Tony Alva
TONY ALVA STATS...
Sponsors
Vans shoes, Alva skateboards, Independent trucks, Hurley wetsuits
TONY ALVA BIO...
Born in 1957 in Santa Monica, California, Tony is one of the original Z-Boys and considered by many to be one of the most influential skateboarders of all time. The level of aggression that Alva introduced in the 70s was in stark contrast to the traditional freestyle-based feel of the era making him instantly stand out amongst other skaters. The prototype modern professional skateboarder and a charismatic character in the documentary Dogtown: The Legend of the Z-boys based on Tony’s legendary Venice skate crew, at age 19, Alva shunned the major skate companies to form his own skateboard company, Alva Skates. Alva's company was the first ever run and owned by a skateboarder as well as being one of the first to use layered maple plywood for the skate decks. It was Tony, back in ’77, who suggested to Vans founder Paul Van Doren to modify the classic Vans Authentic deck shoe, a favorite among the emerging skate pioneers for its grippy gum rubber waffle outsole, by adding collar padding and a heel cup for support to create the now-classic Vans Era style, the first shoe designed by skaters for skateboarding. Nearly 35 years later and Alva continues to shred, surfing and skating pools almost everyday. When people look up skateboarder in the dictionary, it’s Tony Alva’s face they should see.
TONY ALVA INTERVIEW...
What shoe do you skate?
Suede, canvas, vulcanized, gum rubber sole, classic Vans, either mid or hi.
What’s your set up?
Handmade custom Alva (34” X 10”) double-kick with a diamond tail, 169 Indys with 16-inch wheel base, 61mm wheels.
What’s the best trip you’ve veer been on?
In the last couple of years it was a trip to Santiago, Chile. The country is still so untapped when it comes to skating, surfing and music and the people there are so hungry for it, so the kids are just amped when you’re there. The people are super friendly and the countryside is amazing. It’s just a really rad place.
What is the best story you’ve ever heard or been told?
Too many…
Favorite Vans rider?
AVE. He’s so versatile and for how young he is, he’s really mature. He has a unique style and he’s a really good person overall.
What trick can’t you do that you wish you could?
No handed 360 aerial, but will be landing it soon.
What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you?
Watch one of my friends die right in front of me and couldn’t do anything about it.
Worst trend in skateboarding right now?
Wearing your sister’s pants.
What are some interests/hobbies outside of skating?
Surfing, Music, Art and Fashion.
Last good book you read?
John Lennon's biography by Philip Norman. It’s 800 pages and it’s good.
Five songs that have to be on a mix tape?
Book of Rules – Heptones
In The Street – Ben Sherman
Beast of Burden – Rolling Stones
My War – Black Flag
I against i – Bad Brains
Tony, what’s the classic story of you geetting busted for a joint in NYC?
Well, I was hanging with [Steve] Olson outside at a Flogging Molly show having a joint and next thing you know, these undercover vice cops busted us, put us in plastic handcuffs and threw us in the paddy wagon and drove around all night picking up vagrants and other criminals and then dropped us off at the Thumbs, which was the worst jail in NYC. Then the next day the judge told us not to do it again and we went across the street to a Knicks game. Pretty bad experience for a small joint.
Got any good Playboy Mansion stories?
No, but we threw our own ragers when I lived in Malibu. We’d have these parties and invite punk bands to come and play and the cops would show up pretty quickly to shut it down. Then I moved into the guest house at Dick Wolfe’s place and did it all over again. So we kinda had our own thing going.
What’s the most surreal moment from your life?
Waking every morning, sober.
Ever, you know, Farrah Fawcett back in the day?
Yeah, she even came by the shop once.
Is it hard to maintain dreads as you get older?
Yeah, they get thinner and a little more raggedy but life goes on.
How do you think Alfaro did portraying you in the Dogtown movie?
He did all my skating scenes and kicked ass.
You got a skate shop. Tell us about that.
The shop started in Oceanside in the nineties and it also had an art gallery and we did all our distributing from there as well (which paid most of the bills) and then 3 years ago we moved to Los Angeles, on Fairfax in Little Ethiopia. We also have a gallery, called Exhibit A, and they both been doing pretty good.
What’s the secret to longevity in skateboarding?
Good health and a good attitude.
Sponsors
Vans shoes, Alva skateboards, Independent trucks, Hurley wetsuits
TONY ALVA BIO...
Born in 1957 in Santa Monica, California, Tony is one of the original Z-Boys and considered by many to be one of the most influential skateboarders of all time. The level of aggression that Alva introduced in the 70s was in stark contrast to the traditional freestyle-based feel of the era making him instantly stand out amongst other skaters. The prototype modern professional skateboarder and a charismatic character in the documentary Dogtown: The Legend of the Z-boys based on Tony’s legendary Venice skate crew, at age 19, Alva shunned the major skate companies to form his own skateboard company, Alva Skates. Alva's company was the first ever run and owned by a skateboarder as well as being one of the first to use layered maple plywood for the skate decks. It was Tony, back in ’77, who suggested to Vans founder Paul Van Doren to modify the classic Vans Authentic deck shoe, a favorite among the emerging skate pioneers for its grippy gum rubber waffle outsole, by adding collar padding and a heel cup for support to create the now-classic Vans Era style, the first shoe designed by skaters for skateboarding. Nearly 35 years later and Alva continues to shred, surfing and skating pools almost everyday. When people look up skateboarder in the dictionary, it’s Tony Alva’s face they should see.
TONY ALVA INTERVIEW...
What shoe do you skate?
Suede, canvas, vulcanized, gum rubber sole, classic Vans, either mid or hi.
What’s your set up?
Handmade custom Alva (34” X 10”) double-kick with a diamond tail, 169 Indys with 16-inch wheel base, 61mm wheels.
What’s the best trip you’ve veer been on?
In the last couple of years it was a trip to Santiago, Chile. The country is still so untapped when it comes to skating, surfing and music and the people there are so hungry for it, so the kids are just amped when you’re there. The people are super friendly and the countryside is amazing. It’s just a really rad place.
What is the best story you’ve ever heard or been told?
Too many…
Favorite Vans rider?
AVE. He’s so versatile and for how young he is, he’s really mature. He has a unique style and he’s a really good person overall.
What trick can’t you do that you wish you could?
No handed 360 aerial, but will be landing it soon.
What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you?
Watch one of my friends die right in front of me and couldn’t do anything about it.
Worst trend in skateboarding right now?
Wearing your sister’s pants.
What are some interests/hobbies outside of skating?
Surfing, Music, Art and Fashion.
Last good book you read?
John Lennon's biography by Philip Norman. It’s 800 pages and it’s good.
Five songs that have to be on a mix tape?
Book of Rules – Heptones
In The Street – Ben Sherman
Beast of Burden – Rolling Stones
My War – Black Flag
I against i – Bad Brains
Tony, what’s the classic story of you geetting busted for a joint in NYC?
Well, I was hanging with [Steve] Olson outside at a Flogging Molly show having a joint and next thing you know, these undercover vice cops busted us, put us in plastic handcuffs and threw us in the paddy wagon and drove around all night picking up vagrants and other criminals and then dropped us off at the Thumbs, which was the worst jail in NYC. Then the next day the judge told us not to do it again and we went across the street to a Knicks game. Pretty bad experience for a small joint.
Got any good Playboy Mansion stories?
No, but we threw our own ragers when I lived in Malibu. We’d have these parties and invite punk bands to come and play and the cops would show up pretty quickly to shut it down. Then I moved into the guest house at Dick Wolfe’s place and did it all over again. So we kinda had our own thing going.
What’s the most surreal moment from your life?
Waking every morning, sober.
Ever, you know, Farrah Fawcett back in the day?
Yeah, she even came by the shop once.
Is it hard to maintain dreads as you get older?
Yeah, they get thinner and a little more raggedy but life goes on.
How do you think Alfaro did portraying you in the Dogtown movie?
He did all my skating scenes and kicked ass.
You got a skate shop. Tell us about that.
The shop started in Oceanside in the nineties and it also had an art gallery and we did all our distributing from there as well (which paid most of the bills) and then 3 years ago we moved to Los Angeles, on Fairfax in Little Ethiopia. We also have a gallery, called Exhibit A, and they both been doing pretty good.
What’s the secret to longevity in skateboarding?
Good health and a good attitude.
RELATED NEWS POSTS
- Tony Alva is #8 on TWS Most Influential List
- Cardiel & Alva Coming to RI, NH & IL April 12-14
- Vans Skate Team Year in Review
- Tony Alva's Art Show Recap on Espn & TWS
- Cab, Hosoi & Alva Bastard Bowl Session
- Alva & Hosoi Signing at New Vans Store tomorrow 11/3 in Atlanta
- The Vans Team Footage At Metallica's Orion Fest on AWC
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- Half Cab 20th Anniversary Party Photo Recap
- Half Cab 20th Anniversary Party, TONIGHT, October 4
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- Tony Alva Celebrates Vans x Skateboarder Collabo
- Hosoi, Alva & Grosso Talk Vans x Skateboarder Collaboration
- Vans Team Footage from Metallica's Orion Fest
- Since 66: 7-Minute Video History of Vans
- Vans Team Kills Metallica Orion Fest
- Tony Alva to Christen Remodeled Santa Monica Vans Store SUNDAY
- Adventures with Cardiel & Alva Stories
- Downtown Showdown Europe Part 4 is Live
- New Glen E. Friedman Site with Cab, Alva & Salba photos
- Rowley & TA in TWS 30th Anniversary Teaser
- Alva #8 TWS Top 30 of All Time
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- Vans Skateboarders Dominate TWS "30 Most Influential Skateboarders" List
- Transworld's 30 year Anniversary Party
- Behind The Scenes of Rowley's SPV
- Tony Alva on Skateboarder
As one of the main catalysts for skateboarding’s second wave via the Z-Boys and Dogtown in the ’70s, Tony Alva introduced charisma, attitude, and superstardom to professional skateboarding, right alongside being credited with the first vertical airs in “action sports.” He was also one of the firsts to own his own company. Deservedly, number 8 on Transworld Skateboarding's list of The 30 Most Influential Skaters Of All Time.
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Come check out the three new Vans Stores in Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Illinois opening in April and meet Vans skateboarding legends Tony Alva and John Cardiel. There will be autographs giveaways and more for all attendees. See you there!
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As we enter a new year and take a step closer towards the Vans video now in progress we must bid a fond farewell to 2012 and all the good times we had. From Gilby going pro to Elijah getting Year's Best Am to the release of the Stage 4 to celebrating 20 years of the Half Cab and teaming up with Metallica for the anniversary to all the covers and coverage and contests; the guys have been kicking ...
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Last Friday Tony Alva held his 3rd Annual Die Posers Die Art Show in LA with skateboarders Steve Olson, Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero, Christian Hosoi, Chris Pastras, Clint Peterson, Geoff Rowley and more. Check out the Die Posers Die recap on ESPN and on Transworld Business.
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In Italy for a product launch Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero and Tony Alva checked in to visit old friend Max Bonassi and skate his very own Bastard Bowl with Giorgio Zattoni and some of the Bowl Locals.
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This Saturday, November 3rd Tony Alva and Christian Hosoi will be signing autographs at our newest Vans store in Atlanta at 2pm.
If you're in the ATL area head out to
Vans Store
Town Center @ Cobb
400 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144
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As you well know by now, 2012 marks the 20-year anniversary of skate pioneer Steve Caballero’s cut down, mid-top pro model, the Half Cab. 2012 also marks the 20-year anniversary of the pioneering metal band, Metallica’s Black Album. Doing the simple math, it only made sense for the two legends to collaborate on a Metallica Half Cab to celebrate this momentous year. And what’s a celebration without a party? In June, Metallica threw the Orion Music Festival ...
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Tony Alva has mastered a lot of things but did you know that frog throwing happens to be one of them. Watch as he reveals the risks and rewards of his favorite pastime in this latest installment of Classic Tales from Off The Wall.tv.
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2012 marks the 20th anniversary of the Vans Half Cab, the world's longest running, continuously produced signature skate shoe. To commemorate this milestone, professional skateboarder Steve Caballero hand-selected over 20 of his favorite artists to "customize" one pair each of natural canvas Half Cab 20th Anniversary edition shoes. The final painted works were on display at the House of Vans in Brooklyn, New York last night, October 4, 2012, along with Lance Dawes' curated photography exhibit, TWENTY, spanning twenty ...
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Vans BOWL-A-RAMA NYC Presents
Half Cab 20th Anniversary
Celebrating the Birth of an Icon
Thursday, October 4
7 pm, 21 and up only
House of Vans
25 Franklin Street
Brooklyn
DINNER and REFRESHMENTS provided courtesy of Vans
SKATEBOARDING
The World’s Greatest skaters in the House of Vans bowl
MUSIC
Agent Orange (with Steve Caballero)
Drunk Injuns
G.F.P. (feat. Tony Alva)
ART
Half Cab charity art auction* featuring original works by over 20 Contributing Artists, hand-selected by Steve ...
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The opening reception of the Vans Downtown Showdown Amsterdam presented by Monster Energy brought skateboarding legends, Pro’s, Ams, local Dutch media and skate enthusiasts together to celebrate 20 years of the iconic Vans Half Cab Shoe with photography, art, skateboarding and music.
Twenty years, twenty skaters, twenty photos and one shoe, was the premise for the selection of images curated by Lance Dawes, to celebrate the legacy of the iconic Vans Half Cab shoe. Twenty customised Half Cabs complemented ...
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This past weekend Val Surf held an in-store party for the new Vans x Skateboarder collection and our very own Tony Alva made an appearance. Check out the entire Vans x Skateboarder collection here.
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The Vans x Skateboarder Magazine has hit stores and to celebrate the collaboration with the legendary magazine we created a microsite dedicated to the collection. Here are two video from the microsite of Jeff Grosso and friends discussing the importance of Skateboarder and then Tony Alva and Christian Hosoi talking about their favorite issues:
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Check out this episode of Inside Allis Sports for a bunch of footage of the Vans Team at Metallica's Orion Fest:
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In this 7-minute piece on the family that is Vans director Eliot Rausch tugs on our heartstrings with beautiful images of just a few of our family members. As he put it, "Vans came to me with a proposal to create a short film that embodied the essence of their brand. The creative exploration and freedom they allowed me was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Pure trust, pure faith, in my abilities as a story-teller / director and as a ...
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The unique perks and bizarre situations that one finds themselves in thanks to skateboarding never ceases to amaze. A perfect example that instantly comes to mind is when Steve Caballero and the legendary Bones Brigade found themselves invited to Beatles guitarist, George Harrison's, home for his son's birthday in the 80s. Over two decades later skateboarding is bigger than ever and it seems Cab is still the man with the clout to get us invited back stage. This ...
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Join us at the Newly Renovated Vans Santa Monica this weekend on Sunday, April 15 at 1pm
If you haven't been to the Vans Santa Monica store recently, you won't recognize it. One of Vans' earliest stores, the 4th and Broadway location dates back to the early 70s when a young Tony Alva, Stacy Peralta and Wes Humpston stopped by to get their first waffle soles. Join us next Sunday at 1 pm to meet three skateboard legends ...
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The second episode of Off The Wall's Adventures With Chris' coverage of the Pave The Way Photo Show at the Vans DQM General Store is live.
In this episode Dawes shares a classic Olson story and Stecyk talks about Tony Alva.
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Part Four of Vans 2011 European Downtown Showdown is now live on Offthewall.tv. This latest installment features Vans history from Steve Van Doren, Dustin Dollin, Geoff Rowley and Tony Alva talking about what skating is to them, plus footage from Skate Jam Three: Superdead Obstacle. Enjoy!
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Legendary photographer, Glen E. Friedman launched a new website
chock full of classic, rare and unseen skate, punk and hip hop photos
including some rare gems of Steve Caballero, Tony Alva, Salba and more.
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We ran through the list of Transworld's Top 30 Most Influential skaters
with Cab, Hosoi & Tony Alva towards the top of the list,
now Transworld gives us this teaser featuring Rowley & TA for
the 30 in-depth interviews they did with each guy on the list.
Looks to be a ton of fun watching going by this teaser:
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Transworld Skateboarding's 30th Anniversary Issue has hit newsstands
with its list of 30 most influential skaters of all time. We're proud to say
there are a half dozen Vans riders on that list that are still ripping every day.
Coming in at #8 is TA, Tony Alva. If it weren't for him none of us would've
gotten here as fast as we did. Thanks and congrats, Tony.
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Adventures with Chris returns with it's 2nd First Annual Christmas Special.
This year the absurdity gets turned up a notch as Santa Nieratko goes to see a psychiatrist
about his limp lighting issues. Expect 47% more holiday cheer then before with cameos from
the Vans Team's own Geoff Rowley, Anthony Van Engelen, Tony Trujillo, Daniel Lutheran, Tony Alva,
Johnny Layton, Donovon Piscopo, Gilbert Crockett, Jason Dill, Chima Ferguson and East Coast Flow Trash Kids.
It's all sealed ...
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TransWorld Skateboarding names 30 most influential skaters. See their list...
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Last week was Transworld's 30th Anniversary Party
and the legends of today, tomorrow and yesterday were all in attendance.
Check out shots of Cab, Hosoi, TA, Andrew Allen and more at the party.
Look for video interviews soon.
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You've seen the commercial,you've tripped out on the kink,now go behind the scenes with Geoff Rowley and his SPV spot with Tony Alva:
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The new issue of Skateboarder has a Memory Screened with T.A.where he talks about his favorite decks and they just posteda sick little video to go along with it:
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