Famous Pro Skaters and the Decks They Use
Skateboarding has become a global phenomenon, and the names of professional skateboarders are now synonymous with the sport itself. From the 1980s to the present day, the sport has seen countless legends who not only shaped the culture but also influenced the design and technology of skateboards. These athletes often partner with brands to create custom decks that reflect their style, needs, and the tricks they specialize in. We’ll dive into some of the most famous pro skaters and the decks they use or have used throughout their careers, as well as how their influence has shaped the boards we ride today.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, understanding the decks that these pros ride can give you a better appreciation of how much thought goes into a skateboard’s design. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic names in skateboarding and the decks that helped them become legends.
1. Tony Hawk – The Birdhouse Decks
The Legend of Tony Hawk
When most people think of skateboarding, Tony Hawk is probably the first name that comes to mind. As one of the most famous professional skateboarders in history, Tony Hawk has not only achieved global recognition but has also had a major impact on the sport. His iconic tricks, like the first-ever 900 at the 1999 X Games, changed the game for competitive skateboarding and inspired generations of riders.
Tony Hawk began his skateboarding career in the late 1970s, and his partnership with the Birdhouse Skateboards brand has been instrumental in shaping his identity as a skater. For years, Hawk has ridden Birdhouse decks, a brand he founded in the early 1990s.
The Decks He Rides
Birdhouse decks are known for their sturdy construction and distinctive graphics, which often feature Hawk’s signature designs and themes. Over the years, Tony Hawk has used a variety of deck shapes, but his decks typically have a medium concave to give him a balanced level of control while performing vert tricks, flips, and grinds.
The decks are typically made from 7-ply maple for durability and a solid pop. His signature deck design is one of the most recognized in the world, often featuring vibrant colors and bold imagery. Hawk’s current decks are also built with carbon fiber reinforcements to ensure lightweight performance while maintaining strength and durability.
2. Rodney Mullen – The Powell Peralta Decks
The Godfather of Street Skating
Rodney Mullen is often credited with inventing modern street skating. His incredible influence on skateboarding is immeasurable, as he invented numerous tricks, including the kickflip, heelflip, impossible, and 360 flip. Mullen’s skating style and contributions have earned him the title of the “Godfather of Street Skating.”
Mullen originally skated for Powell Peralta, one of the most iconic skateboard brands in history, where his decks gained massive popularity. In the 1980s, Mullen’s influence on skateboard deck design was immense, and he worked closely with Powell Peralta to help develop boards that suited his unique style of skating.
The Decks He Rides
Rodney Mullen’s decks with Powell Peralta were typically designed for technical street skating, which demands a lightweight but durable board with great flip and pop capabilities. Mullen’s boards often had a low concave with a slightly wider tail to accommodate his technical trick repertoire.
His most iconic deck is the “Mullen Street Deck”, which features a popsicle shape—a design that has since become a standard in the skateboarding world. The popsicle shape allows for easier flip tricks, making it perfect for Mullen’s technical style. The 7-ply maple construction of his decks gives them the right balance between strength and flexibility, while also providing a snappy response for flip tricks.
Read More: How to Turn an Old Skateboard Deck Into Home Decor
3. Mark Gonzales – The Blind Decks
The Innovator of Street Skating
Mark Gonzales, or “Gonz,” is another legendary name in the skateboarding community, often regarded as one of the originators of street skating. His revolutionary style and creative approach to skateboarding tricks earned him widespread acclaim in the 1980s and 1990s. Gonzales didn’t just break the norms; he created his own.
Known for his artistic expression both on and off the skateboard, Gonzales had a significant influence on deck design as well. He was a part of Blind Skateboards for much of his career, and his decks became highly sought after by skaters.
The Decks He Rides
Mark Gonzales’ Blind decks are known for their unique artwork and innovative shape. His boards have a wide concave to help him control his tricks with precision. The low-profile tail allows for easy flip tricks, while the slightly wider nose gives the rider greater control during grinds and slides.
Over the years, Gonzales has collaborated with various artists to create custom decks featuring his own artwork and design. The 7-ply maple construction is standard for his boards, providing the right amount of pop and strength for street and technical skating.
4. Nyjah Huston – The Element Decks
Dominating the Street Skate Scene
Nyjah Huston is one of the best competitive street skateboarders of all time. His achievements on the contest circuit, combined with his aggressive style and flawless technical ability, have made him one of the most successful skateboarders in history. Huston has earned numerous gold medals at the X Games and became the first skater to win $1 million in prize money.
Nyjah’s partnership with Element Skateboards has been an instrumental part of his career, and the brand continues to support his rise to the top. Known for producing high-performance decks, Element Skateboards ensures that Huston has the right tools to maintain his elite status in street skating.
The Decks He Rides
Nyjah Huston’s signature Element decks are crafted for the highest levels of street skating performance. His decks are designed with a medium concave to give him a good balance of control and comfort. The deck’s construction is lightweight but durable, and Huston’s boards often feature carbon fiber layers for added strength and pop.
These boards are designed for the rigors of technical street skating, with a popsicle shape that allows for seamless flip tricks, grinds, and slides. Element’s 7-ply maple construction provides the durability and pop that Nyjah needs to perform his jaw-dropping tricks.
5. Chris Joslin – The Toy Machine Decks
The Modern Powerhouse
Chris Joslin is a powerhouse in the skateboarding world, known for his aggressive style and the massive air he gets on technical tricks. He has gained a reputation as one of the top street skaters in the industry. Joslin’s style mixes raw power with flawless technicality, which has made him a favorite among skateboarding fans.
Toy Machine, a brand known for its bold designs and skateboarding culture, has been home to Joslin for much of his career. The collaboration between Joslin and Toy Machine has led to the creation of some amazing skateboard decks.
The Decks He Rides
Chris Joslin’s Toy Machine decks are designed with his powerful style in mind. These boards typically feature medium to steep concave, which helps Joslin lock into grinds and flips with maximum control. Joslin’s boards also have a stronger tail for better pop, allowing him to execute massive flip tricks with ease.
Toy Machine decks are made from 7-ply maple, but they often incorporate some unique materials like carbon fiber to enhance the strength and pop. Joslin’s signature decks often feature his own distinctive graphics, making them a popular choice among skateboarding fans.
6. Leticia Bufoni – The Plan B Decks
The Queen of Street Skateboarding
Leticia Bufoni is one of the top female skateboarders in the world, consistently dominating the competitive scene and pushing the boundaries of street skateboarding. Known for her smooth style and flawless execution, Bufoni has become a role model for female skaters worldwide.
Leticia’s partnership with Plan B Skateboards has played a significant role in her rise to prominence. Plan B is a top skate brand that produces high-quality boards designed for serious street skaters.
The Decks She Rides
Leticia Bufoni rides Plan B Skateboards decks that are built for performance and durability. These decks typically feature a medium concave to allow for better foot control during flips and grinds. The boards are made with 7-ply maple, which provides the perfect balance between flexibility and strength for street skating.
Plan B decks are known for their lightweight design and solid pop, making them ideal for professional-level skateboarding. Bufoni’s decks often feature bold graphic designs, which reflect her style and personality.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of skateboard deck do pro skaters use?
Pro skaters typically use high-quality decks made from Canadian maple, a popular choice for its durability and pop. The decks vary in size, shape, and graphic design, depending on the skater’s personal style and the type of skating they do (street, vert, pool, or freestyle).
2. Do professional skaters design their own decks?
Many professional skaters design their own skateboard decks in collaboration with brands. They often choose the graphics, board shapes, and colors to reflect their personal style. Some skaters, like Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen, have iconic graphics that fans associate with them.
3. What is the most common skateboard deck brand used by professional skaters?
There are several popular brands used by pro skaters, including:
- Santa Cruz
- Element
- Zero Skateboards
- Baker Skateboards
- Plan B Skateboards
- Powell Peralta
The brand choice often depends on the skater’s sponsorship and personal preference.
4. What size skateboard deck do pro skaters use?
The size of the skateboard deck depends on the skater’s style and preferences. Street skaters generally use smaller boards (7.5–8.25 inches wide), while vert skaters or those who do bigger tricks may use wider boards (8.25–8.75 inches). Some skaters also prefer slightly longer or shorter decks depending on their tricks and foot size.
5. How do pro skaters choose their decks?
Pro skaters typically choose decks based on a combination of personal comfort, control, and the type of skating they do. Factors like pop, concave (the curve of the deck), and shape (nose, tail, and width) are important considerations. Many skaters work closely with their sponsors to create a deck that suits their needs.
6. Are pro skateboard decks different from regular ones?
Yes, pro decks are often made with higher-quality wood and materials for better performance and durability. They are also designed for specific types of skateboarding, with customized features like concave and graphics that match the skater’s preferences.
7. What type of wood is used for pro skater decks?
The majority of pro skater decks are made from Canadian maple, known for its strength, flexibility, and ability to hold pop. Other woods, like bamboo or birch, are sometimes used, but Canadian maple remains the most popular choice for professional decks.
8. Do pro skaters use different decks for different tricks?
Yes, some skaters may switch up their decks depending on the type of skating they are doing. For example, they might choose a more technical deck with a narrow shape for street skating or a wider, more stable deck for vert and transition skating. Decks are often chosen based on the skater’s specific needs for a given trick or style.
9. What are some famous skateboard decks from the past?
Some classic skateboard decks that have become famous in skate history include:
- Tony Hawk’s “Ripper” graphic on Powell Peralta decks.
- Rodney Mullen’s “Mullen Fish” graphic on World Industries.
- Bam Margera’s “Bam” deck on Element Skateboards.
These decks are often sought after by collectors and skate enthusiasts.
10. Do pro skaters ever change their sponsors?
Yes, pro skaters may change their sponsors or switch to new brands over time. Sponsorships can be influenced by factors such as personal relationships, financial support, and a desire for new opportunities. Many pro skaters have multiple sponsors that cover different aspects of skateboarding (decks, wheels, shoes, etc.).
11. Do pro skaters ever use custom-designed decks?
Yes, many professional skaters have custom decks made specifically for them, either as part of their pro model or through collaborations with deck companies. These custom boards often reflect the skater’s personality, interests, and skating style.
12. Do pro skaters only use their signature decks, or do they try other brands?
While many professional skaters ride their own signature decks, they sometimes try out other brands or limited-edition decks. Skateboarding culture is about experimentation, so it’s not uncommon for pro skaters to ride different boards to see how they perform.
13. What is the significance of a pro skater’s deck?
A professional skater’s deck is often a representation of their personality, style, and brand image. It’s more than just a tool for skateboarding—it’s a form of self-expression. The deck graphics can become iconic, and owning a pro skater’s deck allows fans to feel closer to the sport and their favorite skater.
14. How often do pro skaters get new decks?
Pro skaters generally get new decks frequently. A new deck is often used for different events or competitions, and they may switch decks depending on how much wear and tear the board has taken from consistent skating. Professional skaters may go through a few decks in a month or even a week, depending on how intensely they skate.
15. Can fans buy the same deck as a pro skater?
Yes, fans can often purchase a deck with the same graphic and design used by a pro skater. These are typically available as part of the skater’s signature line from brands they are sponsored by. However, the actual specs (such as the shape, concave, or length) may be slightly different to suit the individual skater’s preferences.
Conclusion
The world of professional skateboarding has been shaped by the unique decks skaters ride. From Tony Hawk’s Birdhouse decks to Leticia Bufoni’s Plan B boards, each pro skater’s deck reflects their style, preferences, and the demands of their specific skating discipline. These boards are designed to offer the perfect balance of durability, flexibility, and pop, enabling skaters to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.
As skateboarding continues to evolve, the relationship between pro skaters and the decks they ride will remain a central element in the culture of the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting out, learning about the decks that the pros use can give you a greater appreciation for the sport and its rich history.
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