Skateboarding, a sport known for its diverse styles, ranging from technical precision to creative expression, owes its evolution to a lineage of incredibly talented individuals. These skateboarders have not only pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on a board but have also left an indelible mark on the sport’s culture and industry. This article explores 20 of the most influential skateboarders who have transformed skateboarding, from its early roots to its modern-day global presence.
20 Skateboarders Who Shaped the Sport
Most Famous SkateboardersThe journey of skateboarding is a captivating one, marked by periods of rapid growth and significant shifts in style. The 1970s, often considered the golden age, laid the foundation for what would follow. The emergence of skateboarding magazines such as Thrasher and Transworld Skateboarding in the 1980s fueled a resurgence, accompanied by a move towards street-style skating and more complex aerial maneuvers. This period saw skateboarding transform into a dynamic sport that captured widespread attention. The 1990s presented new challenges, including negative stereotypes and financial difficulties for skateboarding companies. However, the sport rebounded in the mid-90s, gaining global recognition with the rise of the X-Games. By the early 2000s, the construction of skateparks and plazas worldwide helped shift public perception, while Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game series further increased the sport’s popularity. Today, skateboarding is not only a celebrated sport but is also featured in the Olympics, a testament to its enduring appeal and global recognition. The individuals who pioneered this evolution are the focus of this list, honoring their contributions to the sport’s rich history.
1. Tony Hawk
Tony HawkWhen the topic of famous skateboarders arises, Tony Hawk is a name that resonates with most. Known as the “Birdman,” Hawk’s impact on skateboarding is undeniable. He popularized the sport and elevated its profile to mainstream audiences. Hawk’s achievements extend beyond his skating prowess, encompassing his skateboarding company, Birdhouse, his popular video game series, and the establishment of over 600 skateparks globally through his foundation, alongside significant philanthropic efforts. Furthermore, he is recognized as a pioneer of vertical skateboarding and the first to land the “900,” a feat that revolutionized aerial skating. Despite a challenging childhood where he was labelled hyperactive, Tony’s parents supported his newfound passion, recognizing it as a way for him to expend his energy. By age 12, he won amateur contests, and at 14, he turned pro, earning a substantial income by 17. By the age of 25, Tony Hawk’s achievements were unparalleled, with 73 wins out of 103 contests, and 19 second-place finishes. His dedication resulted in him being the vertical skating champion for 12 consecutive years. Hawk’s continued influence on the skateboarding world extends to his business ventures and constant efforts to support the sport, cementing his status as a role model for aspiring and seasoned skateboarders alike, and arguably the most influential skater of all time.
2. Bam Margera
Bam Margera, known for his daring and often outrageous stunts, rose to fame through his “CKY” video series in the late 1990s. His unique approach to skateboarding, which combined raw talent with humor and spectacle, created a significant impact on skate culture, before the rise of the internet. Margera’s videos gained global recognition, leading to his involvement in the creation of the wildly popular “Jackass” franchise, further catapulting him into the mainstream. His innovative editing and willingness to push boundaries set him apart. This led to his MTV shows, “Viva La Bam” and “Bam’s Unholy Union”, further solidifying his career. Despite struggles with addiction, Bam’s legacy in skateboarding and entertainment remains considerable.
3. Tony Alva
At over 60, Tony Alva remains a foundational figure in skateboarding history. Alva, known for his surf-inspired style, dominated the skateboarding scene of the 1970s, becoming an iconic figure. He was a pioneer in vertical skateboarding, introducing the frontside air, a revolutionary move that involved grabbing the front side of the board during a 180-degree turn on a ramp. His influence is often described as “starting it all”. Alva joined the Zephyr team (Z-boys) in 1972, where he, Jay Adams, and Stacy Peralta transformed drained pools into skate spots. His partnership with Vans in 1974 led to the creation of the first “Off the Wall” skate shoe. Alva’s skateboarding company was also the first to use layered maple plywood for skate decks. With numerous contest wins, including a Guinness World Record, and his induction into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame, Alva’s lasting impact on skateboarding’s style and culture remains profound.
4. Jason Lee
Jason LeeJason Lee is widely recognized for his acting career, notably in the TV series “My Name Is Earl” and films like “Chasing Amy”. However, he initially gained fame as a professional skateboarder with a groundbreaking part in the skate video, “Blind – Video Days.” In the late 1980s, Lee was executing backside flips and kickflip to tailslides, setting him apart from many of his contemporaries. In the 90s, he teamed up with Mark Gonzalez to create “Video Days”. He founded Blue Skateboards, later renamed Stereo Skateboards in 1992, showcasing his talent both as a skateboarder and entrepreneur. Lee continues to skate and contributes to the legacy of skateboarding while maintaining a successful acting career.
5. Stacy Peralta
Stacy PeraltaStacy Peralta is a true skateboarding pioneer, achieving top-ranking status and co-owning his skateboarding company, Powell-Peralta, before turning 21. As a member of the Z-boys, Peralta formed Powell-Peralta with George Powell, which became one of the most influential brands of the 1980s. Peralta also created the Bones Brigade team, showcasing some of the best talent in skateboarding at the time, that shaped the future of the sport. In 1984, Peralta created the Bones Brigade Video Show, a revolutionary skate video that changed how skaters learned and experimented with tricks. His work had a profound impact on the way skateboarding was observed, learned, and practiced, forever changing the culture.
6. Mark Gonzales
Mark Gonzales, “The Gonz,” is renowned for ushering in the modern era of street skateboarding and has been described as one of the most influential skateboarders of all time by Transworld Skateboarding magazine. Gonzales was the first to skate handrails with his contemporary, Natas Kaupas, changing the landscape of street skateboarding. He also famously performed an ollie down one wall and onto another ramp at Embarcadero in San Francisco, known today as the “Gonz Gap.” In 1986, he repeated this feat, ollieing across a significant gap at Wallenberg Traditional High School in California. Beyond skateboarding, Gonzales is an artist whose work has been exhibited globally and he founded Krooked Skateboards, featuring his signature avant-garde graphics. Gonzales’s dual identity as both a skateboarder and artist shows his impact on skateboarding culture.
7. Rodney Mullen
Rodney Mullen, while known as the best freestyle skater in the world, is also one of the most humble and innovative figures in skateboarding. Mullen invented a multitude of tricks, including the street ollie, kickflip, and 360 flip. His passion for the sport is reflected in his autobiography, The Mutt: How to Skateboard and not Kill Yourself. Mullen started skating as a young boy in his garage and he went on to win 34 freestyle contests out of 35, becoming the most successful competitive freestyle skateboarder ever. His ability to adapt his freestyle skills to street skateboarding, along with his creativity, design work, and engineering aptitude, have solidified his place as a highly influential skateboarder.
8. Rob Dyrdek
Rob DyrdekRob Dyrdek is a controversial figure in skateboarding, with some considering him a sellout. However, his business success cannot be denied. He founded the Street League Skateboarding competition, the most lucrative competition of its kind, and gained fame through his TV shows “Fantasy Factory” and “Rob & Big,” and now hosts “Ridiculousness” on MTV. Dyrdek’s influence extends beyond his own skateboarding career, significantly impacting the business aspect of the sport.
9. Ed Templeton
Ed Templeton, founder of Toy Machine, was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2016. He was influenced by Mark Gonzales and achieved professional status shortly before graduating from high school. Templeton not only is known for his skills on a skateboard as a notable street skater, but also for his creativity, designing all of the artwork for his boards. His contribution to skating extends beyond tricks, also to his commitment to art and design, setting him apart from his contemporaries.
10. Daewon Song
Daewon Song, a Korean-born American street skateboarder, is known for his exceptional technical ability. He began skating at the age of 14 as a way to cope with the instability of his family life. Growing up amidst gang activity, skateboarding was his refuge and also his saving grace. Despite not initially intending to become a professional, his skills impressed Rodney Mullen, who became a mentor to him. He was named Skater of the Year by Thrasher magazine in 2006. Song’s presence in Tony Hawk’s video games and participation in the Secret Skatepark Tour highlight his broad influence on skateboarding.
11. Elissa Steamer
Elissa Steamer broke barriers as the first female to have a street part in a major skate video during the 1990s. Her trailblazing career has made a significant impact on women’s skateboarding and has inspired many who wish to follow her. Steamer’s involvement with the “Gizmo” video, Nike’s first pro-team full female feature, highlights her continued efforts to build up the skateboarding community. Her dedication to bringing people together and supporting the next generation solidifies her status as a vital figure in the sport.
12. Bob Burnquist
Bob Burnquist, who mostly competed in Brazil, is celebrated as the first skateboarder to land a “fakie 900,” and the fifth person to complete the standard 900. He is known for his switch-stance skateboarding and for constantly pushing the boundaries of the sport with innovative tricks. His signature “One-Footed Smith Grind” is a testament to his ingenuity. With a career that began at 11 years old, Burnquist became a pro at 14 and won the X-Games best trick contest in 2000. He continued to medal in various X-Games events, ultimately holding the record for winning the most X-Games medals, with a total of 30. Since his retirement, Burnquist has continued to skate at his private skate park, “Dreamland,” exemplifying his lifelong passion for the sport.
13. Leticia Bufoni
https://youtu.be/Fe7ab-mTQOc
Leticia Bufoni has quickly risen in popularity with her remarkable skill and dedication. She earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records at the age of 25, underscoring her achievements in the sport. But more than that, her fierce competitiveness is accompanied by a focus on her own personal growth, which is admired by her peers and fans. Although she tied Elissa Steamer for the most gold wins in the Women’s SKB Street event, their mutual respect and friendship are unparalleled. Bufoni is changing the landscape of women’s skateboarding with her incredible talent and determination.
14. Danny Way
Danny Way is known for his record-breaking aerial stunts. He was the first to drop into a vert ramp from a helicopter and jump over the Great Wall of China. He also received Thrasher magazine’s “Skater Of The Year” award twice in a row. Way’s childhood was marked by the loss of his father and challenging family dynamics, which led him to find solace in skating and surfing. He won his first contest at 11, and continued winning X-Games medals and breaking world records until his last contest in 2009. Way’s contributions to extreme skateboarding have had a major impact on its evolution.
15. Bucky Lasek
Bucky Lasek has consistently excelled in skateboarding for over 30 years. He has won a total of 20 medals at the X-Games, 10 of them being gold, and first began his professional career in 1990 after he was noticed by Powell-Peralta. Lasek’s ability to maintain his skill throughout his career is admirable. He continues to create videos, and despite being over 40, he competed in the 2018 X-Games. His dedication to the sport is clearly evident, as he even built his own bowl in his backyard.
16. Nyjah Huston
Nyjah hustonNyjah Huston is the highest-paid professional skateboarder and is considered a major force in the skateboarding world. Huston’s talent was recognized early on, as he received his first board at five years old, thanks to his father. He trained daily, setting the foundation for his career, despite the challenges in his family. Huston became the youngest X-Games competitor at the age of 11, and has gone on to win 7 gold medals as well as being named Best Male Action Sports Athlete for two years consecutively. His title achievements include TransWorld awards for “Best Video Part,” “Reader’s Choice,” and “Best Street.” Huston’s numerous achievements have cemented his place as an influential figure in the sport.
17. Jay Adams
Jay Adams, known for his flowing, surf-inspired style, was a foundational member of the Z-boys from Dogtown, California. His approach to skateboarding was largely influenced by his upbringing in the surfing and skating scene. Adams faced many personal challenges, including addiction and assault convictions. Despite these hardships, his impact on skateboarding remains profound. The skateboarding world was deeply affected by Adams’ death in 2015 at the age of 53, which was a huge loss to the sport.
18. Ryan Sheckler
Ryan Sheckler became a pro skater at just nine years old and was the youngest X-Games winner at the age of 13. From 2007 to 2009, Sheckler starred in his own reality show “Life of Ryan” on MTV, contributing to his mainstream popularity. Sheckler is also known for clearing a 55-foot gap on Burnquist’s mega ramp and kickflipping the Cosco gap. Beyond his reality show, Sheckler also appeared in movies, was a playable character in several Tony Hawk video games, and starred in four seasons of “Sheckler Sessions” on Red Bull TV. He recently released a new video showcasing that he is still as skilled as ever.
19. Paul Rodriguez (P.Rod)
Paul Rodriguez, better known as P-Rod, is a highly accomplished skateboarder with eight X-Games medals, four of which are gold, and was one of the first skateboarders sponsored by Nike. He is known for many contest wins, and is now the owner of his own skateboard company, Primitive Skateboarding, founded in 2014. Rodriguez got his nickname at the age of 11 and his first skateboard at 12. He appeared in the influential skateboarding video “In Bloom” in 2002. P-Rod’s career and achievements continue to leave a lasting impact on the sport.
20. Chris Cole
Chris ColeChris Cole, a two-time “Skater of the Year” (2005 and 2009) by Thrasher magazine, has made significant contributions to skateboarding by pushing the boundaries of trick techniques. Cole’s philosophy, “live rad and die proud,” illustrates his deep appreciation for the creativity and dedication that skateboarding entails. His career began at the age of 14 and included corporate sponsorships by the age of 16. Throughout his 20-year career, he has mastered techniques with incredible attention to detail. Cole has also dedicated himself to teaching skateboarding through his “how-to” videos, which allow people to upload and compare their form to his. His dedication to both skateboarding and education shows his commitment to the sport.
Skateboarding’s Evolution Through the Decades
Skateboarding has evolved significantly from its humble beginnings, when kids attached roller skate wheels to fruit crates and other random objects. What has remained consistent, however, is the creativity that is central to the sport. Those who underestimate the complexity of skateboarding fail to see the technical abilities, ingenuity, and fierce dedication of those who practice it. The best skateboarders share traits such as creativity, tenacity, and determination, both on and off the board.
In the late 1970s, skaters found innovative ways to skate in drained swimming pools, including Tony Alva’s discovery that he could use the sides of the pools to do free-form surf-style tricks. This innovation set the stage for the popularity of the sport, which Tony Hawk soon picked up in his early childhood.
Skateboarding is not a sport for any one type of person, as it embodies many nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds. It is a sport that does not require any gender qualification, but rather a passion for pushing your own limits. It truly is a sport that embraces equality, friendship, and resilience in the face of any obstacle.
Despite facing various setbacks over the years, the constant is that skateboarding remains a beloved sport. Its resilience is a testament to its dedicated members who continue to grow and evolve along with it.
Final Thoughts
This list of influential skateboarders is not comprehensive, as there are so many talented individuals who have shaped the industry. Over the past 50 years, skateboarding has seen a number of unique characters that have impacted the sport. This group of individuals have demonstrated that skateboarding takes creativity, resilience, and solid problem-solving skills to truly master. These contributors to the sport continue to inspire future generations to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Ruben vee
Ruben Vee
I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.
