Frankie Hill

Full Name

Frankie Hill

Birth Date

1969 (some sources cite 1973)

Birth Place

United States

Nationality

American

Physical Stats

• Height: Not widely documented
• Stance: Regular (left foot forward)

Active Years

1980s–1990s (professional career)

Current Status

Former professional skateboarder, skateboarding pioneer

Introduction

Frankie Hill is a legendary figure in skateboarding history, celebrated as one of the true pioneers of “going big” in street skating. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, when skateboarding was transitioning from vert ramps to street terrain, Hill pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard by taking street skating to massive gaps and rails that had previously been considered impossible.

Riding for the iconic Powell Peralta team during its heyday, Hill became famous for his fearless approach to enormous obstacles. His video parts in Powell Peralta’s “Public Domain” (1988) and “Ban This” (1989) are considered some of the most influential in skateboarding history, inspiring a generation of skaters to push the limits of street skating.

Known for his quiet, humble personality off the board and his absolutely fearless approach on it, Hill’s influence on modern street skateboarding cannot be overstated. The massive gaps, handrails, and stairs he skated in the late 1980s established the template for what would become standard in professional skateboarding decades later.

Early Life and Background

Introduction to Skateboarding

Frankie Hill discovered skateboarding during the late 1970s or early 1980s, a transformative era for the sport. Growing up during the transition from the pool-riding and vert-dominated era to the emerging street skating revolution, Hill was part of the generation that would define modern street skateboarding.

The 1980s Skateboarding Scene

The context of Hill’s early skating years: - Vert domination - Skateboarding was primarily about ramps and pools - Street skating emergence - New terrain being explored - Powell Peralta era - The Bones Brigade revolutionizing the sport - Video revolution - “The Search for Animal Chin” changing how skating was documented

Early Influences

Hill was influenced by the pioneers of his era: - The Bones Brigade - Powell Peralta’s legendary team - Street skating innovators - Early explorers of urban terrain - Video parts - Influence of emerging video culture - Professional examples - What was possible on a skateboard

Development of Style

Even as a young skater, Hill showed characteristics that would define him: - Fearlessness - Willing to attempt what others wouldn’t - Gap affinity - Natural attraction to jumping over obstacles - Rail comfort - Early comfort on handrails - Commitment - Full dedication to tricks once attempted

Powell Peralta Connection

The legendary brand that would become Hill’s home: - George Powell and Stacy Peralta creating skateboarding culture - The Bones Brigade setting new standards - Video production changing the industry - Hill would become part of this legacy

Discovery and Sponsorship

Hill’s talent was recognized in the mid-to-late 1980s: - Raw talent spotted by industry figures - Connection to Powell Peralta team - Joining one of skateboarding’s most prestigious rosters - Opportunity to influence skateboarding history

The Video Era Beginnings

Coming of age as skateboarding entered the video age: - “The Search for Animal Chin” (1987) - Influential production - VHS distribution - Skateboarding reaching wider audience - Video star culture - New way to become known - Hill would star in coming productions

Character Formation

Early experiences shaping Hill’s personality: - Humble background - Not seeking fame or attention - Skating-focused - Interested in progression, not celebrity - Fearless mindset - Mental preparation for dangerous skating - Authentic character - Genuine love for skateboarding

Physical Development

Natural attributes that suited his style: - Athletic ability - Natural coordination and strength - Impact absorption - Ability to handle big landings - Board control - Managing board at high speeds - Courage - Mental fortitude for dangerous spots

Foundation for Innovation

The elements that enabled Hill’s groundbreaking skating: - Technical foundation from early skating - Fearlessness that couldn’t be taught - Timing with street skating’s emergence - Platform through Powell Peralta sponsorship

Pre-Professional Period

Before becoming a household name: - Local recognition for fearless skating - Building reputation at spots - Developing the style that would become famous - Preparing for video part breakthrough

The Culture of the Era

Understanding 1980s skateboarding culture: - DIY ethos - Skaters figuring things out themselves - Regional scenes - Local communities driving culture - Limited media - Magazines and early videos as connection - Core values - Authenticity over mainstream appeal

Anticipation of Fame

As video productions approached: - Knowledge that Powell Peralta video would be major - Pressure to deliver groundbreaking footage - Opportunity to influence skateboarding direction - Preparation for historic achievements

Career Chronology

Powell Peralta Era (Late 1980s)

Joining Powell Peralta

Frankie Hill’s career breakthrough came when he joined the legendary Powell Peralta team: - Joined during the Bones Brigade era - Part of one of skateboarding’s most prestigious rosters - Joined legends like Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, and Mike McGill - Opportunity to influence skateboarding’s direction

“Public Domain” (1988)

Hill’s first major video part established his reputation: - Featured in Powell Peralta’s “Public Domain” - Showcased fearless approach to gaps and rails - Introduced Hill’s style to global audience - Set stage for even more influential follow-up

The “Ban This” Era (1989)

“Ban This” Video Part (1989)

Hill’s part in “Ban This” became legendary: - One of the most influential video parts in skateboarding history - Showcased massive gaps that were unprecedented - Handrail tricks that pushed boundaries - Inspired an entire generation of skaters

Specific Trick Highlights

Historic tricks from the “Ban This” era: - Massive gaps over obstacles and stairs - Handrail tricks on rails considered too big to skate - Ollies down enormous sets of stairs - Boardslides and lipslides on huge handrails

Cultural Impact

The immediate impact of “Ban This”: - Skaters couldn’t believe what they were seeing - Established new possibilities for street skating - Inspired imitation and progression - Changed how skaters approached spots

Peak Professional Years (1989–1992)

Continued Powell Peralta Success

Following “Ban This,” Hill remained Powell Peralta’s street skating star: - Featured in subsequent Powell Peralta productions - Continued to push boundaries of street skating - Traveled for filming and demonstrations - Became one of skateboarding’s most recognized names

Thrasher Magazine Features

Hill received extensive coverage in Thrasher: - Photo features showcasing massive gaps - Cover consideration for groundbreaking tricks - Articles about his fearless approach - Recognition as street skating pioneer

Professional Contests

While primarily known for video parts, Hill competed: - Various professional contests - Demonstrated contest ability - Preferred video part format - Showed versatility as competitor

Style and Innovation (1990–1993)

“Going Big” Philosophy

Hill established the philosophy that would define his legacy: - Size matters - Bigger was better - Fearless commitment - Full speed at any obstacle - Progression focus - Always pushing boundaries - Inspiration through example - Showing what was possible

Influence on Spot Selection

Hill’s approach changed how skaters looked at spots: - Previously unskatable gaps became possibilities - Handrails were no longer just for grinding - Stairs became launch ramps - Size became a factor in spot desirability

Competition from New Generation

As the early 1990s progressed: - New generation of street skaters emerged - Hill’s approach influenced younger skaters - Jamie Thomas, Jeremy Wray, and others followed path - Hill remained respected pioneer

Career Transition (Mid-1990s)

Powell Peralta Changes

The skateboarding industry evolved: - Powell Peralta team changes - Industry shift away from ramp skating dominance - Street skating becoming primary focus - Hill’s influence already established

Reduced Professional Presence

Hill’s professional presence decreased in mid-1990s: - Fewer video appearances - Transition from spotlight - Personal choice or industry changes - Legacy already secured

Lasting Influence

Despite reduced visibility, influence continued: - Younger skaters studied his video parts - “Ban This” remained reference point - Influence visible in new generation’s skating - Pioneer status maintained

Post-Professional Life (Late 1990s–present)

Life After Professional Skating

Hill transitioned away from professional spotlight: - Limited public appearances - Private life away from industry - Occasional industry events - Respect maintained by those who know

Legacy Maintenance

Hill’s place in history secured: - “Ban This” part studied by new generations - Recognition as street skating pioneer - Influence on modern skateboarding evident - Quiet respect from industry

Occasional Appearances

Rare public appearances: - Industry events and reunions - Powell Peralta retrospective events - Skateboarding history documentaries - Recognition of legendary status

Career Statistics and Highlights

Video Parts

Significant video appearances: - “Public Domain” (1988) - Powell Peralta - “Ban This” (1989) - Powell Peralta - LEGENDARY - Various Powell Peralta productions - Thrasher Magazine features

Professional Achievements

Career accomplishments: - Powell Peralta team rider - Legendary brand - Street skating pioneer - Defined going big - Influential video parts - Changed skateboarding - Thrasher Magazine coverage - Industry recognition

Innovation Milestones

Specific innovations attributed to Hill: - Massive gap skating - Established as standard - Big handrail skating - Pushed rail boundaries - Ollie progression - Showed ollie potential - Street skating size - Bigger became better

Historical Significance

Pioneer Status

Hill’s place in skateboarding history: - Street skating pioneer - One of the first to go big - Video era star - Defined video part potential - Powell Peralta legend - Part of brand’s golden era - Influence on modern skating - Direct connection to current pros

Generational Impact

How Hill influenced subsequent generations: - 1990s skaters - Jamie Thomas, Jeremy Wray followed path - 2000s skaters - Gap skating became standard - Modern pros - All influenced by Hill’s innovations - Future generations - Will continue studying his parts

Summary of Career

Frankie Hill’s career, while relatively brief in the spotlight, was historically significant: - Powell Peralta team member during brand’s golden era - “Ban This” video part - One of most influential ever - Street skating pioneer - Established going big as standard - Generational influence - Inspired countless skaters - Legacy secured - Permanent place in skateboarding history

His career demonstrates that influence and legacy in skateboarding aren’t measured by years in the spotlight but by the impact of the skating itself. The massive gaps and handrails he skated in the late 1980s established the template for modern street skateboarding, making him one of the most important figures in the sport’s evolution from vert dominance to street skating supremacy.

Achievements and Records

Major Accomplishments

Frankie Hill’s list of achievements represents some of the most impressive accomplishments in their field. These milestones reflect years of dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Awards and Recognition

The honors and awards bestowed upon Frankie Hill reflect the high regard in which they are held by peers, critics, and fans alike. These recognitions span multiple organizations and categories.

Records and Statistics

Frankie Hill’s statistical achievements tell a compelling story of sustained excellence and breakthrough performances that have set new standards in their discipline.

Skating Style, Technique, and Approach

Style Overview

Fearless Power

Frankie Hill’s skating was defined by absolute fearlessness and raw power: - Full commitment - No hesitation on any obstacle - Maximum speed - Attacked spots at full velocity - Raw execution - Made tricks through determination - Size obsession - Constantly seeking bigger obstacles

Regular Stance

Hill skated regular stance (left foot forward): - Comfortable with various trick selections - Strong ollie foundation - Adaptable to different spot requirements - Regular stance dominance on big obstacles

Signature Elements

Gap Skating Pioneer

Hill’s defining characteristic was massive gap skating: - Enormous gaps - Sought out and conquered the biggest gaps possible - Commitment at scale - Full speed approaches to dangerous obstacles - Landing technique - Managing impact from massive heights - Mental fortitude - Overcoming fear of serious consequences

Handrail Innovation

Pioneering large handrail skating: - Boardslides on rails previously considered too big - Lipslides with commitment on massive rails - Speed management - Controlling descent on steep rails - Lock-in technique - Staying on the rail at high speeds

Ollie Mastery

Hill’s ollie technique enabled his groundbreaking skating: - Height generation - Popping high enough for big gaps - Distance control - Managing horizontal distance - Board control - Keeping board with him in flight - Landing preparation - Body positioning for impact

The “Ban This” Style Analysis

Technical Elements

What made Hill’s “Ban This” part revolutionary: - Scale - Gaps and rails of unprecedented size - Speed - Full commitment requiring maximum velocity - Consistency - Making these huge tricks relatively consistently - Raw power - Overcoming obstacles through force of will

Mental Approach

The psychology behind Hill’s skating: - Fear elimination - Complete commitment required - Visualization - Seeing the trick before attempting - Confidence - Believing he could make the impossible - Risk acceptance - Understanding and accepting consequences

Physical Technique

The physical elements of Hill’s approach: - Pop technique - Generating maximum height - Body positioning - Optimal positioning in air - Impact absorption - Managing landings from great heights - Balance - Maintaining control at high speeds

Comparison to Contemporaries

vs. Other Powell Peralta Riders

Within the legendary team: - Tony Hawk - Hawk vert-focused, Hill street pioneer - Steve Caballero - Different terrain specialization - Lance Mountain - Mountain versatile, Hill specialized in gaps - Mike McGill - McGill vert, Hill established street

vs. Other Street Pioneers

Among early street skating innovators: - Mark Gonzales - Gonz more creative/artistic, Hill more power-focused - Natas Kaupas - Natas more technical innovation, Hill more size-focused - Tommy Guerrero - Guerrero more style/flow, Hill more raw power - Ray Barbee - Barbee more technical, Hill more commitment

vs. Next Generation

How Hill influenced those who followed: - Jamie Thomas - Direct influence, similar fearless approach - Jeremy Wray - Following Hill’s gap skating path - Modern gap skaters - All working in Hill’s tradition - Size progression - Each generation going bigger, following Hill’s lead

Video Part Analysis

“Public Domain” (1988)

Hill’s first major part established his approach: - Introduction to his fearless style - Gaps and rails featured prominently - Foundation for what would come in “Ban This” - Powell Peralta production values

“Ban This” (1989) - The Masterpiece

The part that changed everything: - Massive ollies down enormous stair sets - Handrail tricks on rails never before attempted at that scale - Gap combinations that seemed impossible - Speed and commitment that defined his style

Technical Strengths

Gap Clearance

Technical ability on massive obstacles: - Pop height - Adequate for large gaps - Distance judgment - Accurate assessment of requirements - Landing technique - Managing rough landings - Speed management - Appropriate velocity for obstacles

Ollie Consistency

Reliable ollies at any scale: - Height consistency - Pop when needed - Distance control - Managing horizontal travel - Board control - Keeping board with him - Landing reliability - Making tricks count

Rail Technique

Ability on handrails: - Boardslide balance - Staying on the rail - Lock-in technique - Getting onto rails consistently - Speed management - Controlling descent - Landing preparation - Exiting rails cleanly

Style Philosophy

Function Over Form

Hill’s approach to style: - Make the trick - Primary goal - Roll away - Secondary consideration - Size matters - Bigger was better - Commitment counts - Full dedication required

Authenticity

Genuine approach to skating: - No compromises - Skated on his own terms - Raw power - No attempts to polish style - Real skating - Street skating in purest form - No hype - Let skating speak for itself

Evolution of Style

Early Career (1980s)

Developing the approach: - Foundational skills development - Discovery of gap skating affinity - Powell Peralta video preparation - Style formation

Peak Years (1989-1992)

Refining the approach: - “Ban This” masterpiece - Consistent gap conquest - Pushing boundaries further - Establishing legacy

Later Career (1990s)

Adapting as era changed: - Industry evolution - Reduced visibility - Influence already established - Legacy secured

Influence on Skating Style

Gap Skating Template

Hill established the template: - Commitment - Full speed, no hesitation - Scale - Bigger is better - Mental approach - Overcoming fear - Technical foundation - Skills for massive obstacles

Power Over Finesse

Influence on style aesthetics: - Raw power valued - Execution over polish - Commitment admired - Full dedication respected - Size celebrated - Large obstacles as achievement - Authentic approach - Real skating prioritized

Street Skating Direction

Influence on where street skating went: - Toward bigger obstacles - Size became standard - Gap skating essential - Now fundamental to street skating - Handrail progression - Rails got bigger over time - Fear management - Mental approach as important as physical

Overall Assessment

Frankie Hill’s style represents the essence of raw, powerful street skateboarding: - Absolute fearlessness - Willing to attempt anything - Maximum commitment - Full speed at any obstacle - Raw power - Force of will over technical perfection - Size obsession - Constantly pushing scale

His style may not have been the most refined or technically perfect, but it represented something more important in skateboarding: the courage to push boundaries and attempt what others considered impossible. The “Ban This” video part demonstrates what his style could achieve—historic progression through sheer determination and bravery.

Hill’s influence on skateboarding style is evident in every massive gap skated today, every enormous handrail attempted, and every skater who decides to push their own limits. His raw, powerful approach established that street skating was not just about technical tricks but about courage, commitment, and the willingness to go big.

In skateboarding history, Frankie Hill stands as the pioneer who proved that size mattered and that the only limits were mental ones. His style—defined by fearlessness, commitment, and raw power—remains a template for skaters who want to push the boundaries of what’s possible on a skateboard.

Personal Life, Relationships, and Interests

Private Individual

Low Public Profile

Frankie Hill has maintained a remarkably private personal life: - Limited public appearances since leaving professional spotlight - Minimal social media presence (predates social media era) - Private individual who let skating speak for itself - Separation between public skate persona and private life

Post-Skating Life

After his professional skateboarding career: - Transitioned away from industry spotlight - Limited information about subsequent career - Maintained privacy and distance from media - Occasional appearances at industry events

Character and Personality

Humble Disposition

Those who knew Hill describe him as: - Quiet and humble - Despite historic achievements - Not seeking attention - Skated for love of skating, not fame - Genuine person - Authentic character on and off board - Respected by peers - Admired for character as much as skating

Professional Attitude

Approach to skateboarding career: - Dedicated - Fully committed when in spotlight - Professional - Fulfilled sponsor obligations - Respectful - Treated industry figures with respect - Low maintenance - Easy to work with in productions

Friendships and Industry Relationships

Powell Peralta Family

Strong connections within legendary team: - Stacy Peralta - Director who featured him prominently - George Powell - Brand owner who supported his skating - Fellow Bones Brigade members - Part of legendary team camaraderie - Powell Peralta team managers - Professional relationships

Industry Respect

Relationships across skateboarding: - Thrasher Magazine staff - Professional relationships - Photographers and filmmakers - Who documented his skating - Other professional skaters - Peer respect from contemporaries - Industry veterans - Recognition of his contributions

Personal Interests

Beyond Skateboarding

Limited information about interests outside skating: - Skateboarding was primary focus during career - Post-skating interests not widely documented - Maintained privacy about personal life - Focus on family and private life

Lifestyle

What is known about his approach: - Simple lifestyle - Not extravagant despite fame - Skateboarding-centered - Life revolved around skating - Humble living - Consistent with personality - Private existence - Away from public scrutiny

Challenges and Resilience

Physical Toll

The cost of his groundbreaking skating: - Massive impacts from huge gaps - Injuries from fearless approach - Physical consequences of pioneering skating - Eventual impact on career longevity

Industry Changes

Navigating skateboarding’s evolution: - Transition from Powell Peralta era - Changes in industry structure - Shift toward different styles of skating - Personal choice to step back from spotlight

Legacy Management

Recognition of Status

Understanding his place in history: - Aware of influence on skateboarding - Recognition of “Ban This” significance - Humble about legendary status - Let skating legacy speak for itself

Occasional Appearances

Rare public recognition: - Industry events honoring Powell Peralta legacy - Retrospective documentaries - Recognition of pioneer status - Respect from new generations

Values and Philosophy

Skateboarding Philosophy

Core beliefs about skating: - Authenticity - Real skating over hype - Progression - Always pushing forward - Commitment - Full dedication required - Courage - Overcoming fear is essential

Life Philosophy

Values reflected in approach: - Humility - Accomplishments without arrogance - Privacy - Personal life separate from public - Substance over style - What matters is the skating - Integrity - Staying true to oneself

Current Status

Living Legend

Recognition in modern era: - Acknowledged as pioneer when he appears - Respect from those who understand history - Status as one of skateboarding’s most important figures - Influence continues without active participation

Private Life

Current circumstances: - Living private life away from industry - Specific details not publicly known - Respected for privacy by industry - Legacy maintained through history

Summary

Frankie Hill’s personal life reflects the values that defined his skateboarding career: - Privacy - Maintained separation between public and private - Humility - Historic achievements without ego - Authenticity - Genuine person, not manufactured image - Simplicity - Life centered on skating, not fame - Integrity - Stayed true to values throughout

He represents the skater who achieved greatness without seeking celebrity, who changed skateboarding forever while remaining humble and private. The contrast between his historic, fearless skating and his quiet, unassuming personality makes him a unique figure in skateboarding history.

In an era of increasing self-promotion and social media presence, Frankie Hill stands as a reminder that skateboarding greatness can be achieved through pure dedication to the craft, without need for personal publicity. His legacy is secured by what he did on a skateboard, not by who he was off it—and that, in itself, is a significant statement about values in skateboarding culture.

The combination of his groundbreaking “Ban This” video part and his humble, private character creates a compelling portrait of a skateboarding legend who let his skating do the talking, and whose skating spoke volumes that continue to echo through skateboarding history.

Legacy and Impact on Skateboarding

Pioneer of “Going Big”

Revolutionary Impact

Frankie Hill’s most significant legacy is establishing “going big” as a fundamental aspect of street skateboarding: - First to consistently skate massive gaps - Pushed size boundaries - Demonstrated possibility - Showed what could be done - Mental barrier breakthrough - Proved fear could be overcome - Template for future - Established approach still used today

The “Ban This” Legacy

The 1989 video part remains one of skateboarding’s most important documents: - Most influential video part of its era - Continues to inspire new generations decades later - Required viewing for understanding skateboarding history - Benchmark against which other parts are measured

Gap Skating as Standard

Hill transformed gap skating from novelty to necessity: - Before Hill: Gaps were occasional features - After Hill: Gaps became fundamental to street skating - Modern street skating built on Hill’s foundation - Every gap skater works in his tradition

Powell Peralta Legacy

Bones Brigade Member

Part of skateboarding’s most legendary team: - Golden era representation - Part of Powell Peralta’s peak - Street skating within Bones Brigade - Brought street to legendary vert team - Cultural significance - Part of defining era of skateboarding - Historical importance - Represented in all Powell Peralta retrospectives

Video Era Pioneer

Helped establish video as skateboarding’s primary medium: - “Ban This” as video part template - Demonstrated video’s potential for progression - Showed how video could inspire globally - Part of VHS era that changed skateboarding

Influence on Generations

Direct Influence on 1990s Legends

Hill directly inspired skateboarding’s next wave: - Jamie Thomas - Followed Hill’s path of fearless gap skating - Jeremy Wray - Another gap pioneer in Hill’s tradition - 1990s professionals - Entire generation studied his approach - The “going big” movement of the 1990s

Modern Professional Influence

Current pros continue to work in Hill’s tradition: - Nyjah Huston - Modern gap skating in Hill’s lineage - Chris Joslin - Massive gap skating following Hill’s template - All modern street skaters - Hill’s influence is universal - Gap skating is standard because of Hill

Future Generations

Hill’s influence will continue: - Young skaters still study “Ban This” - Future pros will discover his influence - His tricks will remain reference points - Legacy is permanent in skateboarding history

Cultural Impact

The Fearless Archetype

Hill established the fearless skater archetype: - Commitment as value - Full dedication respected - Courage celebrated - Overcoming fear as achievement - Risk acceptance - Understanding consequences - Mental strength - Psychological aspect of skating

Authenticity in Skating

Representation of pure skateboarding: - No hype necessary - Skating speaks for itself - Substance over style - What matters is progression - Humble greatness - Achievements without ego - Core values - Authentic skateboarding representation

Counter-Cultural Icon

Part of skateboarding’s counter-cultural history: - 1980s skate culture - Part of defining era - Anti-establishment - Raw street skating aesthetic - DIY ethos - Self-directed progression - Alternative to mainstream - Authentic subculture

Historical Significance

Street Skating Evolution

Hill’s role in skateboarding’s transition: - Vert to street transition - Part of historic shift - Street skating legitimacy - Helped establish street as primary - Progression model - Showed how skating evolves - Historical figure - Permanent place in skateboarding history

Innovation Timeline

Where Hill fits in skateboarding innovation: - 1980s foundation - Built on street pioneers before him - Late 1980s breakthrough - “Ban This” as watershed moment - 1990s influence - Direct impact on next generation - 2000s legacy - Influence visible in modern skating - Permanent impact - Will never be forgotten

Documentation of Era

Hill’s skating documents important era: - Late 1980s skateboarding - Captured in “Ban This” - Powell Peralta era - Part of brand’s documentation - Street skating emergence - Visual record of evolution - Cultural time capsule - Preserves important moment

Comparison to Legends

vs. Other Powell Peralta Icons

Among Bones Brigade legends: - Tony Hawk - Hawk vert icon, Hill street pioneer - Steve Caballero - Different terrain, similar influence - Lance Mountain - Both versatile, Hill specialized in gaps - Rodney Mullen - Mullen technical, Hill power-focused

vs. Street Skating Pioneers

Among early street innovators: - Mark Gonzales - Gonz creative, Hill power-focused - Natas Kaupas - Natas technical, Hill size-focused - Tommy Guerrero - Guerrero style, Hill commitment - Ray Barbee - Barbee flow, Hill progression

vs. All-Time Greats

In skateboarding history broadly: - Influence - Among most influential ever - Innovation - Revolutionary gap skating - Legacy - Permanent impact on sport - Recognition - Legend status secured

Recognition and Honors

Industry Recognition

Acknowledgment by skateboarding industry: - Thrasher Magazine coverage and recognition - Powell Peralta retrospectives honoring contribution - Documentary features - Appearances in skateboarding films - Pioneer status - Acknowledged by industry figures

Historical Documentation

Preservation of legacy: - “Ban This” - Preserved and reissued - Skateboarding documentaries - Featured in historical accounts - Written histories - Referenced in books and articles - Oral histories - Stories passed down in skateboarding culture

Hall of Fame Consideration

Recognition for contributions: - Consideration for various hall of fames - Recognition by historians and media - Place in skateboarding pantheon - Legacy as permanent part of history

Future Legacy

Continued Influence

Hill’s influence will persist: - “Ban This” will always be studied - Young skaters will discover his influence - Gap skating will remain fundamental - His approach will always be relevant

Generational Transmission

Legacy passed to future skaters: - Video parts as teaching tools - Stories passed through skateboarding culture - Historical recognition in media - Influence on skateboarding direction

Permanent Place in History

Hill’s secured legacy: - One of skateboarding’s most important figures - Pioneer who changed the sport forever - Influence that will never fade - Legend for as long as skateboarding exists

Final Assessment

Frankie Hill’s legacy rests on three pillars:

1. “Ban This” Video Part - One of the most influential video parts in skateboarding history, redefined what was possible in street skating

2. Pioneer of “Going Big” - Established massive gap and handrail skating as fundamental to street skateboarding, changing the sport’s direction forever

3. Generational Influence - Directly inspired Jamie Thomas, Jeremy Wray, and countless others who followed his path of fearless progression

His influence is so pervasive that modern skateboarders may not even realize they’re skating in his tradition. Every massive gap, every enormous handrail, every skater who decides to push their limits works in the path that Frankie Hill blazed in the late 1980s.

The “Ban This” video part remains required viewing for anyone who wants to understand skateboarding history and progression. It stands as a testament to what one skater with courage and commitment can accomplish—and how that accomplishment can change an entire sport forever.

Frankie Hill didn’t just skate big; he showed the world that big was possible, inspiring generations to push beyond what they thought were their limits. His legacy is not just in the tricks he did, but in the mindset he established: that fear is temporary, but progression is permanent.

In the history of skateboarding, Frankie Hill stands as one of the true pioneers—the skater who proved that the only limits that matter are the ones we place on ourselves.