Tony Hawk

Date: 2020-05-20 | Duration: 1h 46m

Episode Overview

Tony Hawk reflects on his journey from a young skateboarder in Southern California to becoming a global icon who helped transform skateboarding from a niche pastime into a mainstream sport. He discusses the evolution of skateboarding styles, contrasting his early focus on vert skating with the rise of street skating and how the Dogtown crew pushed the sport’s boundaries. Hawk shares candid stories about the challenges he faced during the early 1990s when skateboarding’s popularity waned, including the impact of liability issues and the struggle to make ends meet before the sport’s resurgence through events like the X Games. The conversation also delves into Hawk’s approach to longevity and health, highlighting his daily skate sessions, injury management, and the influence of intense training methods from figures like Laird Hamilton. He touches on the mental and physical resilience required to keep skating at a high level well into middle age. Hawk reflects on the cultural shifts within skateboarding, including the tension between its rebellious roots and its growing acceptance in competitive arenas. Throughout, he emphasizes the importance of community, creativity, and perseverance, sharing insights on how skateboarding continues to inspire new generations while remaining true to its core spirit.

About Tony Hawk

Tony Hawk is a legendary professional skateboarder, renowned for revolutionizing the sport and becoming a cultural icon. As a pioneer of vertical skating, he is celebrated for his groundbreaking achievements, including being the first skater to land a 900-degree spin, and his role in popularizing skateboarding through video games like the "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" series. Beyond his skateboarding prowess, Hawk is also an accomplished actor and stuntman, and the owner of the successful skateboard company Birdhouse. His passion for the sport and philanthropic efforts, including the Tony Hawk Foundation, which supports public skateparks, make him a fascinating figure in both the skating community and popular culture.

Key Moments

– Skateboarding History
– Vert Skating
– Street Skating
– Skateboarding Competitions
– X Games
– Skateboarding Injuries
– Skateboarding Culture
– Skateboarding Equipment
– Skateboarding Training
– Sports Recovery
– Mental Health
– Supplementation
– Skateboarding Community
– Skateboarding Evolution
– Skateboarding Media
– Skateboarding Sponsorship
– Skateboarding and Aging
– Skateboarding Events
– Skateboarding Challenges
– Skateboarding Motivation
0:00:00 – Introduction and start of the conversation
0:01:14 – Explanation of board flipping tricks
0:02:03 – Tony Hawk discusses vert skating beginnings
0:03:41 – Impact of the Dogtown crew on skateboarding
0:05:56 – Tony Hawk's career during the 1980s second wave
0:07:21 – Role of coaching in early skateboarding
0:08:13 – Tony Hawk buys his first house
0:12:45 – Career crash in early 1990s
0:15:54 – Skateboarding resurgence and renewed interest
0:16:30 – ESPN coins the term X Games
0:18:05 – Early skateboarding events and safety adjustments
0:20:01 – Tony Hawk recounts serious injury and ambulance ride
0:21:28 – Mental capacity growth and supplement discussion
0:23:09 – Living and skating in San Diego
0:31:43 – Tony Hawk's introduction to skateboarding and surfing
0:34:50 – Challenges of backside barrel surfing
0:37:42 – Infrared therapy and intense workouts
0:40:09 – Mentality required for skateboarding success
0:44:22 – Materials and technology in skateboard design
0:47:05 – Skateboarding and aging rock stars
0:49:50 – Tony Hawk's current skating routine
0:52:45 – Advantages of injury-free skating
0:53:04 – Concerns about kids being kept out of skate parks
0:56:06 – Contributions to cancer awareness and research
0:59:30 – Older skaters still shredding
1:01:15 – Self-identifying skateboarding injuries
1:06:30 – Unique pool workouts and training methods
1:09:34 – Discussion on supplements and diet
1:12:24 – Traffic and lifestyle in California
1:14:06 – COVID-19 pandemic reflections
1:16:32 – Cage fight atmosphere in skateboarding events
1:18:47 – Accessibility of modern skateboarding
1:21:11 – Skateboarding as a co-ed sport
1:23:41 – Judging criteria in skateboarding competitions
1:25:47 – Sanitization and evolution of skateboarding
1:28:59 – Overcoming skepticism in skateboarding
1:33:52 – Reflection on career achievements
1:36:20 – Best Trick NBD video challenge
1:39:09 – Motivation beyond being number one
1:41:49 – Book mention: Brother Sam by Bill Sam

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 And we're rolling. Starting point is 00:00:09 It's an honor. Starting point is 00:00:31 and a lot of times we'll be in a city or something or just like now i didn't know where to park right Starting point is 00:00:59 Yeah. Starting point is 00:01:14 guys flip the board, the wheels flip up and go to the other side. Starting point is 00:01:34 have figured out how to make their board Starting point is 00:02:03 was all street right and so what what I did was vert skating. Starting point is 00:02:21 This is not working for me. Starting point is 00:02:49 Yeah, for sure. Starting point is 00:03:17 but when I was – I guess I was probably like 11 or 12, Starting point is 00:03:41 And then it was really the Dogtown crew that took it to a new level where it Starting point is 00:04:26 And then that was it. Starting point is 00:04:54 you didn't have to live in Southern California. You didn't have to live in New York or be near Starting point is 00:05:30 like, Starting point is 00:05:37 See, Starting point is 00:05:56 Well, it was actually kind of the second wave of skating in the 80s where I had a pretty good career. Starting point is 00:06:27 And their kids are watching me on the X Games. Starting point is 00:06:46 it might seem magical, Starting point is 00:06:58 the top of the amateur ranks Starting point is 00:07:10 No one had champagne. Starting point is 00:07:21 But you had a coach. Starting point is 00:07:51 That's me at age 17. Starting point is 00:08:13 So I'm literally sitting outside of my house that I bought Starting point is 00:08:32 Well, a duplex, but yeah, it was my own place. Starting point is 00:08:49 Really? Starting point is 00:09:11 okay, this is a long story, Starting point is 00:09:33 In North County, San Diego, Carlsbad. Starting point is 00:09:45 But it almost, you know, when you're that age and you're doing well, you think that Starting point is 00:10:02 He was a good friend of mine pro skater and he was the Starting point is ...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1477?

Tony Hawk was the guest on JRE #1477. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1477?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1477 with Tony Hawk, topics include Skateboarding History, Vert Skating, Street Skating, and Skateboarding Competitions.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1477?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1477 with Tony Hawk is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.