The Skaters In Tony Hawk's Pro Skater

O.K. all you skate fans, here's the full scoop from the interview Dan Elektro conducted for the print version of GamePro (which had to be edited for length). Steve Cabellero, Bob Burnquist, and Tony Hawk himself sound off on a number of issues.

O.K. all you skate fans, here's the full scoop from the interview Dan Elektro conducted for the print version of GamePro (which had to be edited for length). Steve Cabellero, Bob Burnquist, and Tony Hawk himself sound off on a number of issues. These seasoned veterans give their opinions on the best way to get started in skating for real. What are the best first tricks to learn? What equipment should you buy? What kind of an attitude should you have? Read on, and find out!

Dan Elektro: How much should a new skater expect to spend on quality starter gear, maybe not pro-grade stuff, but at least gear they won't have to replace as soon as they figure out what they're doing? What are the essential elements they should buy?

Tony Hawk: Expect to spend at least $100 on a complete set-up (board, trucks and wheels). I would also recommend knee pads, elbow pads and a helmet.

Bob Burnquist: I would go straight to the good stuff, it will last you a lot longer and you won't be supporting the supermarket brand skateboard that really doesn't do anything for skateboarding. If you can spend a little more, go to a skate shop and ask for help there. A true skateboarder should be attending you for you to get the best out of your first skateboard buy. Skateborders are a big family and if you start out right all skateboarders will benefit.

Steve Cabellero: Pro-grade stuff will last longer than the cheap discount stuff but if money is a problem, then first start out with a discount skateboard which can run about $30-50 at a toy store or a more quality skateboard which ranges from $75- 150 at a real skateboard shop for a complete set up. You can find cheap quality helmets and pads at toy stores as well. I bought elbow and knee pads for my daughter and they cost me $4.99 but as she gets older, I will buy her the more quality up-graded safety gear you would find at a real skateboard shop which run about $50 for pads.

To start out, all you need is a skateboard to cruise around your neighborhood. As you progress and want to learn more tricks on a more difficult level and maybe want to check out your local skate park, then full pads are required: helmet, knee, elbow and sometimes wrist guards. Back in the late 70's, I wore wrist guards to prevent any wrist injuries falling down on that hard cement, I'm glad I did.

Dan Elektro: What safety precautions should new skaters take?

Tony Hawk: Know your limits. Don't try something unless you are confident. Learn the basics first.

Bob Burnquist: Well, I would say to just be aware of what your doing, the risks are there for everyone. Experienced or not ,we are all bound to fall at some point. I would definitely advise a helmet especially if your skating transitions and if going for downhill runs.

Steve Cabellero: It really depends on how far you want to go with your skating and your progression level. I think that helmets are a must, but it's different now from when I first started because street skating wasn't that popular back then like it is now, so I grew up skating with full gear at the skate park. Skating in full gear on the streets, even though it might be a lot safer, is very restricting and uncomfortable at times. I believe that helmets are the most important thing a young skater should wear.

Dan Elektro: Where can new skaters turn for advice on learning how to ride and learn new tricks? Are there books, websites, and discussion groups online?

Tony Hawk: We have basic trick tips on our birdhouse website - www.b-house.com You can also find a gallery of information at skateboarding.com or expn.com.

Bob Burnquist: I would go outside, go to the local skateshop and skatepark?build yourself a quarter pipe, flat bar etc...Or order one on the web...if you want, you can have a lot of fun!

Steve Cabellero: There are many trick tips from professional skaters in all skate magazines like Transworld, Thrasher, Slap, and Big Brother. Online you can find many skate sites with trick tips as well, just takes time in researching it. Plus there are many instructional videos that have been released on beginner trick tips. We (the Brigade skateboards) are working on a video right now for kids as we speak on some of the team's favorite tricks on a special trick tip video.

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