It’s not every day that you get to meet your skateboarding heroes, and when you do, those moments often become cherished memories. Inspired by a popular online discussion, we asked our readers to share their most memorable encounters with pro skaters. The response was overwhelming, and here are some of the most captivating stories we received.
Mark Gonzales, a skateboarding icon, captured in a candid moment.
Mark Gonzales
One reader shared a story about how, as a teenager, Mark Gonzales took a Polaroid photo with them on the street. Years later, after they became friends, Gonz surprised them by revealing he still had the photo, which he had kept for over a decade. He even brought it to them the next day at the Pier 62 skatepark. This incredible moment is still a cherished memory, showcasing Gonz’s down-to-earth nature. – @substanceskatepark
Another fan recounted seeing Gonz in Manhattan riding an 80s BMX bike, sporting a fedora and bright striped pants. After disappearing briefly, Gonz reappeared beside the fan and, in his signature high-pitched voice, handed him four Natas Kaupas stickers before riding off. – @jcherni_
One memorable encounter occurred at a local skate shop in Wyoming. Gonz showed up alone and skated with some locals, teaching them firecrackers off a curb. The shop owner later revealed that the cool guy was none other than Mark Gonzales. – @yoderyoder
Another time, while walking through Union Square in New York, Gonz stopped a fan wearing an old-school Budweiser sweater. He asked to see the fan’s board, then, after the fan nollie flipped with it, Gonz captured the moment on a small digital camera and later posted it on his YouTube channel. – @cmonsun
Finally, one fan recalled seeing Gonz carrying boxes in the Lower East Side while his wife rode his board. After saying something in Italian to her, he turned around and jokingly commented, “I told her that her ass looks like a tomato.” – @christianpayment
Frank Gerwer, known for his raw style, in a dynamic pose.
Frank Gerwer
At Tampa Pro, when a fan offered Frank Gerwer a PBR, he declined, humorously stating that it would give him diarrhea. – @andy_theaguiar
Another fan at Tampa Pro exclaimed, “You’re the man, Frank!” to which Gerwer replied with a memorable, “I got the penis and all.” – @nickatalltimes
Bam Margera, a skateboarding and media personality, with a signature pose.
Bam Margera
Around 2010, Bam Margera visited a bar in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. A group of middle schoolers were allowed to skate outside until 2 AM, when Bam came out, took pictures with them, and signed their boards. Despite being a bit wasted, he was incredibly cool. One of the fans even has a framed photo from that night. – @phenex777
Another fan recounted an accidental encounter with Bam at the Golden Gate Bridge. Bam opened his Porsche door into the fan, casually saying, “My bad.” He was with Andy Roy, seemingly enjoying a tall boy. The fan only realized it was Bam after his friend pointed it out. They ended up watching the sunset together. – @photo.bymicah
Fred Gall, a skateboarding legend, with a classic style.
Fred Gall
One fan met Fred Gall at a skate shop in Newport, Kentucky, before ending up at a nearby strip club. When the bartender refused to serve the fan because he was with Fred, it turned out that some frat bros had been bothering the stripper Fred was talking to. Fred then smashed a bottle on the table and threatened to shank the frat bros, leading to them all being kicked out, and more shenanigans at another bar. – @mistergiby
Another fan encountered a drunk Fred Gall near the Path station in lower Manhattan. Fred bought them hot dogs, shared stories about Harold Hunter, and even gave one of the fans his Indy windbreaker because the fan was wearing an HHF shirt. – @johnchristman
Heath Kirchart, known for his powerful skating, captured in action.
Heath Kirchart
On a trip to Albuquerque, Heath Kirchart famously declared his dislike for the city upon arrival, stating, “I fucking hate Albuquerque, I’ll see you guys in Austin,” before riding off on his bicycle into the night. – @ryantownley
Another fan asked Heath for a photo and received a head hug. Despite being drunk, Heath was still very nice. – @jayslab
One fan recounted a first encounter with Heath at a dinner in Los Angeles, where they excitedly blurted out “Sight Unseen.” Heath, confused and embarrassed, declined a photo. Years later, the same fan met Heath bartending at a bar in LA. Heath, having no memory of their previous encounter, bought the fan a beer, but the fan didn’t tip out of spite, something they still regret. – @zacharyjumper
Jake Phelps, a legendary figure in skateboarding, with a stern look.
Jake Phelps
One fan, wearing a Vans shirt at Potrero, was asked by Jake Phelps, “You ride for Vans?” When the fan answered no, Jake exclaimed, “THEN WHY THE HELL ARE YOU WEARING A VANS SHIRT?” – @curbdoggie
Eric Koston, a highly skilled technical skater, in a candid shot.
Eric Koston
At 3rd Lair Skatepark in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a group of young fans tried to get a high five from Eric Koston. After being repeatedly ignored, Koston yelled, “WILL YOU FUCKING STOP!” – @mpls.geoff
Another fan at the Gravity Games in Cleveland witnessed a buddy aggressively seeking Koston’s signature. Koston finally took the fan’s hat and returned it with a fake signature. – @air_jordang
Antwuan Dixon, known for his charismatic style, captured in a relaxed moment.
Antwuan Dixon
While working at KCDC Skateshop, a fan was told that Antwuan Dixon was passed out at Cooper Skatepark. The fan took a photo before returning to work. Later, Antwuan visited the shop in a jovial mood and tried to sell skateboards to customers before hanging out with some kids. – @natewastaken
Another fan encountered Antwuan Dixon sleeping on a bank at Cooper Skatepark in NYC. Despite being hit by skateboards, Antwuan continued to sleep. He woke up after a few hours seemingly disoriented and unaware of where he had spent the night. – @daavilou
One fan met Antwuan at North Hollywood park, where he was friendly and chatty. When the fan asked where he’d get another tattoo, Antwuan lifted his shirt, pointed to a small spot under his armpit, and declared, “PFFFFT! I GOT ROOM!” – @notshields
Another fan recalled seeing a very drunk Antwuan swinging a 2×4 at the Crossroads event at Black Box Distribution. Years later, Antwuan called the same fan an “Android Apple looking ass” after they rolled a blunt for him. – @honkshoe
Lizard King, a skateboarding icon with a unique style, in a signature pose.
Lizard King
One fan hosted the Baker team at their house after a bar close party. Figgy humorously put his empty beer bottles back in the fridge. Dollin was mocking everyone until he was given a bottle of SoCo to calm him down. Atiba and Lenoce were cool in the kitchen admiring the roommate’s setup. They played THPS 1, and everyone kept asking Riley if he plays as his dad. Lizard made friends in a bedroom and was found watching the fan sleeping the next morning. – @hamoureux
Another fan was approached by Lizard King at an airport who asked if they skated. When the fan said yes, Lizard gifted them a brand new Deathwish board, a company that had just been launched. The board is still proudly displayed on the fan’s wall. – @nickree_
These stories provide a glimpse into the lives of skateboarding legends and offer fans a unique connection to their heroes. From humorous encounters to acts of kindness, these interactions leave a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience them.
