Tony Hawk: Daily Routine

His mornings start with oatmeal and school drop-offs, but by midday he’s on the half-pipe pulling off moves most people half his age wouldn’t dare try.

From the sun-soaked streets of San Diego to the pinnacle of skateboarding success, Anthony Frank “Tony” Hawk, affectionately known as the “Birdman,” has undeniably carved his name into the annals of skateboarding history.

Born on May 12, 1968, in a bustling Californian household, Hawk’s journey from a hyperactive child prodigy with an extraordinary IQ of 144 to a pioneering force in modern vertical skateboarding is nothing short of inspirational.

His humble beginnings can be traced back to his first television appearance as “Skateboard Johnny” on Captain Kangaroo in 1981. By age 14, Hawk turned professional, and his relentless drive and unmatched talent catapulted him to the top, earning him the title of National Skateboard Association world champion for 12 consecutive years.

Back when I was younger, skating was the priority, and I wasn’t going to let anything interfere with it — not partying or any other responsibility, for that matter. I was a hyperactive kid. I played basketball, Little League. I was looking for something to do nonstop. When I found skating at nine, it hit all the marks.