Tony Hawk Net Worth

Tony Hawk’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Skateboarding Icon’s Fortune

Tony Hawk, a name synonymous with skateboarding, has not only revolutionized the sport but also built a considerable empire. This article provides a comprehensive look at Tony Hawk’s net worth, exploring his journey from a young prodigy to a global icon and successful entrepreneur.

Early Life and Introduction to Skateboarding

Born Anthony Frank Hawk on May 12, 1968, in San Diego, California, Tony Hawk’s introduction to skateboarding came at the tender age of eight. His older brother gifted him a used skateboard, sparking a passion that would define his life. Hawk’s parents recognized his natural talent and provided encouragement, channeling his “hyperactive” energy into the sport. By age 12, he secured his first sponsorship from Dogtown Skateboards, and at 14, he turned professional—an astonishing feat.

(Photo by Araya Diaz/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

Dominating the Skateboarding World

At 14, Hawk joined the Powell Peralta professional team, becoming a star in the iconic Bones Brigade videos. While known for his street skating prowess, he proved his mastery of “vert” (vertical) skating, a skill he honed throughout the 1980s and 1990s. By 16, he was considered one of the world’s top skateboarders. His dominance continued for 12 consecutive years as the National Skateboard Association world champion, accumulating over 70 competition wins. Hawk also revolutionized the sport by inventing moves that are now standard, including the gymnast plant, the ollie-to-Indy, the Saran wrap, and the frontside 540-rodeo flip. His rise mirrored the increasing popularity of skateboarding, leading him to travel worldwide, showcasing his skills and promoting the sport.

During the early 1990s, when interest in skateboarding waned, Tony Hawk persevered. The advent of the Extreme Games (later X Games) in 1995 provided a significant boost. He has garnered 10 X Games gold medals, three silver, and two bronze.

The summer of 1999 witnessed Hawk’s most famous achievement: he became the first skateboarder to successfully land a 900 at the X Games, a trick involving a 900-degree rotation in mid-air. After 11 attempts, he completed the trick, calling it “the best day of my life.” More than a decade later, he could still perform his signature move, inspiring skateboarders of all ages. In 2021, he even briefly returned to compete in the X Games.

After retiring from competitive skating, he remained highly active, including being the first person to skateboard on the White House grounds at a Father’s Day celebration in 2009, at the invitation of then-President Barack Obama. That same year, he was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame. In December 2011, “Transworld Skateboarding Magazine” ranked him as the second most influential skateboarder globally, behind Mark Gonzales.

(Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images For Laureus)

Endorsements, Appearances, and Business Ventures

Tony Hawk’s net worth is no surprise, considering the wide range of products bearing his name. Even during skateboarding’s less popular times, Hawk achieved success through various ventures. He established Birdhouse, producing skateboards and accessories, and Blitz, a distribution company for skateboarding products. In 1998, he launched Hawk Clothing, catering to children’s skateboarding apparel.

In 1998, Hawk signed a landmark deal with Activision for the “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” video game series. The series released 18 different titles, achieving enormous popularity and generating over $1.4 billion, making it one of the most successful video game series of all time.

In 2002, Tony Hawk started “Boom Boom HuckJam,” a traveling sports show blending live music and skateboarding. The tour featured performances by vert skaters, BMX riders, and musical acts.

Hawk has made numerous appearances in movies and TV shows, including “XXX,” the “Jackass” film franchise, “The Simpsons,” “The Masked Singer,” “Sharknado 5: Global Swarming,” and Nickelodeon’s “The Really Loud House.”

Strategic Investments and Entrepreneurial Spirit

Tony Hawk is an active investor in over a dozen ventures, including Birdhouse Skateboards, Hawk Clothing, and 900 Films. Birdhouse remains one of the world’s most popular skateboard companies.

He was an early investor in Blue Bottle Coffee, which Nestle acquired in 2017 for $500 million.

Giving Back: The Tony Hawk Foundation

Hawk has consistently given back to the community. In 2002, he founded the Tony Hawk Foundation, which aimed to address the shortage of safe and legal skateparks in the United States. The foundation has awarded over $5.8 million and supported more than 596 skatepark projects across the nation. The Tony Hawk Foundation was renamed The Skatepark Project in 2020.

In 2015, the foundation received the Robert Wood Johnson Sports Award for its innovative use of sports to assist local communities. He also co-founded Athletes for Hope, encouraging athletes to volunteer in their communities and support relevant programs.

In 2023, Tony Hawk auctioned off a signed photograph with Rick Thorne, with half of the proceeds benefiting the Tyre Nichols Memorial Fund, intending to construct a skatepark in Nichols’ honor.

Personal Life: Family and Residences

Tony Hawk’s personal life reflects the same dynamism as his professional career. He married Cindy Dunbar in April 1990, and they had a son, Riley Hawk, in 1992, who followed his father’s footsteps and became a skateboarder. Riley is sponsored by Lakai Limited Footwear and Baker Skateboards. Tony and Cindy divorced in 1994. He was later married to Erin Lee from 1996 to 2004, with whom he had two sons, Spencer (born 1999) and Keegan (born 2001). His third marriage was to Lhotse Merriam from 2006 to 2011, and they have a daughter, Kadence Clover Hawk (born 2008). He married Cathy Goodman on June 27, 2015, in Ireland. The Hawk family resides in Encinitas, California. In August 2016, Tony purchased a century-old house in Detroit, the city where his wife Cathy is from.

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Conclusion: The Legacy of Tony Hawk

Tony Hawk’s influence on skateboarding is undeniable. From early success as a teenager to global icon and savvy investor, his career has been marked by innovation, perseverance, and a dedication to giving back. Tony Hawk’s net worth reflects not only his exceptional talent but also his entrepreneurial spirit and smart financial decisions. His legacy extends beyond the sport itself, inspiring generations of skateboarders and entrepreneurs alike.