July 31, 2023 • 2hr 12min

Tony Hawk: Harnessing Passion, Drive & Persistence for Lifelong Success

Huberman Lab

In this episode, Andrew Huberman interviews legendary professional skateboarder Tony Hawk. They discuss Hawk's 40+ year career pioneering and popularizing the sport of skateboarding, his approach to continual progression and overcoming injuries, the evolution of skateboard culture, and his philanthropic efforts to build public skateparks. Hawk provides insights into his mindset, training methods, and reflections on skateboarding's growth from a niche subculture to mainstream Olympic sport.

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Key Takeaways

Tony Hawk has been at the forefront of skateboarding for over 40 years, continually progressing and pushing the sport forward through new tricks, video games, and ambassadorship
Hawk attributes his success to an intrinsic love of skateboarding and drive to continually improve, rather than natural talent or genetics
Visualization, music playlists, and setting specific goals for tricks have been key parts of Hawk's process for learning new skateboard maneuvers
Hawk recently recovered from a severe femur break at age 55 and was able to land the same trick (540 McTwist) that caused the injury just months later
The skateboarding industry and culture have evolved significantly over Hawk's career, becoming more professional, health-conscious, and inclusive of women and girls
Hawk's philanthropic Skatepark Project has helped fund nearly 1000 public skateparks in underserved areas to provide safe spaces for youth
At age 55, Hawk continues to skateboard professionally and sees his role as an ambassador for skateboarding culture in all its forms

Introduction

In this episode, Andrew Huberman interviews legendary professional skateboarder Tony Hawk. They discuss Hawk's 40+ year career pioneering and popularizing the sport of skateboarding, his approach to continual progression and overcoming injuries, the evolution of skateboard culture, and his philanthropic efforts to build public skateparks. Hawk provides insights into his mindset, training methods, and reflections on skateboarding's growth from a niche subculture to mainstream Olympic sport.

Topics Discussed

Early Skateboarding Career and the Bones Brigade (6:41)

Hawk started skateboarding around age 10 in 1978 when it was a fad
His first experience at a skatepark was transformative - "it looked like magic"
Joined the influential Bones Brigade team as a teenager in the 1980s
Initially faced criticism for his technical style focused on board tricks
"I was labeled as like a trick skater, robot skater" - Tony Hawk on early perceptions of his style

Drive and Progression (51:15)

Hawk attributes success more to drive and discipline than natural talent
Constantly pushed himself to learn new tricks and improve
Would visualize new trick combinations and work to put the pieces together
Uses music playlists to get motivated for attempting difficult tricks
Recently landed a 540 McTwist months after breaking his femur attempting the same trick

Injury Recovery and Training (58:46)

Broke femur in 2022 attempting 540 McTwist at age 54
Initially tried to rush recovery against medical advice
Required second surgery after bone failed to heal properly
Focused on diet, sleep, and physical therapy during 2 month recovery
Successfully landed 540 McTwist again in 2023 at age 55
"I just have to do it. I hate that it means that much to me. But it's in here, you know what I mean?" - Tony Hawk on drive to re-land 540 after injury

Evolution of Skateboarding Culture (1:06:52)

Early skateboarding was counter-culture, often involving partying
Has become more professional with focus on training, nutrition, recovery
Inclusion in Olympics brought more structure and equality for women's events
Skateparks now common with parents encouraging kids to skate
Still maintains diversity from competitive athletes to street skaters

Tony Hawk Pro Skater Video Game (1:15:03)

Hawk had interest in video games and technology from early age
Initially pitched skateboard game idea but was rejected by companies
Activision eventually developed game with Hawk in late 1990s
Game was hugely successful, spawning multiple sequels
Helped introduce skateboarding to wider audience

Business and Financial Decisions (1:23:00)

Father encouraged Hawk to invest in real estate as a teenager
Started Birdhouse skateboards company in 1992 during skateboarding decline
Took equity over upfront payment for first Pro Skater video game
Made difficult financial decisions during lean years of 1990s
Attributes business success to learning to be shrewd out of necessity

Family and Parenting (1:35:43)

Has 4 biological children and 2 step-children, all of whom skate
Oldest son Riley is a professional street skateboarder
Takes pride in skating with his kids and their friends
Tries to be available to his children as top priority

Women in Skateboarding (1:49:28)

Very few female skaters when Hawk started in 1970s-80s
Pioneers like Cara-Beth Burnside faced significant challenges
Olympics and events like Vans Park Series brought equality in competitions
Now common to see girls and women of all ages at skateparks
10-year-old Reese Nelson regularly skates Hawk's ramp at high level

The Skatepark Project (2:05:50)

Hawk's non-profit foundation to build public skateparks
Focuses on underserved communities
Provides funding, resources, and support to local groups
Has helped fund nearly 1000 skateparks to date
"It's my proudest work for sure" - Tony Hawk on the Skatepark Project

Future Goals and Reflections (2:08:14)

Wants to continue skating as long as possible, even if not at current level
Aims to be an ambassador for skateboarding culture in all forms
Appreciates opportunities skateboarding has provided at age 55
Focused on having positive impact on skateboarding community
"These days, it's just like everything's kind of just gravy. It's just so fun. I can't believe I can still do it for a living." - Tony Hawk

Conclusion

Tony Hawk's discussion with Andrew Huberman provides a fascinating look at the evolution of skateboarding over the past 40+ years through the lens of its most famous practitioner. Hawk's intrinsic drive, work ethic, and love for skateboarding shine through as he recounts his journey from teenage prodigy to 55-year-old ambassador for the sport. His ability to continually progress, innovate new tricks, and overcome serious injuries demonstrates an unwavering passion.

The conversation also highlights how skateboarding has grown from a niche subculture to mainstream acceptance, while still maintaining its diversity and rebellious spirit. Hawk has played a key role in this evolution through his skating, business ventures like the Pro Skater video games, and philanthropic efforts to build public skateparks. Even after decades at the top of the sport, he remains motivated to push his own limits and inspire new generations of skaters.

Ultimately, Tony Hawk emerges as not just a skateboarding legend, but as someone who has harnessed their passion into a lifelong pursuit of excellence, continual self-improvement, and giving back to their community. His reflections offer valuable insights on perseverance, adaptability, and finding ongoing meaning and enjoyment in one's life work.