Tony Hawk is your favorite skater’s, favorite skater’s favorite skater. He’s every non-skater’s favorite skater. But most importantly—he’s a skater! A true, honest, lifer.
I initially saw the post below when his son, Riley Hawk posted a screenshot saying: “Morning text from my dad today, realest skater I know.” The screenshot? The Birdman catching a pivot at the Brooklyn Banks bank-to-wall.
Naturally, I tapped over to Tony’s IG and there it was—our fearless leader catching a solo sesh at one of NYC’s most iconic street spots in the early hours of the morning. If this doesn’t inspire you, well, you better get your eyes fixed! Take a look:
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"The early bird gets the banks!" Tony exclaimed in the caption. "This was my first time skating here since it officially reopened. 5/5, would pivot again (maybe)."
While it’s not surprising to see Tony catching a solo session, there’s something special about seeing him get such a rad clip at the Banks. That thing is not easy to skate, either, whether you’re Tony Hawk or not. I don’t know. Something about this just got me so fired up.
Maybe it’s his kit? Look at those baggy chinos and oversized tee! Maybe it’s just simply the trick itself. Or maybe it’s the fact that I’m sitting at home on a computer and Tony is out there doing what he does best—skateboarding. Inspiring. Providing the hype.
Or, perhaps it’s just the rad relationship Tony and Riley have. (Have you ever seen the Birdhouse graphic Tony made that says "Riley's Dad" in the Baker font? Too good. Check it above.)
Again, I’m not fully sure, but it’s probably just all of it combined. Tony isn’t just riding some wave of fame these days, and he certainly never has. That said, he could stop any day and still be exactly who he is… but why would he? Remember, he’s a skateboarder. A lifer. Through and through! And it’s not like we need the proof by any means, but hey, this works.
Okay, who wants to skate? I can’t stare at this screen any longer. Tony, thanks for yet another surge of stoke and inspiration. It never fails.
