Tony Hawk

Q and A

Current setup?
Birdhouse Tony Hawk model (strange, but true), Fury 800's, 60mm Type-S wheels.
What special quirks do you have when setting up a board?
I hate the top bolts to stick up AT ALL. I will tighten them until they are flush with the griptape even though it weakens the board. If my boards ever break, it's right at the bolts that I over-tightened.
Why did you decide to ride for Quiksilver?
There is no other company more authentic in board sports. I have wanted to ride for Quik since I was first sponsored. In fact, I once gave them a resume at a trade show when I was 16. They didn't have a concise skate team at the time, so I waited almost 15 years to re-approach them.
Favorite trick to do?
540, just give me a vert wall.
Best place ever to skate?
Boom Boom Huckjam ramp, just ask anyone who's ridden it.
Skate videos that get you hyped to skate?
Anything progressive, especially if it features Bob Burnquist or my son Riley.
Skaters that have influenced you?
Eddie Elguera, Steve Caballero, Rodney Mullen, Bob Burnquist, Danny Way, Eric Koston, Bucky Lasek, Bam Margera, Daewon Song.
Recommended reading?
Night of the Gun by David Carr.
What music have you been listening to?
NIN, Metallica, Amanda Palmer, Pixies, Radiohead, Joe Strummer, Black Keys, Jane's Addiction, Cold War Kids, Mars Volta, The Cure.
Best live show or concert you've ever seen?
Ministry, 1991 tour.
Do you have any pets?
One cat: Shadow. I travel too much to keep anything else alive.
Favorite Movies?
Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Big Lebowski, Weird Science, Usual Suspects, Reservoir Dogs, Goodfellas, Nightmare Before Christmas, Swingers, Pick of Destiny.
Favorite TV Shows?
Daily Show, The Office, Entourage, Weeds.
Places to eat?
Market, Nobu, Sushi Nozawa, Roberto's, In N Out Burger, McDonald's.
Something you could wear everyday?
Quik jeans, slim-fit t-shirt, Hawk shoes.
When you're not skating you're?
spending time with my wife and kids, snowboarding, surfing, playing videogames, watching movies, on planes, raising money for public skateparks, suffering through business meetings, and trying to promote the sport that has given me more than I ever imagined possible.