The Early Life of Tony Hawk andIcon How He Became a Professional Skateboarder                                  Tony Hawk *Getty images* Tony Hawk is a professional skateboarder and one of the most influential figures in the history of skateboarding. He was born on May 12, 1968, in Carlsbad, California. Hawk's passion for skateboarding started at the age of nine when his brother gave him a used skateboard as a birthday present. Hawk quickly developed a love for skateboarding and began honing his skills at local skate parks. He soon caught the attention of professional skateboarders, who were impressed by his talent and dedication. At the age of fourteen, Hawk was sponsored by Dogtown Skateboards, which allowed him to compete in professional skateboarding competitions. In 1983, Hawk won his first major competition, the Del Mar National Championships. He continued to compete and win competitions thr...