Skateboarder mid-grind on an orange rail with one arm raised, set against a bright background.

The slap of the wheels against the pavement. The rush of wind in your hair as you race across the ground. The heart-stopping moment when you catch air and defy gravity, even if just for a moment.

Anyone who’s ever tried skateboarding knows it’s a sport like no other.

And the tricks some skaters have managed to pull off? Well, they’re nothing short of legendary.

From Tony Hawk’s 900 to Jeremy Wray’s 16-foot tower gap, we’ve rounded up the most jaw-dropping skateboarding tricks ever landed. In addition to these mind-blowing stunts, we also explore the history of skateboarding and skate culture and just how far this sport has come.

The 5 Most Epic Skateboarding Tricks of All Time

One thing’s for sure: there’s no shortage of electrifying skateboarding stunts throughout the history of the sport. Below, we break down our top five (and why they’ll forever leave us in awe).

1. Tony Hawk’s 900

Without question, Tony Hawk’s 900 is one of the most iconic moments in skateboarding history.

Landed in 1999 at the X Games, this trick involved not one, not two, but two and a half rotations (for a total of 900 degrees) while airborne.

What made the trick so historic wasn’t just the difficulty and physicality of it. It was Hawk’s persistence in pulling it off. He had 10 failed attempts before landing it; each time he fell, he got right back up.

That’s why the 900 isn’t just seen as an epic trick. It’s a symbol of resilience, pushing boundaries, and redefining what’s possible in the world of skateboarding.

Split image of Tony Hawk performing a 900-degree spin, captured from two angles, in full protective gear on a vert ramp.

2. Mike McGill’s McTwist

Also known as a 540, the McTwist is a trick that involves a front flip and a 540-degree rotation.

It was first performed in 1984 by Mike McGill, who the trick is named after. That said, other skaters — including none other than Tony Hawk — have since attempted and even put their own spin on it. In Hawk’s version of the McTwist, he performs a kickflip followed by the 540-degree rotation.

Put simply, this trick was a game-changer. When McGill landed it, it paved the way for more advanced aerial stunts in the world of skateboarding. Today, it’s still seen as a benchmark for skateboarders around the world.

A skateboarder in mid-air, ollieing between two large water towers, with a desert landscape in the background.

3. Jeremy Wray’s Water Tower Ollie

Nothing drops our jaws quite like an ollie performed across a gap between two water towers.

Yes, you read that right.

Two water towers standing roughly 40 feet high. A 16-foot gap between them. A man and his board flying across the gap from one tower to another. That’s the exact trick Jeremy Ray landed in 1997 — and over 25 years on, it’s still one of the most daring feats ever achieved in skateboarding.

See, the stakes of this stunt were as high as the towers themselves. One wrong move and the consequences would have been dire.

But Wray pushed on, displaying not only physical skill but an unparalleled mental toughness. This bold, fearless attitude helped to shape skateboarding into the limit-defying sport we know and love today.

4. Danny Way’s Great Wall of China Jump

When it comes to epic backdrops for skateboarding stunts, it doesn’t get more iconic than one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

In 2005, Danny Way accomplished exactly that. Using a custom-built mega ramp, Way became the first person to successfully jump over the 61-foot-wide section of the Great Wall of China on a skateboard, soaring nearly 80 feet in the air. To make it even more mind-blowing, he completed the jump multiple times, even after injuring his ankle on one of the attempts.

This trick wasn’t mind-blowing solely because of the distance. It was because of the boundaries it broke. The Great Wall of China is a symbol of human achievement. And for Way to conquer it on a skateboard? It was a testament to his fearlessness and skill, cementing his reputation as a pioneer of “big air” skateboarding.

Image of Bob Burnquist at the top of a ramp set against the vast Grand Canyon landscape.

5. Bob Burnquist’s Grand Canyon Jump

Speaking of doing jumps over iconic landmarks, we couldn’t do a round-up of incredible skateboarding tricks without mentioning Bob Burnquist. More specifically, his jump over the Grand Canyon.

With the help of a custom-built ramp suspended over the edge of the canyon, Burnquist launched himself down the ramp and into the void. After flying through the air and performing a trick, he released his parachute mid-fall to land safely inside the canyon.

Skateboarding skill? Check. Unbridled bravery? Check. History made? Check.

Burnquist’s skateboard-jump-turned-BASE-jump proved that there are no limits to how far a skater can push their craft.

From the Streets to the Olympics: The Evolution of Skateboarding

Born out of surf-inspired moves on concrete, skateboarding was initially a rebellious sport when it first appeared in the 1960s. But it wasn’t long until it exploded, gaining mainstream recognition and appreciation.

By the ‘80s and ‘90s, skate culture was everywhere — magazines, video games, and fashion. What began on the streets evolved into a global phenomenon, celebrated for its artistry and individuality. Street skating became the core of the culture, with stair sets, rails, and urban environments turning into playgrounds for skaters worldwide.

“Street skateboarding is…the things out in the wild,” says Dashawn Jordan, professional skateboarder and musician. “It could be anywhere from a school, a business, a curb, a stair set…[these are things that] we call obstacles in the street.”

In 2021, skateboarding reached a new height: the Olympics. Its inclusion on the world’s biggest sporting stage was a nod to its legitimacy, transforming it from a rebellious pastime into a celebrated athletic discipline.

A skateboarder performing a trick in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, mid-air with blurred stadium seating in the background.

More Mind-Blowing Moments Ahead: The Future of Skateboarding

From jaw-dropping ollies to death-defying jumps over some of the biggest landmarks in the world, we’ve seen some incredible skateboarding tricks. But the best part? The future is looking even brighter. With fresh talent emerging and the pros constantly pushing the envelope, more mind-blowing skateboarding moments are right around the corner.

Don’t believe us? Take it from the experts. In the latest episode of The Team Ignition Show podcast, host and professional skateboarder Leticia Bufoni chats with fellow pro Dashawn Jordan. Together, they talk about all things skating, Dashawn’s amazing career, and the delicate balance between pressure and performance.