Eric Koston Can Do a Kickflip | EP 107 | Hawk vs Wolf

Eric Koston drops in to talk about the formative years of his skate career, trick tip videos, THPS, and the shared curse of being a “do a kickflip” barker.
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Tony Hawk
/ tonyhawk
/ skateparkproject
/ tonyhawk
Jason Ellis
/ wolfmate
/ ellismate
Hawk vs Wolf is produced and shot by @malka_media . MALKA is a creative studio leveraging the instincts of a creative agency but built on the backbone of an agile production company. We are the makers. We don't just dream it, we create it; because we know how. This is content at the speed of culture.

[@hatchmultimedia360]

An hour of Koston talking about vert is unintentionally genius.

[@Sellbow]

Fax

[@aninverse]

Pure weeds. Loved it.

[@furiouslester]

We used to have a button for that.

[@SatelliteSoundLab]

hey don't talk about jordan richter like that@@furiouslester

[@furiouslester]

@@SatelliteSoundLab Ha!!! Wait, if you mean…c’mon, it’s 20/20 something. Jokes are not funny or acceptable anymore. Oh, neither is the vert button. Damn. I got me there. If someone could just shoot me a dm when I can smile?.?.?…

[@FrankFlatOut]

Y’all could have went 3 more hours. We need part 2

[@HawkvsWolf]

Already a possibility

[@zensational.]

Yeah they need to do a longer format. Let them go as long as they all naturally can..

[@jackthehumanofficial]

yes longer ones please!

[@RandyTwang]

I was gonna say that!

[@phiend2248]

I wish they would just give up on having the 1 hour rule, talk until the conversations over and then end the podcast.

[@marvinshenk]

In 2000 I got to skate with Gonz in SF late night. I was doing switch kickflips and Gonz was asking me how do I pop them up high like that. I just said "I learned them from you, man". Probably the highlight of my life.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

that was my first board in 1987 VIsion Gonzales with this monster concave.

[@liquidpixel2055]

@@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777 what does that have to do with anything other Gonz??? Kook🤣

[@ChrisPuckett]

Would love to bump into him on the streets of nyc doing his thing

[@ianvictory8469]

So cool

[@ianvictory8469]

Liquidpixel2055 only a loser would comment negative things. Smh what're you 12

[@romeisfallingagain]

never knew koston had an older brother, let alone an older skater brother. thats awesome. thank you koston brother senior for help create this legend

[@Sk8brd.J]

Eric and Tony still sound like they're in their 20s hahah jason always wildin! Kareem Campbell interview!? That would be a rare feat. I'll be here waiting! 🫡

[@theramplocal]

Kareem wld be too sick!

[@yoBigWave]

Tony shutting down conversations is hilarious 😂

[@nathanturner6425]

I'm out of shape and over weight but this podcast has inspired me to pick up a board for the first time in 20 years. Everyone at work got a good laugh when I rolled up drenched in sweat on my board this morning 😅

[@HIGHTS]

Skated during a lunch break once. I came back sweaty af and my boss asked "are you okay?" lmao

[@booth403]

don't stop!

[@durpcity7420]

i just got my first board at age 40, a longboard since i aint even trying to do tricks, but it's awesome just cruisin around. lost 25 lbs in 4 months with that and cuttin out soda, hit a plateau but it has stayed off keep it up man! i use my board at work to check the mailbox

[@durpcity7420]

@@HIGHTS that's awesome

[@frankjeager9043]

Well done man.

[@ryanbartell4671]

This show deserves 10-100x more attention than it gets ❤

[@danc8458]

No it doesn't lil timmy

[@TheSkateboardingShow]

Eric Koston seems properly AMAZING, everything I’ve ever seen about him over the last 30 years, he always comes across so well

[@aidancrowley6166]

one step closer to getting the Heath podcast ♥️✨ so far so good

[@stusux]

Dude.... that would be the best.

[@capo_di_capi]

yeah that ain't happening.

[@aidancrowley6166]

@@capo_di_capi yea agreed

[@gorelordzskate-racing-videos]

Well it did ​@@capo_di_capi

[@SDXStudio]

As amped as I am for this episode...Koston not being on The Nine Club is an injustice that needs to be righted. Koston. Nine Club. Lets go.

[@gisharris4562]

l actually looked to see and was shocked to see he hasn't yet as well

[@MichaelSilverMedia]

What an odd comment for this channel. Enjoy the show!

[@SDXStudio]

@@MichaelSilverMedia right. a skateboard related comment regarding a skateboarding podcast on ANOTHER skateboard related podcast. odd.

[@SDXStudio]

@@gisharris4562 I wonder if there is some kind of bad blood or drama there between Koston and maybe the Crailtap family. Crob regularly mentions Koston in his top 5 best skaters, but I wonder if maybe Koston just doesn't want to get involved. Who knows.

[@kevinnaughton9597]

I cracked up at the end when Ellis said "Ooh! Comment! We never say that!"

[@howHumam]

Not even 10 minutes in and I'm reminded of all the love. These dudes love each other so much, and share so much love for skating. Its a rare sight...

[@danc8458]

Dude your old and no all there....whatever guy

[@rickyreyes7124]

That trick tips video was a daily watch for me for years! Eric is the best

[@gabrielcassutto113]

I love when they have THPS alumni on the show because they always end up talking about little-known BTS facts. Who else is left? Muska, Margera, Glifberg, Burnquist...

[@gwen6622]

i don't think they're gonna have Margera on. lol.

[@Trekceffej]

That nike sweater koston has on is absolute 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@shaun8062]

I remember being a dork and a nerd and a "dirty" in middle school and then when that game came out, popular girls and boys were literally befriending me. It literally changed my whole life. I was one of like 12 skaters in my whole town. I had the look and everything before it was cool to them. Over night I was cool. It helped my self esteem and allowed me to start connecting to people. Thank you Tony.

[@charlieduvall6463]

Amazing that Eric's injuries were so minimal after decades of crazy skating. Also incredibly humble guy for all of his accomplishments. Be awesome to have a nice surf w him in some good uncrowded waves.

[@Tedtt655]

Gonz is still trying to kick flip a bicycle 😂37:00

[@cheesybeard2980]

COMMENT FOR THE ALGORITHM!! great episode! and yes please do another gigantic skatepark tour!

[@VideoGameGoonie]

Its awesome to here Eric talk about his skating and influence. Loving the episode, its great just to see a skating podcast with Eric Koston. Been waiting awhile for this one!!! Great interview from all involved 👍

[@DavidLuther]

I could watch them all day.

[@charleshodson8494]

Kostons sweater 🔥🔥🔥

[@the6ig6adwolf]

Best episode of Old Man podcast to date.

[@johndonovan2743]

Love seeing some of greats on here. Any chance we’ll get a Heath or Daewon episode?

[@jefffitzgerald8410]

I my god! I can relate to Eric Koston. lol. I can easily do a nollie inward heelflip or a switch inward heelflip. The legs just don't understand it the other way.

[@jefffitzgerald8410]

And pressure flips are awesome. More obscure like a straight or inward!

[@stammina]

Tony Hawk skate park tour was the shit! Still watch it from time to time to this day, so many rad personalities, looked like a fun time! Do it again!

[@eddyc3181]

Those trick tip videos got me into skating I was like 11/12 and fell in love w koston vibe and style

[@MrWhatever1234567]

Interesting, right? Tony…cool. Jason…cool. Eric…cool 🫵🏻 and you, you’re cool too!

[@Guardian.de.cecilia]

You guys are awesome. I love skateboarding and you guys are a huge reason why I fell in love with it.

[@BPClark21]

Hey Tony PLEASE bring THAT tour back man! I'm 37 and LOVED that gigantic skatepark tour with mike V and everyone...PLEASE do that again with espn or whoever!

[@jerid]

They are getting GREAT guests and talking about themselves. Please let the guest talk...

[@salmanvermonte8786]

bro for real, Wolf interrupts people too much when they're talking about something interesting

[@MichaelSilverMedia]

Koston the OG! Met him at the SB Chronicles Vol. 1 premiere. Def need Gigantic Skatepark Tour 2024.

[@aspiresk8boarding]

Yes and we need bam to tail drop off the biggest thing in the park. And then have Mike V cave man the biggest thing in the park. Good times

[@bertfechner417]

This and Chad Caruso on Nine club! It's a good day.

[@gorelordzskate-racing-videos]

Boy they barely tapped into it, but it was sick, we got his origin story which is rad!

[@y_not]

I only just realise the berrics is a combination of Berra and Eric, and a play on barracks

[@jonyvillanueva]

Such a great guest! Also want to correct my comment about Jason not taking promos seriously in an earlier episode. I’m looking to switch from cigarettes and looking into Füm now!

[@WesthCo]

57:18 Sad my boy Geoff Rowley wasn't mentioned.. always my pick in THPS! shoutout to Rune too though, remember being in Fælledparken with him when the new Vert got build, only time i ever skated Vert.

[@ItisMeMike]

Gonzs pyramid fast plant was sick...i wanna see that front side pivot he did on the wall..i remember the pic..that was such a great contest.. so much footage

[@markfield8168]

Koston must still be living off shoe royalties, best sk8 shoe ever made.

[@capo_di_capi]

Which one, the eS? the Nike Koston 1-3? The Lakai(kidding).....

[@patzimmusic]

I used to own a trick tip video with Tony and Eric in it probably 15 years ago. Legends!

[@DennisCrawfordJr]

Thanks for adding the videos go along with what you were talking about

[@OcalaSkateShop]

I had the pleasure of being on the bus for a few days thx to Redbull and Tony. Back of the bus was a great place to take a rip 💨

[@carlosdeaquino6725]

im sure we all been waiting for seeing these 3 together. koston is da bomb! thanks for that!

[@sebastianwhalin743]

Woo this is always the cherry on top of my sunday haha

[@coverlovercomics2579]

This weant by SO FAST! Time flies when you are having fun with Hawk & Wolf!

[@deadbeat-vc9kg]

Where does the time geo? 😁

[@chestinconway4609]

I still have my Tony Hawk Trick tip videos😂 are used to watch them over and over and over

[@johnnyresin]

Yaaaaas, finally the Kostone interview! Thank you!!! 💚

[@skatedurr]

i love this podcast

[@booth403]

To learn that Kostone hasn't had any serious injuries is mind numbing ... He was the god of pop back in the day, I can remember nearly literally drooling over all of his flip tricks, the pop, the catch, bolts clean and consistent as all hell. Dude is a legend.

[@Dough709]

That nollie heelflip to nose slide... not dying trying that is crazy.

[@climb37775]

Him and Rick McCrank were both so technical and so smooth

[@booth403]

@@climb37775 daaaaammmmm that's a name I haven't heard in a good while ... and rightly said my dude

[@usernameonutube]

Kostone!

[@flyguyrose]

I knew Eric Koston grew up in San Bernardino when I seen him fight someone over his wallet

[@codymanson8691]

This is legit awesome.

[@shawngale6342]

One of my favorite episodes hell yeahz.

[@SharkTale92]

dude when i was a kid i assumed the pros on THPS were the only pros out there. Being from lil ol New Zealand its fair to say information was scarce 🤣🤣🤣

[@ryanhays8594]

2 goats and a unicorn make a podcast. Loved it. ✌🏻❤️

[@marcbrignardello3884]

I have watched all three of you guys for all my life, lemme swoon like Wayne and Garth….. I’m not worthy , lol. Much love guys, keepin old guys like us cool

[@BEEENGONE]

I once read a comment on a video stating " step yo podcast game up and put timestamps" ,

[@djboomshot]

Great episode. Pure skate talk with Koston for the whole show? With bonus clips? I'm in! And as requested, I'm commenting for the algorithm ...and because I'm gonna keep saying this thing until maybe it happens -request to get Chris Miller on the show.

[@lightOUTlouisville]

Shout out to the trick tips volume 2 tape. What a time.

[@isaacgraves9908]

3 legends

[@morgothbauglirmelkar]

Ellis you weren't a bum on the tour man, I loved you on is! You added a lot to that show. Funny as hell.

[@K3nclark]

Great hearing behind the scenes

[@Caseycarlo]

I always thought it was funny that I learned how to hard hardfilp in es Koston 3's I loved those shoes I wish I could find a pair nowadays

[@kidmorgan1226]

Erics Nike sweater is clean af

[@speedyzolt]

That’s so funny back in the 80’s I thought I was the only one to steal wood from the neighborhood construction site to build our half-pipe. Because of that ramp I really started get good sk-8-ing back in 85-87. Back then we couldn’t always get our parents to drive to del-mar and Sk-8. Hawk was my inspiration back in 86 he came with others to our middle school. After seeing him and others on that U no flat bottom ramp I was sold. In 89-90 street skating really depressed Vert skaters. What a time.

[@donator90]

This was amazing!

[@lilspiceboi69]

please do another gigantic skatepark tour and stop in the midwest!!

[@Brradenn]

the audio mix on these always drive m crazy ahah

[@garrytrinh3062]

A Gonz episode is overdue.

[@Vextos]

I can't see Gonz sitting in one place for more than 10 minutes.

[@rawxtir]

Insert gonz getting interviewed in 90s after they bribed him with oysters 😂 he says it himself: skaters don't wanna sit still under a spotlight and talk - Big ups to koston for doing this. Testing the waters in order to be able to handle 9 club hyperfocus 8 cams/ metric effton of lights/ flies/ heat/ all the things LMFAO

[@hebrewsky]

I want an hour of Jason ad reads

[@dannyslaughter4727]

Love this show. Thanks for the memories

[@RATCHAFILMS]

What’s with the old picture! 😂😂😂😂😂 Love you guys!!!

[@funkdafiedwoodskateco.8651]

Great Guest Eric Koston is Awesome

[@J_Griep]

Great episode ❤

[@nitemirror1]

this is awesome 😂

[@NulJern]

We now have been thru a whole lot of guests.. I know this ain't Rune Glifberg!!! But ok... I can wait.. *edit - At least you talked a bit about him this episode :) Another great episode.

[@Jeremya74]

Good lord Koston ..SPIT IT OUT!

[@BobWeaver3000]

super dope!!!! thanks!

[@CollectibleTechDeckDudes]

YES first question "will you fingerboard the sink" perfection

[@jamieredwin2525]

still the greatest pod out there

[@jeremyp.6618]

whaaaa nine club cant even get Eric. This is awesome

[@EclecticWizard6]

Koston is the man!

[@briopelle684]

Eric is the Tiger Woods of skateboarding 🤙

[@joshuasmith6346]

So is nyjah

[@solidbluebrian]

Haven’t watched since some of the first few episodes and really like all of the production upgrades that have happened since then! Also like the chill vibe of the convo with Koston

[@theturtleschool5085]

I love wolf clowning Tony on his street parts hahahha

[@bigdonkeybutt69]

Epic. Eric's the best

[@liquidpixel2055]

My favorite part of this podcast is it never gets enough views to be bombarded with ads 🤣

[@deathbob091]

I 100% feel yall on the hardflips. i could only do em nollie and switch >.

[@chrisparker7815]

I feel like back in the mid 80s early 90s we were just "skaters".. Not vert or street, just riding whatever was in front of you at the time..

[@h.c4898]

Eric has stuffs to talk about. He's been in the industry through the 90s, 00s until now. He has stories to tell, throwbacks, going down memory-lane stories to share just like you guys@. To have gonz around in the conversation would be interesting to have. I understand he's pretty hard to book or is he?

[@joshyoung]

Hyped to see koston on here!!

[@ryanrowe1975]

Great episode!

[@vandercudo]

Hawk and Wolf together make HALF.

[@therealskatedad]

One of the first DVDs I ever viewed was the first and second trick tip videos you guys did. The next one was the skatepark tour videos. Thank you all for your contributions to skateboarding and to me personally.

[@y4Zo]

More Koston! Still got a pair of the old es. Love the cast!

[@turtleboypurp]

I love how his audio in one of the tony hawk games was literally just him saying "don't choose me, I can't even hardflip" lol

[@FreedomCreativeAgency]

I'm so shocked you guys didn't mention his Nike opportunity and all the controversy in the community regarding big non-skate corporate brands breaking into skateboarding... him and Paul! I was in support of that decision! 🙌🏻

[@liquidpixel2055]

Sooooooooo much shit that could've talked about! Waste of a fucking episode

[@AwareWolfOnWheels]

Cos they covered that last time he was on.

[@liquidpixel2055]

@@AwareWolfOnWheels This is his 1st time! 🤣

[@tynanbarnes6506]

Skaters were wearing nike basketball shoes before nikes made skate shoes. Why do you think the nike dunk is such a popular shoe? Sure people got mad when nike started making skate shoes but it would have been dumb of them not to make them since people were already riding their product.

[@FreedomCreativeAgency]

@@tynanbarnes6506 , indeed, there was already a skate community that embraced Nike, but it was quite divided, amongst the hash vs. fresh skaters... Wild times. I mean, the deals with Nike, Adidas and New Balance arguably gave skateboarding the corporate recognition it needed by b-corps, leading to real support for womens skateboarding. Koston was the first domino.

[@bondalero0074]

I’m 50 now, Growing up watching Hawk/Gonz dominate vert/street! I think I’m more Hawk’s 🛹👑 age and he covered my walls shared with EVH(R.I.P.)!#🎸👑 So cool to hear Koston’s stories also watching him grow up and hearing his S/M ALBA Bros. stories and Pipeline! He was there when BirdHouse started and when “Riley” was brand “NEW”! #Lol Tony has always been 🛹 vert 👑/& “Gonz” has ALWAY’s been the 🛹 street 👑! Yet I’m still here skating and listening to these “LEGENDS”!#Hawk/Koston#🛹❤️🤘🏻

[@furiouslester]

Prologue. “DO A KICKFLIP”. To me, always, always, always meant turn your grip away as a Shamrock Shake is incoming . When “jocks” were a thing. That (and apparently LESTER!!! from Skatr or Die) seemed to be the only reference to skateboarding they had. So before you got popped with a soda pop drive by you’d hear “DO A KICKFLIP”. As an old head, I am proud as hell to say, I recently just got “DO A KICKFLIP’d, and I DID A KICKFLIP!!! No big deal, got ‘em bolts, everyday. HA!!! Koston just made that shit cool. Love!!!

[@furiouslester]

DO A KICLFLIP!!!

[@archstanton531]

Great show!