900 (skateboarding)

The 900 is a 2.5-revolution (900 degrees) aerial spin performed on a skateboard ramp. It is considered one of skateboarding's most technically demanding tricks.

A number of opinions exist about pre-1999 900s. The most prominent of these is the argument that Danny Way landed the 900 in 1989, and it appears in an early Santa Cruz film. In 1999 Tony Hawk said:

“

Well, he was shown in a video almost 10 years ago. He was really close, but he didn't make it. He came the closest by far, but they cut the video before he fell. So it may have misled some people. There are only five people who have been able to spin completely and he's one of them. Tas Pappas and Rob Boyce also have spun it, but they haven't landed it. We've all been trying it and killing ourselves.[1]

”

Tony Hawk

Tony Hawk, one of the most successful vertical pro skateboarders in the world, landed "The 900" at the 1999 X-Games after ten failed attempts. It was past regulation time but, as one announcer said, "We make up the rules as we go along. Let's give him another try." None of the other skaters protested. Hawk twice landed on his board, but it flew out from under him. When he finally completed the trick, his arms windmilled and his hand barely grazed the ramp. ^[2] Nonetheless, he rode away. He was awarded 1st place in the "Best Trick" event despite going over the time limit. At a later X-Games, Hawk landed the trick again, this time during regulation time. In his book, the 900 was the last on wishlist of tricks Hawk had written a decade earlier. Other tricks on the list included the ollie 540, kickflip 540, and varial 720. In a 1999 interview, Hawk said he does not have "any desire to spin further". ^[1] He did, however, successfully land the trick during press interviews for the video game Tony Hawk: Ride and at the "Tony Hawk: RIDE Presents Stand Up for Skate Parks" event.

Other sports

The 900 can also be attempted on a BMX bike, skis, snowboard, or in-line skates. BMX-Rider Mat Hoffman was the first person to successfully land the 900 on film at a competition in Canada in 1989. At the 2002 X Games, Hoffman took the trick a step further by landing a no-handed 900.^{[citation needed]} Simon Tabron's signature trick is the 900. In the 2007 X Games 13 Simon Tabron landed the first back-to-back 900s.

Because the gear of snowboarders, skiers, or inline skaters is affixed to their feet, the 900 is not considered to be a difficult trick for professionals in those sports and is performed rather often. Because of this, they are capable of more spins (1080, 1260,1440, and 1620 have been accomplished with snowboards, skis, and inline skates).^{[citation needed]}

Skateboarders who have successfully executed the 900 in a tournament or on film

1. Tony Hawk, July 1999 X-Games, San Francisco, California (USA)
2. Giorgio Zattoni, April 2004 Marianna HC, Ravenna (Italy)
3. Sandro Dias, May 2004 Latin X-Games, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
4. Alex Perelson, July 2009 Maloof Money Cup, Costa Mesa, California (USA)
5. Bob Burnquist, first fakie to fakie 900, August 2010 Mega Ramp,(USA) http://www.skateboard.tv/video/5870
6. Mitchie Brusco, July 2011 Nescau MegaRamp Invitational, São Paulo (Brazil) http://sports.espn.go.com/action/skateboarding/news/story?id=6730222
7. Elliot Sloan, October 2011 Maloof Money Cup South Africa http://espn.go.com/action/skateboarding/story/_/id/7051132/elliot-sloan-lands-first-900-tailgrab-minimega-maloof-south-africa
8. Tom Schaar, October 2011 MegaRamp Woodward

References

1. ^ ^{a b} 1999 Summer X Games: Chat wrap: Hawk soars to legendary status
2. ^ Twist and Shout at the X Games