Class of 2023 Skateboarding Hall of Fame Inductees
Few have furthered the culture of skateboarding, on and off the board, more than Mike Carroll. During his humble beginnings in Daly City California, Carroll gravitated toward the board due to his cousin and brother’s influence, though he frequently was sent barreling down the hill, crashing into trashcans. But this newfound obsession would take him […]
A man of many titles, Rick Howard is known as an entrepreneur, producer, and most importantly a skateboarder. Moving from Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, to California when he was seventeen, Rick soon gathered early sponsors with Blockhead Skateboards in 1988 and Gullwing Trucks. Howard would find his first full length part in Blockhead’s video Splendid
In the raw anarchy of the early 90s skateboard community, emerged a fresh face from Oxford, England. Tom Penny’s revolutionary progression and nonchalant style elevated skateboarding to new heights, inspiring skateboarders worldwide. From his iconic Radlands contest win to mind-blowing video parts (èS Menikmati; Flip, Sorry) Tom redefined style and set new aspirational standards. Today,
Founded April 1st, 1978, Rip City Skates has managed to be one of the few stable forces in an ever changing Santa Monica, California. Described as polar opposites, cousins Jim McDowell and Bill Poncher, both held the same passion for skateboarding, which is what made Rip City one of the longest running skate shops in the world. Keeping true to its roots, Rip City has, and continues to be, an academy and safe haven for skaters of all backgrounds seeking guidance. While Jim McDowell retired to Colorado in May 2022, Bill Poncher continues to return to his community oriented shop alongside the growing Rip City family. – Chuck Harp / Concrete Disciples May 2024
With a passion for surfing and anti‑mainstream creations, Skip became a co‑founder of Jeff Ho Surfboards and Zephyr Productions with Jeff Ho and Craig Stecyk in 1971. Engblom would help create both Zephyr Surf and Skate teams, the latter housing the infamous Z‑Boys. Recognizing their budding talents, Skip offered not just skating advice during sessions. He nurtured his young band of pirates by providing them with the confidence and structure needed to pilot their ship in the heart of Dogtown. Engblom would go on to create Santa Monica Airlines in 1978 and has been highlighted in various films on his importance to skate culture. – Chuck Harp / Concrete Disciples
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Raised in Eugene, Oregon, Anita Tessensohn was a dedicated gymnast from the age of nine, until she spotted someone skating down the street at fifteen, sparking her interest. Importantly, she never allowed herself to conform to any preconceived notions of what a “girl skater” should be, instead presenting herself as simply that, herself. Soon she was sponsored by Powell-Peralta and along with Leaf Treinen, was featured in their 1987 ad, “Some Girls Play With Dolls. Real Women Skate,” which was in both Thrasher and Transworld. She could also be seen in the 1988 video, Public Domain. Later, Tessensohn would find her passion for dance, becoming both a professional dancer and instructor. – Chuck Harp / Concrete Disciples 2024 Ads: Local News, KEZI Eugene Oregon, interview/story of Anita in 2024 Womxn Skateboard History website article
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Congratulations to 2023 SHoF Inductee John Lucero. A lifelong skateboarder and self proclaimed ‘Skate Nerd’, John shows us all how to have fun with skateboarding. John is also one of the first Pro Skateboarders to create his own deck graphics which are still to this day some of the best and most Iconic designs ever.The
Hailing from Santa Monica California, Lonny Hiramoto started skating in 1976 at age 11, and was heavily influenced by Shogo Kubo and Howard Hood. After only two years, Hiramoto turned pro at age 13 with Kanoa Surf. Lonny later became known for winning the very first televised skateboard contest, which was held at Runway Skate Park in 1979. But Lonny’s fame didn’t stop there, as he became the inventor of the footplant. Having struggled with drugs since he was young, Lonny changed his life and turned to religion for guidance. Hiramoto still skates to this day, having been ripping for more than 40 years. – Chuck Harp / Concrete Disciples
Starting to skate in 1970, he was inspired by the pros he would see in the magazines. He came into his own at the Runway Skatepark and when Kanoa Surf called about an upcoming contest, Howard became pro. From there he was featured in multiple ads and skated in contests. Never one for the limelight,
Bio coming soon. Wentzl appeared in the following movies: GO FOR ITSUPER SESSIONSSPINNING WHEELSA DAY AT THE POOLDogtown 20th A Look Back Wentzl in print: BooksDogtown-Legend of the Zboys, GEF, CR STECYK III – 2000LIVES ON BOARD. SKATEBOARDERS JOURNAL – 2009THE SKATEBOARD – BEN MARCUS, LUCIA DANIELLA – 2011JAYBOY – KENT SHERWOOD – 2017 Magazine
Paul was born in Canada and moved to the Santa Monica area of Los Angeles when he was ten years old. He eventually fell in with the locals and would surf and skate. He was taught the surfing basics by Jay Adams and the locals. After that, he started skating with Jay and the others.
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Born in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 6 he saw his neighbors ripping roller skates apart to skate on a piece of wood, and knew he had to try it. Since then,Ray became part of the Hobie team, the C&D team, and Dewey Weber. He also had the honor of representing Zephyr in
RIP Jeff Grosso I’ve posted this one before and I’ll probably post it again. As always when friends die we examine them, and I always realize that the people who pass will be missed because of how they made us feel about ourselves. I had ups and downs with Jeff over the years, but he
(March 21, 1959 – July 28, 2023) RIP Jimmy Plumer. Shredding Kona skatepark in Jacksonville, Florida in November 1979. – Jim Goodrich @jimmy_plumer Rest in Peace. God Speed. Was an incredible skateboarder. At Lakewood contest 1979 riding the end bowl & pumping backside air at the deepest end, no one else was doing it. He was
