Tony Hawk rode a vert ramp in San Diego and first landed the 900 during public skate sessions in 1999, pushing the limits of vertical skateboarding.
The trick became a cultural moment when he officially completed it in competition on June 27, 1999, at the X Games in San Francisco.
| Event | Date | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| First public attempts | 1999 | San Diego vert ramp sessions | Testing the rotation and commitment on mega ramps |
| X Games 1999 | June 27, 1999 | San Francisco, California | First official competition completion, defining the milestone |
| Video documentation | June 1999 | X Games broadcast and home video | Provided slow-motion proof and widespread visibility |
| Legacy impact | 1999 onward | Global skateboarding culture | Elevated vert skateboarding goals and inspired a generation |
Breaking Down the 900 in Vert Skateboarding
The 900 is a skateboard rotation trick where the rider spins two full turns, or 540 degrees, on a vertical ramp while still landing on the board.
Tony Hawk experimented with this degree of rotation in the mid 1990s, long before securing the definitive moment in 1999.
The Role of X Games in Validating the Trick
The X Games provided a high-profile stage where judges, cameras, and fans could verify that Hawk had landed the 900 under official rules.
His run on June 27, 1999, is often highlighted as the moment the 900 went from rumor to verified achievement in competitive skateboarding history.
Training and Innovation Behind the 900
Years of vert ramp practice, detailed video analysis, and custom board setups helped Tony Hawk build the confidence to attempt the 900.
He combined advanced ollie techniques with precise timing on the coping to generate enough height and rotation for the trick.
Cultural Impact and Media Coverage
Footage of the 1999 X Games run spread quickly through videos, magazines, and early online platforms, making the 900 a symbol of perseverance.
Sponsors, skate parks, and media outlets pointed to this moment when discussing the evolution of vertical skateboarding.
Long-Term Influence on Skateboarding
The 900 completion reshaped what was considered possible in vert skateboarding and influenced how riders approach innovation and risk.
Documentaries, retrospective interviews, and re-released footage continue to highlight that day as a turning point for the sport.
- June 27, 1999, marks the first official competition 900 landing by Tony Hawk at the X Games
- Prior public attempts in 1999 at San Diego ramps built the foundation and timing for the competition moment
- Video evidence and slow-motion review confirmed the rotation and technique used in the trick
- Cultural impact extended beyond skating, inspiring broader conversations about pushing limits in action sports
FAQ
Reader questions
When did Tony Hawk first attempt the 900 in a public setting?
Tony Hawk first attempted the 900 in public during 1999 vert ramp sessions in San Diego, where he tested the rotation and commitment long before a competition.
What made the June 27, 1999 X Games run historically significant?
On June 27, 1999, at the X Games in San Francisco, Tony Hawk became the first rider to officially complete the 900 in competition, validating the trick under judged conditions.
How was the 900 verified and documented after the X Games run?
Multiple camera angles, slow-motion review, and broadcast footage provided clear evidence that Hawk had landed the full two rotations, which was then widely shared via videos and media.
What training groundwork enabled Tony Hawk to land the 900 at that moment?
Years of vert ramp practice, detailed video analysis, and tailored equipment gave him the confidence and technique to successfully attempt and complete the 900 in 1999.