Tony Alva talks pool skating

Skateboard legend Tony Alva discusses pool skating, and Buck Lasek shows you his backyard mega pool.

[@oatsnryan]

The best part of this video is listening to Alva's wise words about connecting spiritually with skating. Money, trophies, success, fame (popularity) can take away from the purity of whatever you're doing... music, surfing, snowboarding... it's the sense of freedom and presence that is the most important thing in life and that which should be most valued. A simple concept but difficult to put into practice, easier if you're 56 and still skating... inspirational... much respect!

[@AllhailtheUS]

I've said this in other vids, but to this day Tony Alva was the coolest pro I've ever met. When I was 14-15, it was the "golden age" of skateboarding...Hawk & Hosoi were the big names...you had a kind of rivalry between the neon colors, bleach blonde surfer kids and the shaved head, denim and black shirt punk rock kids...I was more that. Bill Danforth was a local skater so we all dug his style...then when he got on the Alva crew it was even better...so we had a big contest come through, usually in the dead of winter, and this one was big. All the big pros at the time were there...Hawk, Hosoi, Gonz, Blender...everyone. So I'm sitting there watching and I see two guys getting ready to fight- clean cut Steve Rocco and legend Tony Alva. OH SHIT! So they get separated and send to different sides of the arena...well who comes and sits right next to me? TONY FUCKING ALVA! He couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating...plus I wasn't a fan of Rocco at the time, so ayyye...anyways, I asked Tony what was up and said Rocco kept trying to snake runs and he was tired of his shit. I just laughed and started pestering the shit out of Tony...his ego never flared once...answered all my questions, signed my board, shirt, poster...I'd say he sat there for a good half hour and just shot the shit. I know other cats ain't too fond of him, but he was nothing but nice to me. Skate legend!

[@badoocee1967]

COOL STORY BRO!🤙

[@lexbeltran1354]

I grew up in the 70's idolizing the Z-boys, especially Tony Alva. Skating does keep a person young.

[@auldsk8r]

Happy 61st birthday, Tony! You're an inspiration to all of us younger surfer/skaters. Keep it up, bro!

[@highsocietysongchannel]

I am absolutely in awe of this video. I've lived around skateboarding my whole life. Didn't know who the gods were. Thanks Tony, Z-Boys, and everything that followed.

[@finsteraarhorn286]

Even after so many years watching this video from time to time it still gives me goose bumps

[@joelco92]

Skateboarding vids always have the chillest music

[@biglo9889]

i took my son to vans skate park in o.c. and no lie this older dude was absolutely killing it out there. best skater out there. it was tony alva. i told my son and he said who? im like thats tbe beginning of skateboarding! im Tonys age, i had an Alva board. lol

[@MichaelSvenson]

Awesome

[@dirtyrotten2648]

Arlie Hopes y me too. Alva 8"" Alva wheels and Indys. First new board I ever bought. All my other bros had the dog town models. Good times

[@prometheusvenom7189]

I grew up with Hawk so I use to get bird house boards and sometimes get bakers but man I miss skating. With this virus around I’m really considering to pick up the board again.

[@davydutre5531]

@@prometheusvenom7189 just do it best thing ever

[@GJ0KYZ]

Tony Alva inspired me to start skating in the mid 1970s and I'm still skating today. Listen to your elders my friend; they have a lot to teach you.

[@Rachelnymetal]

I grew up looking at this guy in magazines. He used to be so cocky and arrogant. It is awesome to see what a great great person he has become. Very well spoken too.

[@lauramalone3158]

man, exactly what i thought too! he used to be very arrogant, glad to see how far T.A has come..

[@craiger0069]

Rachel Hilgert he still is

[@KofiProductions]

@@Lake00889 im mediocre at skating but my buddy couldve been sponsored. The only person other than mullen ive seen do a dark slide (ive never googled anyone else lol). he gave zero shits about joining a team because skaters are assholes.

[@bugglemagnum6213]

@@KofiProductions maybe where you're from kook

[@GamingMediocrity]

Really? I mean he backhanded Bucky by saying, "Us real pool skaters" as if the 13ft backyard pool is some kind of gimmick. That's how I took that statement anyway.

[@slimeballz]

Remember Jay Adams. Skateboarding IS life.

[@johnroth8383]

Mermaid pool in our backyard in Westchester... '79? Functional Design (still have it), Learned in that pool, so never skated on the sidewalk for weeks when I started.. then we had to fill the pool... (insurance reasons). After that I learned to Tic Tac everywhere cause i never really learned kick pushing.. still hate kick pushing, soo.. at 59 and still skating.. kick and carving for miles... my meditation.. my other true love. I think Tony came to our pool a few times.. back in the day.

[@meeeeeeeeeezy]

this honestly kind of brought tears to my eyes haha. i feel so honored to be apart of something so awesome. i love skateboarding.

[@Witzomania]

I've rode a skateboard since 1968, I'm about to turn 53 and still skate. Thank you Tony, good to see you still skating.

[@johnprosise7098]

56 and looks 40 ...I grew up with Tony and Lief in Rowland and Hacienda Heights ...When we started the Movie Skateboard in 1976, a Guy got Killed , and the Movie was re done in 1978. Skate Kings also in 78 ..I still Skate at 52 , and Shred most of the young kids to this day JZP

[@crwwndmikeskating]

alva and vallely have inspired me for 5 years and i still go out there and do my best!

[@QuickEK]

alva looks like an unshaven keanu reeves here lol

[@craigweaver5671]

There's a shaven keanu reeves?

[@dylansfilms_]

Craig Weaver the matrix

[@fastacid714]

All the Z boys deserve big Props and all those that followed from the west coast to the east coast. The urethane wheel blew everyone away, that started it all.

[@sean92591]

i could care less who likes or dislikes alva and neither can he. i like him but even if i didnt id still respect the shit out of him for still skating at the age of 56. so cool. lets see who can still skate if they make it to 56. i doubt most of you will be skating at 56.

[@auldsk8r]

I'm turning 57 this week and had a great time skating the local skate park the other day.

[@mej6519]

Wow, Tony sounds well chilled out these days.

[@scottwalker2043]

Used to sit and watch him skate , like he was the King , Which he was,,,

[@owenwilberforce6138]

Alva was mostly everyone’s hero in ‘77-78. What he represented was creative freedom through the physically intense expression of skateboarding. Somewhere between artists and athletes, skateboarders took physics and made an art form of defying gravity. I like how Alva changed though to see, like Jay Adams did, that the soul and roots of it was having fun. Also, not taking your skill set too seriously to where you look down on others, but just encourage everyone to enjoy getting better. Music as well is the same, you have to work at it but enjoy the process. The result is a lifetime of real experiences that make you vibe on the culture you inhabit. That culture was fostered by people like Alva and Stacy Peralta, they created what they wanted to see, and we all sort of were inspired by their efforts.

[@prometheusvenom7189]

It’s something about pool skating that feels so interesting where you can feel center I can’t explain it.

[@biologias3]

He is a true icon, along with Jay Adams, Stacy Peralta, Shogo Kubo or the greatly underrated Jerry Valdez. They set the foundations of the sport, but I also suspect that they were incredible "skate-photogenic", and that the photographers were making they job really good. Their pictures were really nice, very artistic, though their skateboard style was somehow simple when compared to what came next (Hosoi, etc.) There are a couple of videos of Alva in SanCosme México that make you cry: sad.

[@adjustible]

"there's a fine line between ambition and greed." wise words

[@garrettharrington6993]

4:41 look in the back im leaning on my board! i lived next to john when i lived in malibu and was there that day

[@ezayhayhay2342]

OMG I SEE YOU !!! Lucky guy

[@adamchaifetz5876]

Tony Alva is so chill and cool. Thanks for everything that skateboarding is today Tony. You rule.

[@bjaminbjamin]

Awesome. Well said. I just got off a NINETEEN year hiatus. Last skated in whistler circa 2000! Just bought a board and now on day 7. Almost grinding the big bowl here in Sidney BC holly shit lol. It is FUN. That's the key. Fountain of youth. I'm now 43 and had passed on skating to focus on snowboarding after a knee injury. Glad to be back. Thanks Tony! All time legend and seemingly very genuine brother!

[@AR-tk3cr]

Lords of Dogtown really sums up how he was back in the day. I’m glad he decided to go back to the purity of skateboarding that was. He seems really happy now.

[@PapaJoeLps]

Jay Adams is the real LEGEND !

[@KeithCanisius]

was he not the first to make the air in a pool?

[@Clownconspirator]

Man this is such an important video for skateboarders to see, specifically for Tony's words at the end. We all love skateboarding because it's fun.

[@katiefoster2771]

Salba + Thomas guide + chartered helicopter = 100+ empty backyard pools in Fontana, ahhh the good old days. Chris Miller is the o.g. Pool killer! The sound that indys make on pool copeing is one of my favorite sounds…sooths the skater soul.

[@snowj720]

My hat is forever tipped to ya Tony. You know the soul of riding brother.

[@theguitardad9488]

Alva makes me wanna get fit via skateboarding again, as a mature age, old's cool reissue rider.

[@kimockman1]

Thanks Tony! for everything.

[@mrgone6425]

whos that kid shredding everything? shes badass

[@speedyzolt]

Well said Alva. Never had the chance to sk-8 with you, but who knows one day maybe.You are the true article Tony Alva. Stay golden, stay true, and do what you do.

[@daveschaeffer7951]

I agree 100% about the way we found skate spots back in the day. Slipping through the fence to an empty pool. Walking up a hill to a reservoir. In fact, I heard rumors of an old reservoir that was still intact, just needs cleaning out. I went and checked it out, and felt like a was back in time.

[@TonyCampCamppartyof4]

Tony's deck is the one I use still today, just love the shape awesome in the pool. the kids look at my Alva deck all weird like what's that ?

[@pdga3791]

11.37.....I had a few slams like that but Tony pulled it off!! That was sick.

[@lowdownndirtycc]

im 50-just broke two ribs slamming in a pool-i,ve had so much pain and too many x-rays from sk* and moto-x-but i cant wait to get back grindin'i live in england but was at venice beach last week-got me a long board too-rollin,great to see alva still rippin-dog town life

[@Kriskrack3]

Jay Adams is right, skating keeps you young, when I saw Tony Alva carving the pool I was looking at him in his young form, it's probably because his carves were so swift then and they still are.

[@dyr234]

tony alva always comes first for me, i have a 1977 tony alva reissue and everytime i'm at the park i'm doing kick turns,bert slides and just rippin' around man.

[@pickersplayspop]

Tony really hit the spot there at the end. Whether it's gliding down to your local shops are hitting it hard on a vert. At all levels, it's about fun.

[@h.t.7204]

Thank you alva!!! You are and always (30+ years) been an inspiration to a fucking lot of us street kids! We watched you dominate back in the day, your a true legend! My son skates, and i gave him my Alva deck... He loves it! Your a giant among men! Truly thank u! +Skate in peace Jay! The world misses u

[@Jelzouks]

Rip Jay Adams

[@bentbilliard]

I turned 36 this year and I just started to skate again. I'm even better then back in the 80ies now. Buy a board and go for it. It's never to late. Tony Alva is the best example.

[@myhomeiswhereiam]

If anyone is considering learning to skate, watching this vid should give you all the inspiration you need.

[@scottthorson1]

52 yo fat old school So Cal... Mid life crisis buying parts,building decks hanging at the local skate park watching the kids trip on the "old guy" The best part of being an old old school skater is the ability to build that top of the line stick with all the proper parts you always wanted as a kid. I ain't busting no airs out of no bowls but I can still grind a set of trucks in half.. Local North Houston Skate Park.. Best free city park in the country! I idolized every skater from the 70s but being from Anaheim I have huge soft spots for Lester and Jeff... RIP Grosso!

[@quartzparchmentshears8368]

He such a cool, philosophical guy. And as I I've got older myself (nearly 40), I too have realised that having fun really is the secret of life. Where we differ though, is that he's such a better skater than me. Still enjoy it though.

[@xiElDridge]

Met Tony today! wow sooo amazing man!

[@JBmusicart]

Alva is one of my favorite people.

[@jamesferris6131]

Uttering is still a crime (I looked it up) , however uttering words of wisdom , Flow and Behold, you've gone full circle👌Master Alva thanks for those Choice words✌️🐾

[@einc70]

[cont...} That kinna gave me a kick start not only to do better but perfecting it to the best my ability.. Anyways one experiences life differently the least I can say... But Tony Alva, Hosoi, Laseck. Miller, Hawk were the big names in vert back in the days .. glad they still around...

[@awesomepetertv]

thats very true, without alva in the picture, skating probably wouldnt be as popular as it is today

[@Thecarlisgood]

Thank you tony alva for giving young guns like me an inspiration to just enjoy skateboarding thank you.

[@cosmohamada]

Hats off 2 Tony

[@vanspremuch]

i have skated for a while now, skateboarding makes my life so much better, when you fly around a bowl, your in your own bubble of complete bliss, the bad things which the world throws at you are so out of your mind, if everyone skated the world would be a better place, skateoarding for life!!

[@rotano]

every time he skates it's pure surf form - he has the perfect lines in the bowl

[@ashleysmart9771]

Alva so awesome dude love ya alva peace love unity respect 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@blutzski]

I'm 44. Today my son turned 4. I just bought us both skateboards because I'm not going to stand around while he has all the fun. Time to learn how to ride a pool!

[@kokyutengu]

so go sk8 man!!!i'm 39 now and i began skating again 3 years ago after an almost 15 year break....it feels great man!!!

[@Thrasherr182]

Its good to see that he's still got it! To bad Jay couldn't have turned out like Tony.

[@dimasarayan2327]

MUSIC,SKATEBOARDING,SURFING,DAREDEVIL STUNTS OR ANY FORM OF ART HAS A COMMON DENOMINATOR..ITS CALLED.. FREEDOM!!! HELL YEAH!!!

[@rctracey5390]

This was great to see, the Dogtown crew came to our local park when they ruled. I remember Tony was so intimidating we all were smacked right down like ants! Lol

[@auldsk8r]

53 and still going strong! Way to go, TA!

[@Gone2Scooter]

I used to skate, i still surf, but mostly scooter now, and his words were so true, so wise, and jest so inspiring, that it changed how i ride my scooter, and my board, and how i do most of the things i do now, i feel a little bit wiser jest watching this video, thank you Tony.

[@Mycatkins]

Really love this video.

[@makug]

great talk and video in general ;D

[@lucasamontenegro]

Man, he says some really wise words near the end of the video.

[@OriginalSpots]

mannnn alva won't let go of the past

[@Jdowse33]

This guy has been skateboarding for over 40 years after saying he wanted to be the oldest skateboarder of all time as a teen.

[@6891548]

Excelente video, aqui en Caracas teníamos a patiring y los peraltes en caracas que hacíamos en las calles pero lo disfrutabamos al máximo la era del skateboard y el surf magníficos años 80 !!!!

[@Tigerbabysob]

@no5productions Washed up? He is a legend, and if there was no Tony Alva chances are you might not be watching Bucky do anything in his backyard but cooking up some burgers on his BBQ.

[@sonrize7679]

Big respect OG Real talk

[@wafflesrock17FTW]

I LOVE TONY ALVA!!

[@Scotty-P]

In an article in BMX Action magazine in 1982 there was a line about "famed and futuristic skater Tony Alva"; and he seemed almost mythic, being at an event. Now, a thousand years later, the best is largely in the 'past'.

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

Let time be a friend, not an enemy. Have fun and keep learning.

[@d00nie]

so inspiring man, hyped for some shredding, ITS FUCKING RAINING!

[@tallcat576]

He’s done a fantastic job and growing up.

[@callumferrity2559]

That little chick is amazing!!

[@MrNattkreatur]

Great up, thanks.

[@Jonahstrials]

Thank You Alva. I grew up with you.

[@kevinm2832]

He looks like Drexl from True Romance now.

[@SanitiveRevolution]

What an obscure reference, LOL

[@kevinm2832]

Tell me I'm wrong!! lol

[@jasoncurry207]

It aint white boy day is it? Lol

[@TheSecondSkateteam]

he's out there all the time man

[@anthonyaumell2504]

Surprised Jay Adam's wasn't mentioned by Tony. He was a true pioneer at pushing the limits and inventing.

[@Jensomito]

It's never too late for changes. Keep your head up bro! :)

[@metalheadopium]

I met this man today, He came to our military base here in Pensacola, Fl. Rad dude. Hahaha. Honored to meet the legend.

[@BuddyGreenbloom]

I love that retro twin fin fish!

[@st0ckk242]

nice message from tony alva.

[@travisguide4516]

I saw him skating today!!!

[@joninsco6948]

Top Tier vert Skater. This Skater is the Top 10 vert rider l have seen . I enjoy watching this Guy. Power.

[@TheMattgeyer]

solid ending Tony!!

[@Fixe23]

My husbands still skating at 51...mellow bowl rides are the bomb!

[@musclethings1]

my first deck was an Alva for 80 bucks from Grimmick skate shop in Huntington Beach.. they had a half-pipe out in front and it was on Beach Blvd..

[@ValValTrout]

AWESOME!

[@LaCroixBasher]

So rad.

[@AARONBABIN99]

im 15 and I just skated my first bowl last weekend and it felt like something i want to to the rest of my life

[@danielpletcher3074]

This is a great advice coming from a legend from somebody who live life understands it's not all about money in the end you have to have fun or you are wasting your years

[@deadonred]

I love the 180 Alva has done!

[@flip0345]

That was awesome I’m ganna go skate now