Tony Hawk is undisputedly the best skateboarder of all time. He has pioneered skills, which seemed pretty impossible. The legend has set some high benchmarks for the upcoming generations. The 54-year-old is a huge surfing fan and has tried his hands at balancing the board on the waves. However, Tony maintains a safe distance when it comes to surfing with Laird Hamilton.

Tony Hawk appeared in the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020 and talked about the insane training regime of the big wave surfer.

Tony Hawk’s fear of Laird Hamilton’s intense training

Joe Rogan was listening to Tony Hawk describing his surfing experience with the legend of big waves, Laird Hamilton. Joe asked if Tony has ever tried the intense water workouts with Laird Hamilton. Tony instantly shouted that trying those intense techniques would have been a bad idea for Tony. “No way I would never survive that,” he shirked.  

Tony Hawk admitted that he loves surfing but always refrains from trying advanced techniques. Tony also added that he is scared of training with Laird Hamilton, as he trains only in extreme conditions. “There are only two speeds,” Tony said. For a man of Hamilton’s stature, balancing with pace seems pretty simple, but it can be a nightmare for the amateurs. 

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Tony acknowledged the skills that Hamilton possesses but further confessed that he would always choose to maintain a safe distance from training with him. “I respect him. I admire him but I don’t want him to train me,” he added.

The legacy of Tony Hawk and Laird Hamilton

Laird Hamilton and Tony are one of the most influential athletes. Both have revolutionized their respective sports. Laird Hamilton was the trailblazer in hydro foiling techniques. This technique made it possible to surf the big waves smoothly. 

Tony is the pioneer of the 900 aerial spin techniques in skateboarding. He has a well-established video game to his name. Tony Hawk Pro Skater series made skating popular in different parts of the world. 

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They have set huge benchmarks for the upcoming generations to follow. However, it would be interesting to see the big wave conqueror with a skateboard now.