What Tricks Did Tony Hawk Invent?

Tony Hawk is a professional skateboarder who invented almost 100 different skateboard tricks during his career. He was nine when he first stepped on a board, by age 12 he had started winning amateur skateboard contests and by 14 he was a pro. He is considered a legend amongst skateboarders and his business franchise includes movies, video games, clothing and boards.

  1. 900

    • The 900 is likely Tony Hawk's most famous trick. He tried it for a decade before he first landed it in 1999 at the X Games. It took another five years before anyone else completed this trick, which involves two and half rotations on the board. 900 refers to the degrees of rotation; two and a half turns equates to 900 degrees.

    720

    • Tony Hawk invented the 720 in 1985. This consists of two full rotations in mid-air.

    Airwalk

    • Invented by Tony Hawk in 1983, this trick involves the skateboarder grabbing the front of the board and putting both legs in the air, one in front, the other behind. Tony Hawk did this trick in the air using a half pipe or ramp, but others have now done it on a flat track.

    Stalefish

    • In this aerial trick, a skateboarder must get a lot of air before reaching down with one hand behind his legs to grab the board on the heel-side, while pointing his knees forward. Tony Hawk invented this in 1985.