The level of aggression that Alva introduced in the ‘70s stood in stark contrast to the traditional, freestyle-based feel of the era, making him instantly stand out among other skaters. The prototype modern professional skateboarder and a charismatic character in the documentary “Dogtown: The Legend of the Z-boys,” was based on Tony’s legendary Venice skate crew. and at age 19, Alva shunned the major skate companies to form his own skateboard company, Alva Skates. Alva’s company was the first ever to be owned and operated by a skateboarder, as well as one of the first to use layered maple plywood for the skate decks. It was Tony, back in ’77, who suggested that Vans founder, Paul Van Doren, modify the classic Vans
At age 19, Alva shunned the major skate companies to form his own skateboard company, Alva Skates. Alva’s company was the first ever to be owned and operated by a skateboarder, as well as one of the first to use layered maple plywood for the skate decks. It was Tony, back in ’77, who suggested that Vans founder, Paul Van Doren, modify the classic Vans
It was Tony, back in ’77, who suggested that Vans founder, Paul Van Doren, 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. The result was the now-classic Vans Era style, the first shoe designed by skaters for skateboarding. Nearly 35 years later, Alva continues to shred, surf and skate pools almost every day. When people look up “skateboarder” in the dictionary, it’s Tony Alva’s face they should see.
Nearly 35 years later, Alva continues to shred, surf and skate pools almost every day. When people look up “skateboarder” in the dictionary, it’s Tony Alva’s face they should see.