A TONY HAWK – SK8AFRICA EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Author: Kevin Du Toit a.k.a KDT

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk recently went on an adventure to South Africa, where he journeyed to discover a skate park in the Valley of a 1000 Hills, Durban, a province of KwaZulu-Natal – the Kingdom of the Zulu.

Having Tony Hawk visit South Africa is always a big-deal, do any of you remember when TH came back in 1992 with then Powell Peralta skateboarder Ray Barbee?  And also the opening of the park at Gateway, the year eludes me now but he was here with Riley, Mike V and some others (thanks for the reminder Byron Rode).  I just had to catch up with Tony about the experience and what he thought of our stunning country?

Tony Hawk @ the LOOK Ahead Skate Park 1992, Sandton/Johannesburg South Africa

Early Life:

Anthony Frank “Birdman” Hawk (born May 12, 1968), better known as Tony Hawk, the professional skateboarder.  Tony gained significant fame for completing the first 900 at the 1999 X-Games. Hawk was born in San Diego, California, to a retired U.S. Navy officer, Frank Hawk and his wife Nancy, a part-time business teacher. An older brother of Tony bought a used skateboard at the age of 8 and his father constructed a ramp in their backyard.

At the age of 11, he landed his first contest win and turned pro by the age of 14. He graduated from Torrey Pines High School in the North County Coastal area of San Diego, California.

KDT: Tony, what a pleasure to interview you, and thank you for visiting Sunny South Africa.  How did it come about with the opportunity to head out to the wild side of skateboarding in South Africa?

TH: I am a member of the Laureus Academy and their Sport For Good Foundation. SFG supports charity projects around the world that focus on kids and sport. The Indigo Skate Camp fit right into our goals, and it is the first skateboarding-based project SFG has helped to fund. So they requested for me to come see it for myself, and I was excited to go

KDT: Dallas Olberholzer has created a dream play ground out of a rural landscape, did you have to see it to believe it?

TH: Absolutely. It is amazing to see these world-class ramps in the middle of a Zulu village. The kids love it.

Tony Hawk, Indigo Skate Camp 2009, Durban, South Africa

KDT: Where you able to visit and skate any other spots besides Indigo Skate Camp?

TH: Only the Wavehouse Skatepark in Durban, which I have been to a few times before. We did a demonstration on the vert ramp for the village kids.

KDT: You have pretty much seen the world, how does South Africa differentiate from the radical places you’ve skated?

TH: Besides the expansive countryside, there isn’t much difference in terms of skating. South Africa has a strong scene and the skaters are very enthusiastic whenever visiting pro’s make appearances.

KDT: What did you take away with you on this trip?

TH: That skating can be embraced by anyone; it doesn’t require money or social status. Dallas has given kids who may have never had the opportunity to skate a chance to follow their dreams.

KDT: You have set the presidence for the past, present and future of skateboarding, what is next for you?

TH: More skating, a new videogame (Tony Hawk: Ride), and more charity work.

KDT: You are an inspiration and have always kept it simple by just wanting to skateboard and have fun.  What keeps you going, where does you passion come from?

TH: Skating continues to evolve and I love being part of it. My passion is to give anyone a chance to feel the excitement and understand what a positive influence skating can have on youth.

KDT:  Do you have any last words for our SA readers?

TH: Follow your dreams; you will be happy in the end.

My Quickie Bullet ?’s

Last Trip You Went On: Las Vegas

A Place You’d Like To Visit: China

Hobby Besides Skating: Snowboarding

What Drink Do You Like: Coca Cola

Best Band or Artist: The Clash

Do You Like Competition: Sometimes

Last Time You Were Stoked: Playing with my daughter this morning

Last CD You Bought: CD’s? Do they make those anymore? The last album I bought on Itunes was White Rabbits

What Time Do You Get Up: Between 6 and 7am (thanks to Kady)

Favorite Magazine: Colors

Favorite Website: http://www.theonion.com

Reading Material: Nick Hornby

What Car You Driving: Jeep SRT8

Do You Have Any Animals: One Cat

Last Time You Were Mad: When the cat attacked my face

Newest Trick You Learned: Roast Beef 540

Favorite Quote: “There’s no birthday party for me here”

Best Movie Of All Time: Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Coolest Place to eat: Market Del Mar

Which Video Game Is For You: Tony Hawk: Ride (it was my idea)

Obstacle To Skate: Boom Boom Huckjam ramp

Favorite Trick: Backside Ollie