When you think of the people who have pushed the limits in skateboarding, the name Danny Way has to be at the top of the list. Widely recognized as one of the most innovative and determined riders around, Way has done things on a deck that most people never thought possible. He doesn’t just have the creativity to plan his amazing rides, he commits fully to completing whatever he sets out to do.
The Simple Bio
Danny Way was born on April 15, 1974 in Portland, OR. Four years later he was skateboarding and by the age of eleven he was competing and had claimed his first win. By 1989 Way had turned pro and won his first vert competition.
The Mega Ramp
One concept in skateboarding led to advances in both the career of Way and in skateboarding in general. The Mega Ramp was devised by Way in 2002 and in 2004 it made its debut at X Games 10. Way won the gold medal in the first Big Air competition and set a new distance record (79 feet).
Big Tricks
When most people think of Way, they think of the tricks that he has planned, and amazingly pulled off. In 1997 Way dropped out of a helicopter into a ramp (the first Bomb Drop). Eight years later he took the idea- and the drop- further. In July of 2006 Way dropped 82 feet from the top of the guitar at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas into a ramp. In 2006 Way also performed the first “El Camino” (a rocket grab back flip from the Mega Ramp) at a demonstration in Mexico City, Mexico.
What was probably the most talked about trick in Danny Way’s repertoire though, was his 2005 jump over the Great Wall of China (video link). On July 9th Way did a 360 over the wall, only one day after injuring his ankle while testing the ramp. As a testament to his competitive spirit, Way competed in X Games 11 only 3 weeks later and won gold in Big Air.
What’s Next for Danny Way?
So, what is Danny Way planning next? Nobody really seems to know although there are plenty of rumors (riding down the Luxor hotel in Vegas is an interesting one!). No matter where he pops up next, you can be sure that Way is going to turn heads and amaze.
Other Information About Danny Way:
- “My purpose on earth is riding a skateboard” (Huck interview)
- In 2004 was the 1st skater ever to have twice been named Skater of the Year by Thrasher magazine
- Between 1999-2002 had 7 knee surgeries including 3 ACL repairs
- Is a co-founder of DC Shoes (the “D” of DC)
- Married with 2 sons
- Lives in San Diego, CA
- Rides for DC
- Rides regular
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