Tony Alva: The Godfather of Modern Skateboarding

Tony Alva, a name synonymous with skateboarding, is a living legend whose influence on the sport is immeasurable. Born on September 2, 1957, in Santa Monica, California, Alva grew up in a culturally rich household with Dutch and Mexican-American roots. His journey into skateboarding began at the age of 10, when he first picked up a board in 1967. Little did the world know, this young boy would go on to revolutionize the sport forever.

Alva's early years were shaped by his love for surfing, which heavily influenced his skateboarding style. Inspired by the aggressive surf techniques emerging from Hawaii, he brought a radical, free-form approach to skateboarding that stood in stark contrast to the rigid, trick-based style of the 1960s. This unique blend of surfing and skating earned him a spot on the iconic Zephyr Competition Skateboarding Team, better known as the Z-Boys, in 1974. Alongside legends like Jay Adams and Stacy Peralta, Alva helped pioneer vertical skateboarding, famously skating empty swimming pools during California's droughts. He is credited with being one of the first skateboarders to successfully execute a frontside air, a move that marked the birth of modern skateboarding.

Tony Alva's charisma and raw talent quickly made him a household name. By 1977, at just 19 years old, he had won the Men's Overall World Professional Skateboard Championship and was named Skateboarder of the Year by Skateboarder Magazine. That same year, he made a bold move by founding his own company, Alva Skates. This was a groundbreaking moment in skateboarding history, as it was the first company owned and operated by a skateboarder. Alva Skates also introduced innovative designs, such as the use of layered Canadian maple plywood in skateboard decks, setting new industry standards.

Throughout his career, Alva has been associated with several iconic brands. His long-standing relationship with Vans began in 1974, when he collaborated with the company to design the first skateboarding shoe, the Vans Era. This partnership has endured for decades, cementing Alva's status as a pioneer in both skateboarding and skate culture. He has also been sponsored by Fender, where he contributed to the design of a distinctive acoustic guitar model, blending his love for music with his skateboarding legacy.

Beyond skateboarding, Tony Alva has explored various creative avenues. He is a talented musician, having played bass in multiple punk rock and psychedelic bands. His life and career have been the subject of documentaries, including the award-winning "Dogtown and Z-Boys" and "The Tony Alva Story." In 2006, Alva made a life-changing decision to embrace sobriety, a journey that has inspired many within and beyond the skateboarding community.

Today, Tony Alva continues to skate, surf, and create, embodying the spirit of innovation and individuality that has defined his career. His contributions to skateboarding have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2009. Alva remains a role model and a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. Whether he's dropping into a pool or jamming on his bass guitar, Tony Alva is a living legend who continues to inspire generations of skateboarders and dreamers alike.

Tony Alva - Marina Del Ray Skate Park - 1978

Tony Alva skates the Dog Bowl 2010 at the Bob Biniak Memorial Bowl Jam

The Tony Alva Story | Jeff Grosso’s Loveletters to Skateboarding | Skate | VANS

HOW TONY ALVA CREATED MODERN SKATEBOARDING