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Tommy Ryan started skating in 1957. During his 61 years as a skateboarder, he has appeared in newspapers, magazines, television and movies; traveled far and wide; developed product; and competed as part of a pro slalom team. In the 1960s Tommy appeared in Surfers Illustrated, the San Diego Union Tribune, a Life magazine photo article, the movie Gidget Goes Hawaiian, and the Bob Dale and Regis Philben TV shows.
Tommy competed at the Anaheim contest in 1965 (which was the only big contest of that decade), promoting Continental Surf Skater and G&S. In the 1970s, he appeared in the movie Freewheelin’ and magazines such as National Skateboard Review, Skateboard World, and multiple issues of Skateboarder, including a cover shot. At Carlsbad skatepark, Tommy was resident pro, instructor, and head of the safety patrol. Also in the ’70s, Tommy joined with Bobby Turner to develop the Turner Summer Ski and rode for Turner, Tracker, and Kryptonics, which he still does today! In slalom races, Tommy always finished among the top three. He competed at Signal Hill, Akron, Catalina, and more. His favorite race gatherings were Sundays at La Costa and the ARA (Another Roadside Attraction) series in Colorado.
