Tony Alva

Biography

Tony Alva is a pioneer of vertical skateboarding and one of the original members of the Zephyr Competition Skateboarding Team, also known as the Z-boys. Born in Santa Monica, California, to Dutch and Mexican-American parents, Alva was influenced by the new surfing style on the Hawaiian Islands, bringing a radical free-form surf style to skateboarding. He became a professionally sponsored skateboarder and helped popularize empty swimming pools in mainstream skating.