The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) #1477 – Tony Hawk

Tony Hawk on The Joe Rogan Experience #1477: A Dive into Skateboarding’s Evolution and Culture

In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan sat down with skateboarding icon Tony Hawk to discuss the evolution of skateboarding, the challenges faced along the way, and Hawk’s personal journey in the sport. The conversation offers a deep dive into the world of skateboarding, from its highs and lows to its status as a sport and an art form.

The Early Days and Evolution of Skateboarding

Tony Hawk, known for revolutionizing vertical skateboarding, shared his journey from turning pro at the tender age of 14 to navigating the sport’s declining popularity in the early 90s. Despite financial setbacks and the sport being deemed a fad, Hawk’s passion never wavered. He discussed the impact of events like the X Games, which catapulted skateboarding back into the limelight and introduced it to a wider audience, acknowledging the transformative effect of televised competitions on the sport’s perception.

The Technicalities and Risks of Skateboarding

The conversation delved into the intricacies of skateboarding styles, with Hawk explaining the difference between vert and street skating. Vert skating, often seen as more of a spectator sport due to its dramatic aerials, contrasts with the more ground-based, technical nature of street skating. Hawk also touched on the inherent risks of skateboarding, including injuries and concussions, and his proactive approach to understanding and mitigating these risks.

Personal Anecdotes from a Skateboarding Legend

Throughout the episode, Hawk shared personal stories that painted a vivid picture of his life and the skateboarding culture. From buying his first house as a high school senior to surfing massive waves with surfing legend Laird Hamilton, his anecdotes reflect the adventurous spirit and dedication inherent to many in the skateboarding community.

Tony Hawk: Innovating Skateboarding on The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) #1477

In the second third of The Joe Rogan Experience #1477, Joe Rogan continues his deep dive with Tony Hawk into the world of skateboarding, exploring the intricacies of creating new tricks, the evolution of skateboarding equipment, and Hawk’s personal challenges and triumphs in the sport.

The Art of Creating New Tricks

Tony Hawk shared his creative process for inventing new skateboarding tricks, highlighting that it often involves combining existing moves or capitalizing on happy accidents. He described a recent example where he successfully executed a new trick during a ‘Never Been Done (NBD) Best Trick’ event at his ramp. Hawk emphasized the complexity and technical precision required in modern skateboarding, where combining tricks adds a significant challenge and the satisfaction of nailing a new move.

Skateboarding Equipment: Tradition and Innovation

The discussion turned to the equipment used in skateboarding. Hawk explained that while there have been some changes in wheel sizes and hardness, the basic construction of skateboards hasn’t dramatically changed in the last 30 years. Plywood remains the standard, despite discussions about materials like carbon fiber. Hawk expressed interest in exploring new materials but noted the skateboarding community’s hesitance to adopt expensive alternatives and the challenges of replicating the unique response and feel of traditional boards.

Longevity in Skateboarding

Rogan and Hawk discussed the unusual aspect of being an older professional athlete in a sport often associated with youth. Hawk, now in his 50s, talked about how skateboarding culture and the perception of age have shifted. He reflected on the adaptability required to continue skateboarding at an older age, focusing on technical skills over big impacts and the importance of maintaining health and flexibility.

The Global Impact of Skateboarding

The conversation highlighted the global reach of skateboarding, with Hawk mentioning Skateistan, an initiative using skateboarding as a tool for empowerment in places like Afghanistan and Cambodia. He discussed the cultural nuances of skateboarding worldwide, such as how it’s perceived as a toy in some cultures, allowing girls in conservative societies to participate.

Skateboarding in the Olympics

Looking ahead, Hawk discussed skateboarding’s inclusion in the Olympics. He explained the chosen disciplines (street and park) and the challenges of judging a sport where style and technicality play significant roles. Hawk expressed his desire to help bridge the understanding gap for viewers new to skateboarding during the Olympics, emphasizing the sport’s nuanced and artistic nature.

Personal Health and Future Plans

As the episode wrapped up, Hawk and Rogan discussed personal health and fitness. Hawk shared his approach to diet and supplements, his experience recovering from injuries, and the importance of maintaining physical health to continue skateboarding. They touched on the benefits of pool workouts and the potential for exploring strength and conditioning routines tailored for older athletes.

Tony Hawk’s Resilience and Innovation: The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) #1477 

In the final part of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast #1477, Tony Hawk and Joe Rogan delve deeper into Hawk’s personal journey in skateboarding, discussing the struggles and criticisms he faced, the evolution of the sport, and his views on success and passion. This section offers valuable insights into Hawk’s resilience and innovative spirit.

Overcoming Criticism and Innovating the Sport

Tony Hawk discussed the early days of his career, where he faced criticism for his unique skating style. He was accused of “cheating” for his technique of launching into aerials without grabbing his board, a method he developed to compensate for his lack of bulk. Despite the backlash and being labeled as a “circus skater” by some in the skateboarding community, Hawk’s technique became widely adopted and revolutionized the sport. This part of the conversation highlights Hawk’s innovative approach and his resilience in the face of criticism from even respected peers.

The Perception of Selling Out

Hawk addressed the accusations of being a “sellout” that came with his rise to fame, particularly after the success of his video game and endorsements from major brands. He expressed that his values hadn’t changed; he was simply taking advantage of opportunities that came his way after dedicating most of his life to skateboarding. This segment provides a candid look at the challenges of maintaining authenticity and passion amidst commercial success.

The Importance of Evolving and Maintaining Passion

Hawk and Rogan discussed the common trap many successful individuals fall into: losing motivation after reaching the pinnacle of their career. Hawk emphasized the importance of continuously evolving and finding new ways to engage with one’s passion. For Hawk, skateboarding was always the focus, and he adapted his style and approach to maintain his love for the sport as he aged. This conversation serves as a testament to the importance of adaptation and continuous growth in maintaining long-term success and fulfillment.

The Global Impact and Future of Skateboarding

The podcast touched on the global impact of skateboarding and its inclusion in the Olympics, with Hawk expressing hope that he could help bridge the understanding gap for new viewers. He acknowledged the controversy within the skateboarding community regarding its mainstream acceptance but saw the Olympics as an opportunity to introduce skateboarding to a wider, more international audience.

Personal Insights and Looking Ahead

As the episode concluded, Hawk shared personal insights about his health, family, and future plans. Despite not currently engaging in a podcast or similar venture, he expressed openness to future opportunities. Hawk’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unyielding passion for skateboarding, offering inspiration for anyone looking to turn their passion into a successful and fulfilling career.

Conclusion

The final third of The Joe Rogan Experience #1477 with Tony Hawk provides a profound look into the life and mindset of a skateboarding legend. Through discussions about overcoming criticism, the accusations of selling out, and maintaining passion over a long career, listeners gain valuable insights into the importance of resilience, innovation, and adaptation. Hawk’s journey from a young, criticized skater to a respected pioneer of the sport exemplifies the power of dedication and passion in achieving success and influencing a global community.