Tony Alva

Santa Monica, California

Professional Skateboarder, Surfer and Musician

Tony Alva was still an active Club member when his career as a professional skateboarder took off. He invented vertical skateboarding in his teens, which took the sport from the ground to the air, earning him the reputation as “the godfather of modern skateboarding.” At age 19, he became the first pro skater to own and operate a business by founding his skateboard company. One year later, he won the Men’s Overall World Professional Skateboard Championship. Encouraging youth to skate, surf and rise above challenges remains a big part of Tony’s life today.