Literally! With Rob Lowe Tony Hawk: Got Your Bell Rang
Aug 28, 2025
Tony Hawk, the legendary skateboarder and creator of the iconic Pro Skater video game series, joins Rob Lowe for a nostalgic chat. They reminisce about growing up in Southern California and the evolution of skate culture. Hawk shares the challenges of performing gravity-defying tricks and reflects on the balance of excitement and danger in skateboarding. The duo also dives into the transition of skateboarding into video games and the influence of age on their passion for skating. It's a hilarious and insightful journey through the world of skateboarding and its vibrant history!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Humble Suburban Skate Origins
- Tony Hawk grew up in Tierra Santa, a San Diego suburb, and started skating on a hand-me-down board from his brother.
- He remembers early boards like the G&S Fiberflex and skating as transportation before tricks emerged.
Skateboarding's Boom-Bust Cycles
- Skateboarding's popularity has always cycled, making careers unstable for older pros in downturns.
- Tony Hawk had to pivot to consulting and hustling when industry demand dropped in the 1990s.
Learn Fundamentals Before Tricks
- Wear pads and a helmet and build foundational skills before attempting tricks.
- Practice balance, pushing, turning, and flow in a flat area to avoid becoming an obstacle at skateparks.