Skateboarders often start with dreams of landing tricks, not making millions. Yet, some have turned their board skills into serious cash.
Many fans wonder how these athletes went from street skating to big bank accounts.
This blog post will show you how top skaters built their wealth. You’ll learn about the clever moves they made off their boards to grow their fortunes.
We’ll examine how they used their fame, started businesses, and made smart investments.
Get ready to examine the stories of five skateboarders who’ve reached the top of the money list. From video games to TV shows, you’ll see how they’ve expanded beyond just skating.
Their stories might surprise you and maybe even inspire your path to success.
Skateboarders Who Turned Tricks Into Big Fortunes
1. Tony Hawk
Net worth: $140 million
Tony Hawk is the top money-maker in skateboarding. He’s famous for winning contests and creating the wildly successful “Tony Hawk Pro Skater” video games.
These games brought in tons of cash. Tony didn’t stop there. He jumped into business, starting his own skateboard and clothing lines. His smart choices off the board have made him very rich.
Fun fact: Tony bought his family a house when he was still in high school, using his skateboarding earnings!
2. Rob Dyrdek
Net worth: $100 million
Rob Dyrdek went from skateboarding to TV fame. He became big with shows like “Rob & Big” and “Fantasy Factory.” His business brain led him to start many companies.
He created his skateboard brand and established Street League Skateboarding. His TV work and sponsor deals added a lot of money to his account.
Fun fact: Rob made $140,000 per episode for his show “Ridiculousness”!
3. Rodney Mullen
Net worth: $30 million
Rodney Mullen is a skateboarding legend who invented many tricks, including moves like the kickflip and heelflip. He didn’t just skate—he also started businesses.
He helped create Almost Skateboards and World Industries. When World Industries sold for $29 million, it filled Rodney’s wallet. His mix of skating skill and business smarts made him very wealthy.
Fun fact: Rodney’s “magic flip” in 1983 is still considered one of the coolest tricks in skating history!
4. Bam Margera
Net worth: $20 million
Bam Margera shot to fame through MTV’s “Jackass” and his shows like “Viva la Bam.” His wild antics and daring stunts caught the public’s eye, leading to big sponsorships and lucrative TV deals.
Bam’s unique blend of skateboarding skills and outrageous personality made him stand out in the skating world and the entertainment industry.
Fun fact: Bam once revealed he made $1 million from just one CKY video, selling an impressive 40,000 boards per month!
5. Steve Rocco
Net worth: $20 million
Steve Rocco’s impact on skateboarding goes beyond the board. He co-founded influential brands like Blind, Plan B, and World Industries, showing a knack for spotting trends and talent.
Steve’s business smarts turned these small startups into skateboarding giants. His ability to grow companies and keen eye for skaters’ wants to be helped him build his fortune.
Fun fact: Steve’s company, World Industries, grew so big it became the first skateboard company to be publicly traded on the NASDAQ!
6. Nyjah Huston
Net worth: $12 million
Nyjah Huston stands out as one of the highest-paid skateboarders of his generation. His consistent competition dominance has made him a force reckoned with in the sport.
Nyjah’s incredible skill set and dedication have attracted sponsorships from major brands like Nike and Monster Energy.
Fun fact: Nyjah’s talent showed early—he won his first X Games gold medal at the age of 16!
7. Bob Burnquist
Net worth: $8 million
Bob Burnquist has made a name for himself as an innovator in skateboarding. He’s famous for being the first to land a 900-degree reverse spin, a feat that showcases his exceptional skill.
Bob’s willingness to push boundaries, especially in mega ramp skateboarding, has kept him at the forefront of the sport for years.
Fun fact: Bob’s commitment to skating is clear from the huge skate ramp in his backyard, which he calls “Dreamland” – it even features a full loop!
8. Jamie Thomas
Net worth: $50 million
Jamie Thomas is both a skateboarder and a successful business owner. He started the popular Zero Skateboards brand. His bold stunts, like the “Leap of Faith,” have made him a big name in skateboarding history.
Jamie’s mix of skating skills and business sense has helped him build up his wealth.
Fun fact: Jamie’s “Leap of Faith” involved jumping from a four-story building, which he attempted but didn’t land—it’s still talked about today!
9. Paul Rodriguez Jr.
Net worth: $6 million
Paul Rodriguez Jr., often called P-Rod, has won many skateboarding contests. He has big deals with companies, including Nike, where he has his own skate shoe line.
Paul has also tried acting, which has added to his money. His wide range of activities has helped him become wealthy.
Fun fact: Paul was the first skateboarder to have a signature shoe with Nike SB!
10. Ryan Sheckler
Net worth: $6 million
As a young teen, Ryan Sheckler became a skateboarding star, winning medals in various contests. His MTV show “Life of Ryan” made him famous beyond skateboarding.
Ryan also has deals with big brands that add to his wealth. His early start in both skating and TV has helped him build up his money.
Fun fact: Ryan turned pro at 13, making him one of the youngest pro skateboarders ever!
11. Andrew Reynolds
Net worth: $10 million
Andrew Reynolds started Baker Skateboards and is well-liked in the skating world for his new ideas in street skating. His long career and smart business choices, like his Baker brand, have made him among the richest in the sport.
Andrew’s skill on the board and off has helped him build his wealth.
Fun fact: Andrew is known as “The Boss” in skateboarding due to his influence and success with Baker Skateboards.
12. Stacy Peralta
Net worth: $10 million
Stacy Peralta was one of the first Z-Boys and became a skating star in the 1970s. Later, he moved into making films, creating well-known documentaries like “Dogtown and Z-Boys.”
His work as a skater and filmmaker helped him make a lot of money. Stacy’s ability to switch careers has been key to his success.
Fun fact: Stacy co-founded Powell-Peralta, one of the most influential skateboard companies of the 1980s.
13. Mike Vallely
Net worth: $10 million
Mike Vallely is not just a pro skateboarder but also a musician, actor, and stuntman. He’s known for his bold street skating style and has had many sponsor deals.
His work in both entertainment and sports has added to his wealth. Mike’s many talents have helped him become rich.
Fun fact: Mike once skated across New Jersey to raise money for a skatepark.
14. Chad Muska
Net worth: $16 million
Chad Muska has had a big impact on street skating and skateboard culture. He’s had deals with top brands and helped start the skate shoe company Supra Footwear.
Chad also makes art, which has added to his income. His wide range of activities in skating and beyond have helped him build his wealth.
Fun fact: Chad’s signature skate shoe in the late 90s, the éS Muska, was one of the best-selling skate shoes ever.
15. Eric Koston
Net worth: $15 million
Eric Koston is a pro skateboarder who’s been around for a long time and has shaped modern skateboarding. He started Fourstar Clothing and The Berrics skatepark.
Eric’s deals with brands like Nike SB have made him rich. His skills on the board and in business have led to his success.
Fun fact: Eric’s video game character in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater was one of the most popular among players due to his balanced stats.
Summing Up!
Skateboarding has come a long way from its humble beginnings. These 15 skaters show you can turn your passion into a fortune with skill, creativity, and business smarts.
They’ve built their wealth through various means – from winning contests and landing sponsorships to starting their own companies and branching out into entertainment.
What’s next for aspiring skaters looking to follow in their footsteps? The key seems to be thinking beyond just tricks and competitions.
Consider using your skating skills to build a brand, start a business, or explore other industries. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes hard work, dedication, and often a bit of luck.
But as these skaters have shown, you can ride your way to riches with persistence and innovation.
