The 900 and Its Significance
In August 1999, Tony Hawk became the first person to land the 900, a skateboard spin involving two and a half aerial rotations, at the X Games in San Francisco. The accomplishment is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in vert skateboarding, shifting perceptions of what was technically possible on a skateboard. It was not a judged contest run at the time, but a televised demonstration that fused athletic ambition with broadcast spectacle, influencing how action sports content was presented to mainstream audiences.
Date and Event Details
X Games 1999, August 1999
On August 1, 1999, during the X Games summer event in San Francisco, Hawk approached the ramp with the goal of landing a 900. Earlier attempts at various events had ended in crashes, yet he succeeded on this attempt, completing the rotation and stabilizing his landing. The trick was captured from multiple angles and broadcast widely, turning the maneuver into an iconic reference point in action sports history.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Trick | 900 (two and a half aerial rotations on a skateboard) | Competition footage |
| Date | August 1, 1999 | Event records and broadcast archives |
| Location | X Games 1999, San Francisco, California, USA | Event coverage |
| Outcome | First successful 900; Hawk rode away | On-site judges and broadcast |
Context Within Vert Skateboarding
The 900 emerged from the era’s transition toward larger ramps, higher airs, and more complex rotations. Before Hawk’s success, skaters had attempted 720s and 840s at competitions, but the 900 represented a substantial increase in rotation and risk. Vert ramps’ steep walls and tight transitions demanded precise speed, pop, and body positioning. Hawk’s background in backyard pools and controlled vert environments contributed to his ability to commit to the trick under competition conditions, setting a standard for future vert innovation.
Impact on Culture and Competition
After the landing, the 900 became a benchmark for ambitious vert projects, influencing both training approaches and contest scoring structures. Skateboard brands invested in ramp construction and athlete development, while media coverage emphasized the blend of courage and technical refinement required for such tricks. Over time, the 900 transitioned from a singular achievement into a symbolic milestone, representing the possibilities of skateboard aerials in an evolving competitive landscape.
Common Misconceptions
- It was a judged competition run: In reality, Hawk rode primarily for the demonstration, though the X Games environment provided the platform.
- No one has repeated it: Several vert skaters have since landed the 900 in contests and videos, showing that the trick is repeatable.
- Hawk never rode vert afterward: He has remained active in vert events and exhibitions, continuing to reference the 900 as a career highlight.
Verifiable References
Various archival materials confirm the date, location, and nature of the trick. Event programs from X Games 1999, broadcast timestamps, and retrospective interviews with Hawk and contest organizers align on the core facts. No exact ‘official score’ or numeric value was assigned at the time, because the run was not part of the judged competition format, but its cultural resonance is well documented across skate and mainstream media.