Skateboarding has long been a magnet for those who crave adrenaline and push their physical limits. While many find satisfaction in mastering complex tricks, some individuals seek an even greater challenge, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a board – or anything with wheels. Tanner Napper is one such individual, carving his own path as a skateboarding stuntman, using the streets of San Francisco as his personal playground.
Tanner’s unique brand of skateboarding, which often involves unconventional “boards” like crutches, a TV, and even a surfboard, has garnered him significant attention on Instagram. His stunts are daring and often precarious, a calculated effort to stand out in a world where skateboarding is constantly evolving and pushing limits. In a recent interview, Tanner discussed his influences, his approach to stunts, and his vision for the future.
From Homeschool to Hill Bombs
Tanner’s upbringing was far from typical. Homeschooled in a small town outside Fort Worth, Texas, he was, by his own account, “pretty sheltered.” This unconventional education, combined with a natural inclination towards physical activity, laid the foundation for his future pursuits. While he participated in homeschool programs, he always preferred exploring the outdoors and pushing his own boundaries, often jumping off bookshelves and using a trampoline.
Tanner’s adventurous spirit led him to experiment with various activities, including riding horses bareback and, as he jokingly recounts, even trying the “peanut butter trick” with a goat. He attributes his tendency to jump around to being an ADHD kid, constantly seeking new thrills. This restlessness eventually found its outlet in skateboarding.
The Evolution of a Stuntman
While Tanner acknowledges that skateboarding is his foundation, it’s his stunts that have captured the attention of the masses. As he explains, “if I post a skate clip everyone’s like, ‘Oh, yeah that’s cool,’ and if I post a stunt everyone’s like, ‘OMG that’s so sick!!’” This response has led him to prioritize stunts, constantly seeking out new and outrageous ways to push the limits of what’s possible on four wheels – or anything with wheels. He draws inspiration from Jackass and other daredevils, incorporating a similar theme of bodily injury for the entertainment of others.
Tanner currently lives in San Francisco, where he supports himself through tree work and hard labor when he’s not busy planning and executing stunts. He also earns a small amount of money through Instagram reels, though he acknowledges the challenges of generating consistent income from social media. Banned from TikTok for posting “dangerous acts,” he prefers the format of Instagram and laments the absence of Vine, viewing it as a superior platform.
Pushing the Boundaries: From Surfboards to TVs
Tanner’s stunt repertoire includes a diverse range of objects. He’s not just bombing hills on skateboards; he’s also utilizing surfboards, crutches, and even a television, all with trucks bolted on. He admits that the TV hill bomb was particularly challenging, due to the unexpected weight of the TV, which made him feel like he was a “300-pound person.”
Tanner also revealed that he is experimenting with fire breathing, having learned the hard way that gasoline is not the proper fuel for such activities. His initial attempt resulted in half his face being burned. However, after some trial and error, he has mastered the technique. He now prefers lamp oil, which he says doesn’t have the nasty taste of rubbing alcohol that he previously used.
The Mental Game and Future Goals
Despite the obvious physical risks, Tanner’s approach to his stunts is not reckless. He prepares for his hill bombs by using a hill close to his old house, where he used to bomb it every day. He meticulously measures and assembles his various board setups at a hardware store with the help of a friend. Despite the preparation, the stunts do come with their fair share of injuries.
Tanner acknowledges the mental challenges of being a stunt performer, particularly the expectation to constantly evolve and create new stunts. He admits to feeling the pressure and recognizes the need to mix things up. He also stresses the importance of having a good crew, citing his close friendships with Shayan and Fiene, with whom he frequently collaborates.
Ultimately, Tanner aims to take his stunts to a larger platform, possibly with a Netflix show. He is working with Isaac, Steve-O’s personal assistant, for guidance. Tanner also shared that his most impressive stunt, according to Steve-O, was the surfboard one. He expresses his admiration for Jackass, Evel Knievel, and Travis Pastrana, despite having been sheltered from such content growing up.
“No Morals” and “Metal”
Tanner’s “No Morals” tattoo is a testament to his spontaneity and his desire to live outside of conventional boundaries. The tattoo, shared with five other people he no longer associates with, is a reminder of a night of tequila shots and impulsive decisions. His other tattoo, “Metal,” is the nickname given to him because of his rigid stance during hill bombs, a name he says he prefers and has tattooed on his fingers.
When asked about his tips for others who want to try hill bombing, Tanner jokes, “Pray.” But, he does offer some sage advice: “Sit backseat and keep your front foot light. That helps with the cracks.” Tanner adds that if he is dealing with bad wobbles, he will just drop to his ass, feeling safer than the alternative of concrete sliding.
More Than Just Stunts
While the stunts may seem immature to some, Tanner believes his actions have the potential to inspire and entertain. “With your interviews maybe you inspire other people to either want to do what you do or the person you interviewed inspired someone else reading it. If I make a video and it hypes people up, that makes me feel good and I hope I can do it as long as my body lets me.” Tanner’s ultimate goal is to be able to make a living off his stunts. He believes he was “put on this Earth” to be a stunt person, and he is determined to continue pushing the boundaries and redefining the limits of skateboarding.
Interview by: Ian Michna
Intro by: Ben Komins
Photos by: Pizzle
