children, and it would be great if he could demonstrate that wearing a helmet is not "uncool." I hope he decides to wear a helmet in the future, or that his parents step in and make him wear one. There are too many people who end up with head injuries when many of them are preventable by wearing helmets.

JCLifer 2 years, 1 month ago

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES ARE NO FUN.

Geeze, NT- why would you even run such a picture showing an unsafe act by a child? Where are his parents?

JMO 2 years, 1 month ago

I suspect they are the couple in the background. I can't get over how many parent's let their kids go without protective gear, all in the name of "being cool". I'm sure my kid took his helmet off when I wasn't around, but he darn sure wore one, along with elbow and knee pads, when I was there.

cogito 2 years, 1 month ago

I'm betting Tim was standing right behind his son, safe in the knowledge that this was just for promotional purposes and then Manny put his helmet back on...

wcywing 2 years, 1 month ago

you love being a nanny state don't you JCLifer?

JCLifer 2 years, 1 month ago

No, I hate breathing cigarette smoke. I would be way more happy if smokers were considerate of others. Government should not have to step in, but in some cases people are inconsiderate and they need to be told how to behave so they do not harm others. If cigarette smoking was good for anything, I might feel differently, but I have not heard one good thing about smoking- not one positive benefit comes from it.

JCLifer 2 years, 1 month ago

I also know several persons who has suffered from traumatic brain injuries, and I cannot imagine any parent allowing their child to risk having a TBI by skateboarding without a helmet.

wcywing 2 years, 1 month ago

well for some people, smoking relaxes them. most smoker i've seen are considerate, i think some non-smokers use it as an excuse.

as for the helmet thing. what do you want a law that puts people in jail, a fine? football is just as dangerous, lets ban that. (no lets not ban that.)

cogito 2 years, 1 month ago

I've seen Manny with a helmet more often than without it... I'm betting, like any kid would, he took it off to look good for the camera! Although it is a human failing, please let's stop and take a breath before we start casting accusing words about...

eredel01 2 years, 1 month ago

Thank you Cogito! My gosh people, children are going to get hurt no matter how hard we try to protect them! I am a mother of three very active kids and also one of Tim and Manny's closest friends; Tim is one of the best fathers I have ever seen, he dedicates his life to his son, and the fact that some people jump to conclusions with out knowing someone irritates me to no end. Raise your children the way you want them to be raised. Don't judge a man for investing his time and life to his sons dreams. Tim is a protective father and does worry about Manny getting hurt, I know this for a fact. But what kind of father would he be if he held Manny back from what comes naturally to him and what makes him happy. The fact that he doesnt wear a helmet all the time is a choice that Tim is ok with. He is his father and has the right to that decision, just like (if) you're a parent you make decisions for your child. How about being happy that this boy has such a wonderful man and father in his life that takes the time to help him forfill his destiny, and spends every extra minute he can with him. With so many fathers that aren't there for their kids in this country, we should be praising Tim for being so dedicated to his son. Manny's safety is top priority to him, so keep your opinions about his parenting to yourself, and worry about the way you raise YOUR child.

JMO 2 years, 1 month ago

I'm sure the family is proud of this kid. And rightfully so! He's doing something pretty impressive.

I'm very glad to hear from people who actually know this family that the child wears his helmet, at least most of the time. I know, kids get hurt all the time, but does that mean you shouldn't attempt to prevent it when possible? FWIW, I'm against most "nanny" laws - for adults. If an 18 year old wants to go without seatbelts or motorcycle helmets, to bash his head open, that's on him. And there's no law that says skateboarders must wear protective gear. But really, it's not a good idea to go without it and it doesn't set a good example for other kids.

wcywing 2 years, 1 month ago

the kid has talent, maybe he will be at the X games someday.

kc911foryou 2 years, 1 month ago

I am happy that Manny and his dad have a great relationship. I'm glad that they have this difficult sport to share with each other. But I must tell you that I agree with the pro-helmet folks. As a retired paramedic with 33 years of service, I can tell you that you only get ONE chance when it comes to severe brain injuries. I don't care if they wanted the helmet off for a better PR shot for the paper. It only takes ONCE to ruin and handicap a person for life or, worse yet, they end up dead.

Many organizations give away free helmets if you cannot afford one. But for sake of every skater please enforce a helmet rule in your household. I did and it made for an angry kid. But eventually he accepted it and our battle was over.

Remember..You only get ONE chance to avoid a SEVERE head injury. Please don't be the parent crying in the ICU because you didn't want to fight the helmet battle with your child.

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