Tony Hawk Vans
[Photo courtesy of Michael Burnett]

Here’s how Vans and Tony Hawk are supporting local skate shops

If there are two names most-connected with skateboarding culture, it’s Tony Hawk and Vans and the pair are linking up in 2020 for a historic collaboration in the sport.

The legendary skater and skate brand are partnering up for Hawk to lead their brand initiatives to help inspire creativity through skateboarding.

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Tony Hawk will be acting as an official global brand ambassador including his continued involvement as a color commentator in the Vans Park Series. He’ll also be making a new pro Vert skateboarding competition.

“Vans has supported skateboarding since the very beginning, and never wavered in its commitment, even with massive mainstream success,” says Tony Hawk in a statement. “I have always respected their integrity, so it is an honor to officially join forces and help continue to grow skateboarding culture in the most authentic way possible.”

Touching on Tony Hawk’s importance to Vans and skating as a whole, global director of action sports for Vans Bobby Gascon says they’re honoured at Vans to be working together.

“Tony Hawk’s name is synonymous with skateboarding for fans around the world,” says Gascon. “He is a pioneer and has inspired millions to pick up a board with his incredible talent. We are honored that he’ll be supporting Vans’ mission to promote and grow skateboarding globally.”

Speaking on his personal history with Vans, Hawk says he has history with the brand dating back to the ’70s.

“Vans were the first skate shoes I ever wore, beginning in 1978,” Hawk shares. “My dad bought me a pair and I begged him for the ‘ankle guard’ accessory because high-tops weren’t available yet. I wore Vans almost exclusively until the mid ‘80s.”

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While skateboarding isn’t as easy to go out and do while many places are limiting access to recreational areas over the coronavirus, they’re planning to continue highlighting how the sport helps people.

They’ll be leading the way with social livestream campaigns, philanthropic give-back programs, creative product collaborations and more.

To kick things off, Vans is launching an initiative supporting independent businesses across the globe facing economic woes. “Foot The Bill” is helping skate shops continue being the central hub for skate communities with custom-designed Vans footwear. Net proceeds from all of those shoes will go directly to the business selling them.

“These days are extremely difficult for so many, which is why we are hoping to provide some fun and creativity for the global community to enjoy,” says Hawk. “In unprecedented times like these, we need to stay positive, support each other and keep creating.”

You can learn more about Tony Hawk and the Vans Skateboarding program here.

What do you think of the new partnership between Vans and Tony Hawk? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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