How Sobriety Saved Anthony Van Engelen’s Skate Career (Video)

Originally posted on TransWorld SKATEboarding
By Brian Blakely | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 1:37 PM ET

Anthony Van Engelen has always been known for his raw, no-nonsense style and intensity on his skateboard. There's no one out there like AVE. But on the latest episode of Living Proof Radio, we hear him open up about the personal battles that nearly derailed his skate career—and how sobriety brought him back.

This isn't the first time AVE has peeled back the curtain on the subject, and I'm sure it won't be the last, but it's as powerful as ever. And we're just barely scratching the surface here. It's a great conversation. Settle in and press play.

AVE's track record in skateboarding is pretty impressive. Think Photosynthesis. The DC Video. Feedback. Mind Field. Propeller. And these are just five random examples. AVE clips carry so much weight, so whether he's filming a full part or just popping up in random projects, it's always a sight for sore eyes.

As always, the conversation is super candid and unfiltered, in all the best ways. Hearing AVE talk about the challenges of addiction, the toll it took on his skating and relationships, and the turning point that set him on a new path is super inspiring. And the fact that he's so open about it all these days proves he's clearly in a better place.

Hey, sometimes we have to learn things the hard way. Sometimes that's the only way.

Beyond his personal stories, the episode touches on AVE’s creative process and his perspective on the current state of skateboarding, which naturally funnels into the importance of mental and physical health for longevity in the skate world.

Honestly, whether you’re a lifelong AVE fan like myself or just happen to be discovering his story, this episode is worth every minute.

This article first appeared on TransWorld Skateboarding and was syndicated with permission.

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