Tommy Sandoval: The Gritty Heart of Street Skateboarding
š¹ Born to Shred Tommy Sandoval was born on July 11, 1986, in Chula Vista, California. Growing up in the sun-soaked streets of Southern California, he was immersed in skate culture from a young age. His early influences came from watching local skaters and VHS tapes of iconic skate videos. By the time he was a teenager, Tommy was already turning heads with his fearless style and raw talent.
š„ How He Got Into Skateboarding Tommyās journey into skateboarding wasnāt polishedāit was gritty and authentic. He started skating seriously in his early teens, often hitting up local spots and pushing himself to land bigger and gnarlier tricks. His dedication paid off when he began getting noticed by sponsors and featured in skate magazines. He was known for skating with intensity, often throwing himself down massive stair sets and rails with reckless precision.
šÆ Signature Tricks Tommy Sandoval became known for:
Huge frontside flips down stair sets
Kickflip front boards on handrails
Backside 360s with serious pop
Gap-to-rail tricks that most wouldnāt dare attempt
His style was aggressive yet smooth, and he had a knack for making high-risk tricks look effortless.
š Sponsors Over the years, Tommy has been backed by some of the biggest names in skateboarding:
Zero Skateboards ā His longtime board sponsor, where he earned his pro status
Fallen Footwear ā Known for rugged shoes built for street skating
Thunder Trucks
Spitfire Wheels
Active Ride Shop
His loyalty to Zero and Fallen helped define his image as a core street skater who never sold out.
š¹ Pro Model Decks Tommyās pro model decks with Zero often featured dark, gritty graphics that matched his skating persona. Skulls, grim reapers, and tattoo-inspired art were common themes. These decks became popular among skaters who admired his fearless approach and underground vibe.
š¬ Video Parts That Cemented His Legacy Tommy Sandovalās video parts are legendary in the skate world. Some of the most iconic include:
āNew Bloodā (Zero) ā His breakout part that put him on the map
āCold Warā (Zero) ā A heavy-hitting part with jaw-dropping hammers
āRide the Skyā (Fallen) ā Showcased his technical prowess and massive gaps
āDamn It Allā (Zero) ā A raw, emotional part that highlighted his resilience
Each part was packed with enders that made jaws drop and solidified his status as one of the gnarliest street skaters of his generation.
š„ What Makes Him Stand Out Tommy isnāt just known for his tricksāheās known for his attitude. Heās the kind of skater who doesnāt care about fame or trends. He skates for the love of it, and that authenticity resonates with fans. His tattoos, gritty style, and relentless drive make him a symbol of skateboardingās raw edge.
š Where Is He Now? In recent years, Tommy has taken a step back from the spotlight but hasnāt stopped skating. Heās still involved with Zero and Fallen, occasionally dropping footage and making appearances at skate events. Heās also focused on family life and staying grounded, often sharing glimpses of his personal journey on social media. While he may not be chasing sponsorships or contests, his influence continues to ripple through the skateboarding community.
Tommy Sandoval's "Damn It All" Zero Part
Tommy Sandoval | The Nine Club With Chris Roberts - Episode 131
Tommy Sandoval's Battle Scars
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW ARRIVALS, SALES, SPECIAL OFFERS ETC!
Take advantage of our newsletter subscriber only offers!!