Joe Rogan Experience #1477 - Tony Hawk | Summary and Q&A

Summary

This video features an interview with Tony Hawk, a professional skateboarder, who discusses various topics related to skateboarding, his career, and his life. He talks about the history of skateboarding, the impact of the internet on the sport, his experiences with concussions, and his transition into other ventures. Hawk also shares stories about his early days in skateboarding and his interactions with other athletes. Throughout the conversation, Hawk emphasizes the love for the sport and the community it brings.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Tony Hawk become involved in skateboarding?

Tony Hawk started skateboarding at a young age after his brother introduced him to the sport. His brother gave him his first skateboard, and from there, Hawk developed a passion for it. He started going to skate parks and learning new tricks, eventually turning pro at the age of 14.

Q: What was the early skateboarding scene like?

In the early days, skateboarding was more focused on transportation and emulating surfing. However, the sport evolved when the Dogtown crew introduced ramp skating and aerials. Skate parks started cropping up, and skating became popular in the late 70s and early 80s. When the popularity of skate parks declined due to liability issues, street skating took off, with skaters using the urban landscape as their park.

Q: How has the internet impacted skateboarding?

The internet has had a significant impact on skateboarding by leveling the playing field and providing opportunities for skaters all over the world. It has allowed skaters to showcase their skills and gain recognition, regardless of their location. Hawk notes that the internet has opened up careers for skaters in unlikely places, giving them a platform to share their progressive content.

Q: Have concussions been a concern for Tony Hawk in his career?

Yes, Tony Hawk has experienced multiple concussions throughout his career, both mild and severe. He mentions having had at least 30 concussions or semi-concussions, with a few of them resulting in being knocked out cold. While Hawk recognizes the potential risks, he notes that he does not take concussions lightly and has taken proactive measures to minimize their impact, including taking supplements to support brain health.

Q: How did Tony Hawk overcome challenges during his career?

Tony Hawk faced challenges in his career, particularly during a period of financial decline in the early 90s. He recalls that his paycheck was decreasing due to a lack of interest and the perception that vert skating, his specialty, was not cool anymore. To make ends meet, Hawk pursued freelance video editing work and performed skate exhibitions. Eventually, his career took off again with the rise of the X Games and the popularity of his video game.

Q: How did Tony Hawk become so prominent in the skateboarding industry?

Tony Hawk's prominence in the skateboarding industry can be attributed to his longevity in the sport, his success in competition, and his entrepreneurial efforts. He turned pro at a young age and remained committed to skateboarding even during difficult times. Hawk also started his own skateboarding company and capitalized on his popularity through endorsements and collaborations. The release of his video game in 1999 further elevated his status.

Q: Did Tony Hawk continue his education while pursuing skateboarding?

Despite having a successful career as a professional skateboarder, Tony Hawk valued education due to his upbringing and his mother's profession as an educator. He completed high school and even pursued college, although he did not end up attending. Hawk's parents encouraged him to invest his money wisely, which led him to buy a house as a teenager. He acknowledges that his success in skateboarding made it challenging to focus on schoolwork.

Q: Did Tony Hawk have any other interests or hobbies apart from skateboarding?

Tony Hawk primarily focused on skateboarding throughout his life and did not engage in other strength and conditioning activities specifically for skateboarding. However, he mentioned enjoying swimming and surfing, which helped him stay fit. He also expressed interest in trying out different hobbies and skills as a means of personal growth and exploration.

Q: Did Tony Hawk have any memorable experiences with Laird Hamilton?

Tony Hawk shared a story about going tow-in surfing with his brother and Laird Hamilton in Maui. They surfed at Spreckels, near Jaws, and experienced big waves. Hawk recalls riding one of the biggest waves of his life and feeling both fear and respect for its power. Despite his limited experience with tow-in surfing, he attempted to ride the barrel but got wiped out. Hawk acknowledged the expertise and fearlessness of surfers like Laird Hamilton.

Q: Did Tony Hawk participate in extreme training or conditioning exercises?

Tony Hawk did not explicitly engage in extreme training or conditioning exercises related to skateboarding. He focused on skateboarding itself as a means of staying fit. However, he mentioned the importance of swimming laps and recognized that strength and conditioning exercises could have benefited him later in life. Hawk respected the training methods of athletes like Laird Hamilton but did not personally partake in such activities.

Takeaways

Tony Hawk's interview sheds light on the evolution of skateboarding, the impact of the internet, and his personal experiences within the sport. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal growth. Hawk's passion for skateboarding and his dedication to the sport have propelled him to become one of the most recognized figures in the industry. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring skateboarders and highlights the enduring spirit of the skateboarding community.