Tony Alva, born on September 2, 1957, in Santa Monica, California, is an American skateboarder, entrepreneur, and musician.
He is widely recognized as a pioneer of vertical skateboarding and one of the original members of the Zephyr Competition Skateboarding Team, also known as the Z-Boys.
Here, you can follow Tony Alva’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Tony Alva’s Net Worth Details
Tony Alva’s net worth is estimated to be $15 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his income as a professional skateboarder, entrepreneur, musician, endorsements, and other sources.
Income
Tony Alva, a renowned skateboarder and entrepreneur, earns an estimated $3 million annually.
Tony Alva, a pioneer in skateboarding, has earned significant prize money throughout his career.
1977 he won the World Professional Skateboarding Championship, earning $100,000.
Two years later, in 1979, he was named Skateboarder of the Year, with a prize of $50,000.
Career Earnings
| Source of Income | Estimated Earnings |
| Annual Salary | $3 million |
| Prize Money (1977 World Professional Skateboarding Championship) | $100,000 |
| Prize Money (1979 Skateboarder of the Year) | $50,000 |
Endorsements
Tony Alva has endorsed various products and brands throughout his career. He has had a long-standing relationship with Vans, which produces skateboarding shoes and related apparel.
Alva was instrumental in the design of the Vans Era, the first-ever skateboarding shoe. He has been a Vans-endorsed athlete for over 40 years
About Tony Alva
| Personal Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Tony Alva |
| Nickname | Mad Dog |
| Birth Date | September 2, 1957 |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 73 kg |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Net Worth | $15 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Katy Rodriguez |
| Children | Zephaniah Levi, Avalon Victoria |
| Instagram Profile | @thetonyalva1957 |
Tony Alva is an iconic figure in skateboarding. He is known for his pioneering role in vertical skateboarding and as a founding member of the Zephyr.
Born on September 2, 1957, in Santa Monica, California, Alva began surfing and skateboarding at 10 and quickly developed a radical and powerful surf-style approach to skateboarding that revolutionized the sport.
Early Life
Tony Alva was born to Dutch and Mexican-American parents. He first began surfing and skateboarding around 1967 at the age of 10.
Influenced by the new, aggressive surfing style on the Hawaiian Islands, Alva brought a radically new and powerful free-form surf style to skateboarding.
His revolutionary style starkly contrasted with the era’s contrived traditional style.
In 1972, he joined the legendary Z-Boys skateboard team with Jay Adams and Stacy Peralta.
Professional Career
Tony Alva’s professional career in skateboarding is marked by his innovative style, entrepreneurial spirit, and significant contributions to the sport.
He is often referred to as the “godfather of modern skateboarding”.
At 19, he became the first professional skater to own and operate a business by founding his skateboard company, Alva Skateboards.
This move was groundbreaking at the time and set a precedent for future skateboarders. Alva’s company was among the first to use layered maple plywood for skate decks.
He also played a pivotal role in creating Vans’ first-ever skateboarding shoe, the Era.
His collaboration with Vans has continued over the years, with recent collections celebrating their shared history and Alva’s influence on the sport.
Wife
Tony Alva’s partner is Katy Rodriguez, who has been with him since 2002.
Katy Rodriguez is Resurrection’s fashion designer and co-founder, a notable venue for collectible and historical vintage clothing.
Career Achievements
| Year | Achievement |
| 1967 | Began surfing and skateboarding at the age of 10 |
| 1972 | Joined the Zephyr Competition Skateboarding Team, also known as the Z-Boys |
| 1977 | Founded Alva Skateboards, the first company to be owned and operated by a skateboarder |
| 1977 | Won the Men’s Overall World Professional Skateboard Championship |
| 1970 | Dominated the skateboarding scene, winning several major contests |
| 1999 | Received the X Games Lifetime Achievement Award |
| 2002 | Received the Transworld Skateboarding Magazine Legend Award |
| 2009 | Inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame |
FAQs
Who is Tony Alva?
Tony Alva is a legendary skateboarder who’s been a major figure in the sport since the 1970s.
He’s often called the “Godfather of Skateboarding” because he helped shape modern skateboarding culture.
Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1957, Alva started skating as a kid and quickly became one of the most influential skaters of his time.
What’s Tony Alva famous for?
Alva is famous for many things! He was one of the original members of the Zephyr Competition Team (Z-Boys), revolutionizing skateboarding in the 1970s.
He’s known for his aggressive skating style and pioneering aerial maneuvers in empty swimming pools.
Alva was also the first skateboarder to successfully market himself as a brand, which was a big deal back then.
What’s the deal with Tony Alva and the Z-Boys?
The Z-Boys were a group of skateboarders from Santa Monica and Venice, California, sponsored by the Zephyr surf shop. Alva was one of the core members of this team.
They brought a surf-inspired style to skateboarding and are credited with transforming it from a sidewalk activity into a more aggressive, vertical sport.
Their story was made into a documentary called “Dogtown and Z-Boys” in 2001.
Has Tony Alva won any major competitions?
You bet! Alva won the Men’s Overall World Professional Skateboard Championship in 1977.
This was a huge deal and helped cement his status as one of the top skaters in the world. He’s also won numerous other competitions throughout his career.
Did Tony Alva start his own company?
Yep, he sure did. In 1977, at just 19 years old, Alva started Alva Skates.
It was one of the first skater-owned companies and played a big role in shaping the skateboarding industry.
The company is still around today and produces skateboards and other gear.
What’s Tony Alva’s connection to Vans shoes?
Alva has a long history with Vans. In the 1970s, the company sponsored him as one of the first skateboarders.
He helped design some of Vans’ early skate shoes and has been a team member for decades. Even today, Vans still features Alva among its professional skaters.
Has Tony Alva been in any movies?
Yes, he has! Alva has appeared in several films as an actor and himself.
He was featured in the documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys and had a cameo in the 2005 feature film Lords of Dogtown, which was based on the Z-Boys’ story.
He’s also acted in other movies and TV shows over the years.
What’s Tony Alva doing these days?
Even though he’s in his 60s now, Alva is still actively involved in skateboarding. He continues to skate, run his company, and mentor younger skaters.
He’s also involved in various business ventures and occasionally does speaking engagements, discussing his skateboarding experiences and life.
How has Tony Alva influenced skateboarding culture?
Alva’s influence on skateboarding culture is huge. He helped transform skateboarding from a hobby into a lifestyle and professional sport.
His aggressive style, both in skating and in business, inspired countless skaters who came after him.
He’s also been a big influence in skateboarding fashion and music, often bridging the gap between skate culture and punk rock.
What’s the story behind Tony Alva and Santa Cruz Skateboards?
While Alva is best known for his brand, he’s also had a long relationship with Santa Cruz Skateboards. He first rode for them in the early 1970s before starting his own company.
In recent years, he’s collaborated with Santa Cruz again, releasing signature decks that pay homage to his early skating days.
Alva has said that Santa Cruz played a big role in his career and skateboarding history.
