Skateboarding Legend Tony Hawk Admits Fear of Big Wave Surfing
LOS ANGELES, CA – Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk revealed in a recent podcast appearance that he harbors a significant fear of large waves, despite his decades of experience pushing teh limits of gravity adn risk in his sport. the admission came during a conversation with Jason Lowe on the Team Coco Podcast, where Hawk discussed the parallels and divergences between surfing and skateboarding.
Hawk explained the difference in fear factors between his familiar skateboarding surroundings and the ocean, stating, “From personal experience, I’m terrified of huge waves. But people are like, ‘you’ll ride a 30-foot ramp.’ That ramp isn’t going to come after me if I fall. It’s not going to hold me down and bury me. And then another one is coming after it.” He further clarified his comfort with falling, noting, “I just no how to fall.I’m not scared of it. I have decades of experience doing that. And I’ve had hold-downs. I know the fear. It’s super scary.”
The conversation highlighted the historical connection between the two sports, with Hawk noting skateboarding originated as “sidewalk surfing” in the 1970s. He also acknowledged his brother, Steve Hawk, a former editor of SURFER Magazine, played a role in his early awareness of surfing culture. Hawk observed that while surfing and skating were onc intertwined, skateboarding evolved into its own distinct discipline, and now surfing is increasingly incorporating aerial maneuvers inspired by skateboarding.Hawk’s comments come as both sports continue to push boundaries, with advancements in wave pool technology – including a recent property purchase with Matthew McConaughey at Kelly Slater’s wave pool – and the increasing complexity of skatepark designs and tricks. The question of which sport is “gnarlier” remains open, dependent on factors like wave size, ramp height, and individual skill level.
