The 30 Most Influential Skaters Of All Time

By Blair Alley
Tue, Dec 20 2011 1:18 am | Comments

1. GONZ

Frontside boneless, Meanwhile 2, London, 2011. Photo: SKIN

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Fernando Gonzalez Piris:

May 5th, 2012 at 11:08 am

hosoi doesnt have such an influence. reynolds or way should be in this place instead

Nicolas Chapelle:

May 7th, 2012 at 8:26 pm

caroll must be top 5.

Bordereaux Stéphane:

May 11th, 2012 at 9:26 am

And what about Frankie Hill ?

Richard Gebworth-brutzinger:

May 13th, 2012 at 2:21 am

I know opinions stink, noone likes a moaner etc, but the No. 1 is about as wrong as a KKK themed wedding. Mullen is the most influential by about 200 light years, every trick we do on streets was one of his. And I'm not even a fan of his.

Craig Johnson:

May 19th, 2012 at 6:06 am

I'm sorry but Tony Hawk should be 1st Mullen should be 2nd and where is Kareem Campbell and Elissa Steamer top 10 for sure.

Max Pj Watson:

May 28th, 2012 at 4:06 am

qman?

Bobby Pangilinan:

May 28th, 2012 at 6:58 am

Gonz is an artist..mullen's a technician, hawk was a master marketer...gonz is a skater's skater.

Alexander Bishop King:

June 1st, 2012 at 2:55 am

Any "most influential Skaters" list that doesn't include Jay Adams is a joke. Oh and the order in which you list these guys is all wrong. Granted, they all deserve some due respect but really?

Geoff Zoref:

June 2nd, 2012 at 2:36 am

I was under the impression that Natas Kaupus was the most influential street skater, developing street tricks and street skating even before The Gonz. Guess not.

Davlan Romage:

June 10th, 2012 at 7:56 pm

jamie thomas should be there koston shouldn't have as high as a number he does.

Andrei Ivanov:

June 24th, 2012 at 8:05 am

Rodney Mullen should be first. He is definitely the most influential skater of all time.

Patrick Quinn:

July 12th, 2012 at 11:22 pm

Good list, but how did Mike McGill get left out of this group? The first big (Mc)twist was invented (or pulled off) by him. Plus, he is a super nice guy, a true professional, and has a great positive attitude. He still gives back to the community and gets tons of kids involved with skateboarding. He was also adored on the Powell team. McGill is skateboarding. A number of tricks we have today started with his pioneering talent. Good list, but in my personal opinion, McGill should be in the top ten most important skaters of all time (even great skateboarding deck graphics). Although it makes me feel a little old, I'm really happy Transworld is 30 years old. To another 30 more great years!

Sam Hood:

July 14th, 2012 at 4:53 pm

Stacey Peralta. You forgot him. Steve Rocco is a thing to be ollied over. He was as influential as Gonz and Natas. I'd have to agree that Jay Adams needs to be here. Jason Lee should be here too. Maybe Russ Howell. Maybe even Alan Gelfand. The top three are all contenders, depending on what kind of influence you're talking about. Mullen invented what we do. Hawk was responsible for more skaters buying a board than anyone else. Gonz was who we all emulated.

Angel Ortiz:

August 16th, 2012 at 6:36 pm

where's chris cole.

Harry Bergenfield:

September 4th, 2012 at 10:47 pm

RICKY OYOLA IS STREET SKATING. AND WHERE's FRED GALL? FUCK THIS LIST.

Andy Jones:

September 7th, 2012 at 11:57 pm

Its pointless arguing about this sort of thing its all subjective.

Diovani Duarte:

September 11th, 2012 at 9:18 pm

Bob Burnquist?

Dave Gerry:

September 20th, 2012 at 12:40 am

uh guys you forgot JAY ADAMS. jay freaking adams!

Matías Mo:

September 22nd, 2012 at 7:05 pm

what about mike mo? haha Mariano is the best.

Carlito Bragonti:

October 10th, 2012 at 2:52 am

Henry Sanchez, Jovontae Turner, Kareem Campbell, Brandon Turner, Jason Lee, and Peter Smolik- I cant believe Jason Dill is on this list- Wow! Where the fuck is SEAN SHEFFEY AND SAL BARBIER FRANKIE HILL.

Tiago S. Lima:

November 2nd, 2012 at 3:42 am

Not please everyone, but PRod? bullshit...Chris Cole deserved his place!

Fabiano Guizellini Modos:

November 3rd, 2012 at 12:56 am

jay adams? whoever did that list forgot one of the most amazing skateboarder ever... that is bad.

Luís Castro:

November 5th, 2012 at 9:50 pm

what the hell? Mark Gonzalez number 1? why didn't you put Chris Cole on that list? or Jason Lee? for crying out loud...

Jus Devon Moore:

November 6th, 2012 at 11:12 am

The list is most influencial, which doesn't mean the same as best. I'm sure the list for the 50 year will be alot different, plus they can only pick 30 dudes!

Pat Schutte:

November 29th, 2012 at 2:35 pm

In terms of "influential" I'd clip a few of those marginal street skaters in favor of Gunnar Haugo, Jeff Tatum & Elguera. TW blew through an entire era with like one rep (Alva). JayBoy should be 3rd behind Gonz & Mullen. Probably should have Salman on the list as well. McGill and Gelfand for sure. Good story, fun to debate.

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