Tony Alva is an American entrepreneur, musician, and professional skateboarder, best known as the inventor and pioneer of vertical skateboarding. He is widely regarded as the godfather of modern skateboarding. Born in 1957, Alva refined the sport in the 1970s with his innovative skating style and fearless approach to skating. Currently, he has a net worth of $15 million.
About Tony Alva
Born on September 2, 1957, in Santa Monica, California, Tony Alva is of Dutch and Mexican-American descent. Alva has a sister named Kathy Alva and a brother named Mark Alva.
Alva’s parents divorced when he was young, and his father primarily raised him. His siblings stayed with his mother. Alva’s father was an alcoholic and workaholic, which is why Tony used to feel lonely most of the time. As a result, he spent most of his time with his friends, who introduced him to skateboarding.
Early Life
Alva attended Santa Monica High School for his high school education but left in the tenth grade to pursue his dream of becoming a skateboarder.
When Tony was only six years old and was supposed to play like other children, he began skateboarding. He first wanted to start his career as a surfer. However, the bad weather kept him from surfing most of the time. Alva would skateboard on clay wheels at those times.
He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled skater, and the storied skateboarding business Zephyr Skateboard Team, also known as the Z-Boys, soon sponsored him.
Career
Alva’s skateboarding career took off in the 1970s when he helped to revolutionize the sport. He was an essential member of the Zephyr Skateboard Team, widely regarded as the original skateboarding team. The Z-Boys became famous for their innovative and aggressive skating style, which was characterized by daring maneuvers and high-flying aerial tricks.
Southern California experienced a severe drought in the early 1970s, causing the pools to dry up, and the boys began skating over the swimming pools, inventing pool skating. The skateboard experimentation by the surfers started. In the process, Alva created vertical skating. He was the first vertical skateboarder to use a polyurethane wheel to get airborne.
Alva participated in numerous skateboarding competitions during the 1970s and 1980s in addition to his work with the Z-Boys. During this time, he received multiple honors and awards, such as the World Professional Skateboarding Championship in 1977 and the Skateboarder of the Year honor in 1979.
Alva has continued to be a significant figure in the skateboarding community throughout his career. He has persisted in pushing the limits of the activity and has served as an inspiration to countless skateboarders all over the world.
Tony Alva felt interested in beginning a music career around 1981. Initially, he joined the hardcore punk band named Skoundrelz as a bass player. He later joined GFP- General Fucking Principle and Los Angeles-based psych band.
Surprisingly, Tony has also been an actor throughout his life! He acted in the movies Skateboard: The Movie in 1978, Thrashin in 1986, then Lord of Dogtown in 2005, and a YouTube Documentary named The Tony Alva Story.
Whether Skateboarding, entrepreneurship or acting, Tony has mastered all the fields of work he was associated with in his life!
Tony Alva’s Net Worth and Income
As of 2023, Tony Alva has a net worth of $15 million. He has accumulated a fortune through a successful skateboarding career, singing, acting, entrepreneurship, and endorsement deals.
Income
Tony Alva earns around $3 million per year.
Alva had signed an exclusive contract with Vans for his unconventional shoes. He also made a lot of money from endorsements and partnerships. In addition, he is the owner of the prosperous skateboarding business Alva Skates. Professional skateboarders love the Alva skateboards very much.
He has also made a name for himself as a singer and actor. As a result of his three careers and investments, Alva has amassed a sizable fortune. As a result, he is among the richest skateboarders.
Endorsements
Vans, Element Skateboards, Independent Trucks, and so on.
Personal Details
| Full name | Tony Alva |
| Nickname | Mad Dog, T.A. |
| Regarded as | Godfather of Modern Skateboarding |
| Date of birth | September 2, 1957 |
| Age | 65 years old |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Dutch and Mexican-American |
| Parents name | N/A |
| Siblings | Kathy Alva and Mark Alva |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Weight | 160 lbs |
| Marital Status | Married to Katy Rodriguez |
| Children | Zephaniah Levi and Avalon Victoria |
| Grandchildren | Roman Francis and Zoe |
| High School | Santa Monica High School |
| Educational Qualification | High School |
| Profession | Skateboarder, Entrepreneur, Actor |
| Debut year | 1967 |
| Skateboarding style | Street skateboarding, Vertical Skateboarding |
| Net Worth | $15 million |
| Social Media | |
| Merch | Skateboarding Accessories |
Spouse
He was married to Victoria Alva, but their marriage didn’t last long. Later on, he dated Michelle Gerber Bell, but the relationship failed. Finally, in 1977 he met his soulmate Katy Rodriguez, a fashion designer. They started dating in 1997, married in 2002, and have been together since then. The couple has two children named Zephaniah Levi and Avalon Victoria.
Age
Tony Alva is 65 years old at present.
Height and Weight
Tony stands 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 160 lbs.
Achievements
- He is the Co-founder of the Zephyr Skateboard Team.
- He won the World Professional Skateboarding Championship in 1977.
- He earned the title Skateboarder of the Year in 1979 by Skateboarder Magazine.
- He was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2009.
- He has gained entrepreneurial success through Alva Skates and the Tony Alva Brand.
- He became an inspirational figure who influenced skateboarders around the world.
FAQs About Tony Alva
When is the birthday of Tony Alva?
His birthday is on 2nd September 1957.
Is Tony Alva Married?
He is married to Katy Rodriguez.
How tall is Tony Alva?
He is 5 feet 10 inches tall.
How old is Tony Alva?
He is 65 years old.
What is the profession of Tony Alva?
He is Skateboarder, entrepreneur, musician, and actor.
Conclusion
Tony Alva has always been an inspiration to the millions of youth who dream of becoming a skateboarder. His accomplishments have shaped skateboarding into what it is today. Tony has established himself as one of the most influential skateboarders of all time, so his legacy shall be felt for generations after generations. He will remain the pioneer of modern skateboarding in the hearts of millions!
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