In a jaw-dropping sale that has skateboard fans buzzing, the very board Tony Hawk used to nail the world’s first 900 trick back in 1999 just fetched a whopping $1.15 million at auction. This isn’t just any old deck—it’s the Birdhouse “Falcon 2” that Hawk gripped during his epic moment at the San Francisco X Games. The anonymous buyer snapped it up through Julien’s Auctions, setting a new high-water mark for skateboard collectibles. For Hawk, now 57, it’s a sweet nod to his legacy, but he hopes it lands with someone who gets the magic behind it. As skate culture explodes from streets to Olympics, this sale spotlights how one piece of wood changed a sport forever.
Let’s rewind to that sunny day in 1999. The X Games were in full swing, and Hawk, already a skating god at 31, was chasing history. The 900? It’s a beast of a move: Two full spins and a half more—900 degrees total—while soaring nine feet above the ramp. Most riders won’t even try it; the risk of face-planting is sky-high. Hawk had bombed it over and over that day, frustration building as the crowd chanted his name. Then, on his 11th go, he launched, twisted like a human helicopter, and stuck the landing clean. The arena erupted. Announcers lost their minds on the live feed: “He’s done it! The 900!” It wasn’t just a trick; it was a milestone that shoved skateboarding into the spotlight, turning Hawk from niche hero to global icon.
Hawk’s path to that moment was pure grit. By age 25, he’d racked up 73 championships and ruled vert skating—racing up and down massive halfpipes—for 12 straight years in the ’80s and ’90s. Vert was his kingdom, where speed and air ruled. But the 900 cemented his spot in pop culture. Think about it: Before Hawk, skateboarding was underground, tied to punk vibes and empty pools. He flipped the script with video games, movies, and that unbeatable “Boom!” catchphrase. Post-1999, he snagged 10 X Games golds and built an empire. Today, his name means innovation, and this auction proves fans will pay top dollar for a slice of that story.
The auction wasn’t just about the board. Julien’s Auctions turned it into a full Hawk love-fest, with tons of memorabilia flying off the (virtual) shelves. We’re talking everything from signed gear to quirky relics. Here’s a quick rundown of the hottest items:
- The Star Board: That Birdhouse Falcon 2, scarred from the historic run, led the pack at $1.15 million. It’s the priciest skateboard ever sold—beating out decks from legends like Danny Way.
- Knee Pads of Glory: The scraped-up pads Hawk wore during the 900 attempt? They banged for over $57,000. Battle-tested and bloody, they’re a raw reminder of the falls before the win.
- Cereal Box Autograph: In a fun twist, a signed Frosted Flakes box—tied to Hawk’s Tony the Tiger vibes—went for $512. It’s the kind of oddball item that shows his reach into everyday life.
- Other Gems: Expect high bids on his signed helmets, tees, and even old contest jerseys. The whole lot screamed “Hawk mania.”
Every bid felt like a high-five to skate history. And get this: Part of the cash flows to The Skatepark Project, Hawk’s nonprofit. Since 2002, it’s built over 600 parks worldwide, giving kids free spots to shred. In a world where safe play areas are gold, this means the sale keeps Hawk’s giving spirit rolling. Imagine: A kid in a rough neighborhood landing their first ollie on a ramp funded by the 900 board. That’s full-circle magic.
Hawk chatted with The Associated Press this week, keeping it real. “I hope the buyer truly appreciates it,” he said. “That event meant something to them—not just a flex because they have the money.” Wise words from a guy who’s seen it all. At the X Games back then, the crowd’s roar wasn’t about cash; it was raw joy. Hawk’s not chasing dollars—he’s about the soul of skating. This sale? It’s proof his impact endures. Collectors aren’t just buying wood and grip tape; they’re grabbing a piece of rebellion, creativity, and that “anything’s possible” rush.
Skateboarding’s glow-up since 1999 is wild. From X Games daredevils to Tokyo Olympics gold, it’s gone mainstream. Hawk’s video game series sold 35 million copies, teaching a generation to grind rails. Stars like Nyjah Huston and Sunny Suljic owe him a nod. But challenges linger: Urban skaters fight for public spaces, and injuries sideline pros. Still, the 900 lives on—riders hit it daily, but Hawk’s was the spark.
This auction hits at a fun time. Skate shops buzz with new decks, and social media floods with clip montages. The $1.15 million tag? It values not just the board, but the blood, sweat, and cheers behind it. For fans, it’s a thrill; for Hawk, validation. As he told AP, it’s about legacy over loot.
What’s next for Hawk? More builds with his foundation, maybe a memoir update, or coaching the next big thing. One thing’s sure: That Falcon 2 will hang in some collector’s vault, whispering tales of twists and triumphs. In a fast world, it’s a reminder to chase your 900—whatever that means for you. Skate on, legends.
