Trick names. Where do they come from? Why are they called what they’re called? What else have they been called? I don’t know about you, but these questions flood my brain often. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Okay, so with that said, Tony Hawk is a skateboarding encyclopedia. We all know it. And he’s personally named and invented countless tricks over the years. His latest nugget of wisdom? The origin story of the 360 Varial. Take a look:
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Before trick names were standardized (call it whatever you want), things were a bit looser—and a lot more personal. Inside jokes, first-thing-that-comes-to-mind, quirky little references—whatever. Sort of like how the 360 Varial was called a “Champion Air” as a joke, Tony explains, all thanks to a group of vert skaters who were basically poking fun at the ease of the trick.
Is it really that easy, though?
Related: Tony Hawk Proves His Progress Never Stops by Learning a New Trick to Start the Year
Personally, I love videos like this. Skate history rules! But the fact that we’re getting it straight from The Birdman makes the information that much more valuable, right? Right. Give us all the stories, Tony. Our ears are wide open.
And even if you don’t skate vert, like myself, I think that just makes the whole thing better. I’m definitely one of those people who’d be watching in the crowd thinking, that trick looks insane! So I think it’s pretty funny that Tony just considers it a “demo trick” for those of us who just don’t know any better.
Related: Tony Hawk Recognized by TIME for His Impact Beyond Skateboarding
Like many tricks, Tony has taken this one and helped it evolve over the years. The gears in his brain always seem to be grinding. I can’t help but wonder if this whole story will water down my perception of the trick moving forward? Nah, absolutely not. Dropping in on a vert ramp blows my mind. I’ll leave the laughs for the real vert dogs.
