Lance Mountain - Overview

Full Name

Robert Lance Mountain

Birth Information

• Date of Birth: June 13, 1964
• Place of Birth: Pasadena, California, United States
• Zodiac Sign: Gemini
• Current Age: 60 years old (as of 2024)

Nationality

American

Physical Statistics

• Height: Approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm)
• Weight: Estimated 170-180 pounds during prime
• Stance: Regular-footed (left foot forward)
• Primary Discipline: Vert Skating (ramp/transition)
• Secondary Disciplines: Street skating, freestyle, fingerboarding

Current Status

• Current Role: Professional skateboarder, artist, inventor
• Sponsorship Status: Active with Flip Skateboards, Nike SB, Independent Trucks, Spitfire Wheels
• Career Span: 1981-present (43+ years)
• Status: Legendary status, still actively skating in his 60s

Skateboarding Career Timeline

1. Powell-Peralta (1981-1990) - Bones Brigade member, video star
2. The Firm (1990-early 2000s) - Co-founded with Ray Barbee
3. Flip Skateboards (2003-present) - Current board sponsor

Major Contributions to Skateboarding

• Inventor of the fingerboard (1970s, patented as “Finger Board”)
• Pioneer of vert skating progression in 1980s
• Iconic member of Powell-Peralta Bones Brigade
• Featured in landmark videos including “The Search for Animal Chin”
• Influential artist and graphics designer

Signature Moves and Innovations

• Early adopter of aerial maneuvers on vert
• Smooth, stylish approach to transition skating
• Technical lip trick combinations
• Innovator in skateboarding equipment and accessories

Current Sponsors

• Flip Skateboards (deck sponsor)
• Nike SB (shoe sponsor)
• Independent Trucks (truck sponsor)
• Spitfire Wheels (wheel sponsor)
• Bronson Speed Co. (bearings)
• Mob Grip (grip tape)

Nicknames

• “Lance”
• Part of the legendary “Bones Brigade”

Current Activities

• Still skates regularly at age 60
• Creates art and skateboard graphics
• Participates in Bones Brigade reunions and documentaries
• Involved in fingerboard brand development
• Attends skateboarding events and competitions

Cultural Significance

Lance Mountain represents the bridge between skateboarding’s first commercial boom and its modern global sport status. His longevity, innovation, and cultural contributions make him one of the most respected figures in skateboarding history.

Lance Mountain - Early Life

Family Background

Lance Mountain was born in Pasadena, California, and raised in the suburban environment of the San Gabriel Valley. His father worked in various trades, while his mother managed the household. The Mountain family was middle-class, providing Lance with stability and support for his developing interests.

He has one brother who also skateboarded in the early days, contributing to the family culture that supported alternative sports. The suburban California environment of the 1970s was fertile ground for the emerging skateboarding culture, with empty pools and smooth pavement providing perfect training grounds.

Childhood in Pasadena Area

Growing up in the suburbs of Los Angeles County, Mountain was exposed to skateboarding during its first wave of popularity in the mid-1970s. The concrete suburban landscape—driveways, sidewalks, and eventually backyard pools—became his playground.

The 1970s California skate scene was characterized by: - The rise of urethane wheels revolutionizing the sport - The drought-induced empty swimming pools - The emergence of the Dogtown and Zephyr team aesthetic - The countercultural identity of skateboarding

Education and School Years

Mountain attended local public schools in the Pasadena area. Like many skaters of his generation, school was secondary to skateboarding. He often skipped classes to skate at local spots, particularly as his skills developed and competitive opportunities arose.

His formal education ended with high school, as skateboarding presented professional opportunities by his late teens. The decision to pursue skating full-time was validated when he joined the legendary Bones Brigade in 1981.

Early Skateboarding Development

First Encounters with Skateboarding (1975-1977)

Mountain received his first skateboard around 1975, during the tail end of skateboarding’s first boom period. The urethane wheel revolution had made skateboarding smoother and more accessible than the clay wheel era.

His initial skating took place on: - Local streets and sidewalks - Schoolyard blacktops - Early skateparks as they opened in Southern California - Banked surfaces and driveways

The Pool Era (1977-1980)

The drought in California created a unique opportunity for skaters. Empty swimming pools in foreclosed homes became the ultimate terrain. Mountain was part of the generation that pioneered vertical skating in these backyard pools.

Pool skating required: - Courage to skate steep transitions - Ability to read complex curves - Creativity to find ridable surfaces - Trespassing skills to access private property

Local Skate Scene

The Pasadena and greater Los Angeles area in the late 1970s was the epicenter of progressive skateboarding. Mountain skated with local crews and gradually built a reputation for his smooth style and fearlessness on vertical terrain.

Key influences from this period: - Local skate heroes at nearby pools - Early skate magazines showing new possibilities - Competition at emerging skateparks - The punk rock culture beginning to merge with skating

Invention of the Fingerboard

Origins (1970s)

While still in his early teens, Mountain invented what would become the fingerboard. The story varies in details, but the core invention occurred in the mid-to-late 1970s.

The Invention: - Created small skateboard replicas for hand use - Initially made from scrap materials - Allowed practicing tricks without a full skateboard - Kept his hands busy when he couldn’t skate

Patent and Development

Mountain patented the invention as “Finger Board” and attempted commercialization. While the initial commercial venture didn’t achieve massive success, the concept laid dormant until the 1990s and 2000s when fingerboarding exploded as a global phenomenon.

The fingerboard invention demonstrates Mountain’s: - Creativity and innovation - Deep understanding of skateboarding mechanics - Entrepreneurial mindset - Connection to skate culture’s DIY ethos

Path to Professional Skateboarding

Early Competitions

Mountain began entering amateur competitions in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His results attracted attention from the emerging skateboard industry.

Key characteristics that set him apart: - Smooth, flowing style - Ability to skate various terrain - Clean execution of tricks - Positive attitude and professionalism

Powell-Peralta Connection

In 1981, at age 17, Mountain was recruited by George Powell and Stacy Peralta to join their new team, the Bones Brigade. This connection would define the next decade of his life and establish him as one of skateboarding’s most visible figures.

The Powell-Peralta offer represented: - Monthly salary for skateboarding - Travel to competitions - Signature skateboard model - Entry into emerging video culture

Early Influences

Skateboarding Heroes

Mountain’s early influences included: - Jay Adams: Dogtown aggression and style - Tony Alva: Vertical progression - Stacy Peralta: Technical precision - Local skaters: Pasadena area pool riders

Cultural Influences

The surrounding culture shaped Mountain’s approach: - Punk rock: DIY ethos, anti-establishment attitude - Surfing culture: Flow and style emphasis - Southern California car culture: Industrial design appreciation - Comic books: Graphic sensibility for later art career

Family Support

Mountain’s family, while not wealthy, supported his skateboarding: - Drove him to competitions - Tolerated damaged property from skating - Encouraged his creative pursuits - Accepted his non-traditional career path

Character Development

The Work Ethic

From an early age, Mountain displayed dedication to improvement. He would skate for hours daily, refining techniques and building consistency. This work ethic would sustain his career for decades.

Humility

Despite early success, Mountain maintained a humble demeanor that endeared him to fellow skaters and industry figures. This humility became a trademark throughout his career.

Creativity

Whether inventing fingerboards, designing graphics, or developing new tricks, creativity defined Mountain’s approach to skateboarding. He saw possibilities where others saw limitations.

Transition to Professional Life

By 1981, at age 17, Mountain had already: - Invented the fingerboard - Established local reputation - Developed versatile skating ability - Attracted industry attention

The offer from Powell-Peralta provided the platform to transform his passion into a career. Little did anyone know that this teenager would help define skateboarding culture for the next four decades.

Mountain’s early life established the foundation for his unique position in skateboarding history: the inventor, the pioneer, the artist, and the professional who sustained relevance across multiple eras of skateboarding evolution.

Lance Mountain - Career Chronology

Powell-Peralta and the Bones Brigade Era (1981-1990)

Joining the Bones Brigade (1981)

At age 17, Lance Mountain became one of the original members of the Powell-Peralta Bones Brigade, joining icons like Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Rodney Mullen, Mike McGill, and Tommy Guerrero. This assembled team would define progressive skateboarding throughout the 1980s.

Early Bones Brigade Years (1981-1983): - Monthly salary of approximately $300-500 - Travel to emerging skate competitions - Development of vert skating skills - Building relationships with teammates - Creation of signature skateboard graphics

The Bones Brigade Videos

“The Bones Brigade Video Show” (1984): - First major video appearance - Introduced Mountain to global audience - Featured early vert skating progression - Established video part format

“Future Primitive” (1985): - Expanded video presence - Showed technical lip trick development - Growing confidence on large ramps

“The Search for Animal Chin” (1987): - Landmark skateboarding video - Mountain had significant role in plot - Featured legendary ramp locations - Combined skateboarding with narrative - Remains culturally significant decades later

“Public Domain” (1988): - Continued video presence - Demonstrated versatility across terrain

“Axe Rated” (1989): - Later Powell-Peralta period - Showed evolution of style

Competition Success (1980s)

Mountain was a consistent competitor throughout the 1980s:

Major Competition Results: - Multiple top-5 finishes in professional vert competitions - Consistent podium appearances at NSA (National Skateboarding Association) events - Masters Division success as career progressed - Known for clean runs and technical consistency

Competition Style: - Smooth, flowing runs - Technical lip trick combinations - Reliable consistency under pressure - Less focused on single big tricks, more on overall run quality

Signature Decks and Graphics

Mountain released multiple signature models with Powell-Peralta: - Initial graphic designs featured his input - Developed artistic skills through collaboration - Created iconic imagery still recognized today - Graphics often featured humorous or ironic elements

The Firm Era (1990-early 2000s)

Company Formation (1990)

In 1990, Mountain and fellow Bones Brigade alum Ray Barbee founded The Firm, a skateboard company focused on a more soulful, less aggressive approach to skating than the mainstream trend.

Company Philosophy: - Focus on fun and creativity - Rejection of super-competitive skate culture - Emphasis on style over technical difficulty - Support for diverse skateboarding disciplines

Video Projects

“La Buena Vida” (1992): - The Firm’s first major video - Showcased team philosophy - Mountain’s skating in new context

“Can’t Stop” (1996): - Continued The Firm’s video tradition - Mountain’s continued evolution as skater

The Firm’s Impact

While never the largest company, The Firm influenced skateboarding culture by: - Supporting diverse skate styles - Maintaining quality through industry downturns - Providing platform for unique voices - Eventually distributing Black Label and other brands

Ray Barbee Collaboration

Mountain’s partnership with Ray Barbee at The Firm represented one of skateboarding’s most respected creative collaborations. Both shared: - Musical interests - Artistic pursuits - Philosophical approach to skating - DIY ethos

Flip Skateboards Era (2003-present)

Joining Flip (2003)

In 2003, Mountain joined Flip Skateboards, the British-American company founded by Jeremy Fox and Ian Deacon. This partnership continues to the present day.

Why Flip: - Company respected for video production - Strong team culture - Global distribution - Support for veteran riders

Flip Video Appearances

“Sorry” (2002): - Mountain joined after this video’s success - Established Flip’s reputation for groundbreaking videos

“Really Sorry” (2004): - Mountain’s first major Flip video part - Showed continued progression at age 40 - Featured mix of vert and transition skating

“Extremely Sorry” (2009): - Mountain part at age 45 - Demonstrated longevity rare in skateboarding - Mix of backyard pool and vert skating

“Weight of the World” (2020s era): - Continued presence in Flip projects - Skating in his late 50s

Current Sponsorship Stability

Mountain’s current sponsor list represents long-term industry relationships: - Flip Skateboards: 20+ years - Independent Trucks: 30+ years - Spitfire Wheels: 20+ years - Nike SB: 15+ years

Competition Career Highlights

Major Contests (1980s-1990s)

National Skateboarding Association (NSA) Events: - Regular top-5 finisher in pro vert - Multiple podium appearances - Consistent qualifier for finals

Masters Division Success: - As competitions added age divisions, Mountain dominated - Masters Division championships at multiple events - Proved age didn’t diminish skill

X Games History

Mountain competed in early X Games events: - Participated in vert skating competitions - Helped legitimize skateboarding in mainstream sports context - Demonstrated sportsmanship and professionalism

Film and Media Career

Documentary Appearances

“Dogtown and Z-Boys” (2001): - Featured as bridge generation skater - Provided historical context - Stacy Peralta documentary

“Bones Brigade: An Autobiography” (2012): - Central figure in documentary - Extensive interviews about Powell-Peralta era - Explored personal history and relationships - Emotional revelations about career and family

“The Search for Animal Chin” Anniversary: - Multiple retrospective interviews - Cultural impact discussions - Reunion events with cast

Video Production

Mountain has contributed behind the camera: - Photography for skate magazines - Video editing assistance - Creative direction for projects - Graphic design for brands

Artistic and Creative Career

Skateboard Graphics

Mountain has designed graphics for: - His own signature models - Team boards for various companies - Special collaborative projects - Art shows and gallery exhibitions

Fine Art

Beyond skate graphics, Mountain creates: - Paintings and drawings - Sculptural work - Mixed media pieces - Gallery exhibitions

His art often features: - Skateboarding imagery - Industrial and mechanical themes - Humor and irony - DIY aesthetic

Fingerboard Legacy

Original Patent (1970s-1980s)

Mountain’s fingerboard invention remained largely dormant commercially until the 1990s.

Tech Deck Era (1990s-2000s)

When fingerboarding exploded in popularity: - Mountain acknowledged as inventor - Various companies produced fingerboards - Tech Deck became dominant brand - Mountain’s original patent had expired

Current Fingerboard Involvement

Mountain remains involved in fingerboarding: - Consultant to fingerboard brands - Collector of vintage fingerboards - Recognition as sport’s founder - Participation in fingerboard events

Career Statistics and Milestones

Video Parts

• 15+ major video parts spanning 1984-2020s
• One of few skaters with parts across four decades
• Consistent video presence for 40 years

Signature Models

• 20+ signature skateboard decks released
• Multiple shoe collaborations
• Apparel and accessory lines

Competition Record

• Professional competition career: 1981-2000s
• Masters division dominance: 2000s-present
• Estimated 100+ competition appearances

Career Longevity Analysis

Decade-by-Decade Presence

• 1980s: Rising star, Bones Brigade member
• 1990s: Company owner, industry leader
• 2000s: Established veteran, Flip team rider
• 2010s: Masters division competitor, industry elder
• 2020s: Active skater at age 60+

Factors in Longevity

Mountain’s sustained career results from: - Versatility: Skates multiple terrain types - Style: Smooth technique reduces injury risk - Passion: Genuine love for skateboarding - Adaptability: Evolved with changing industry - Professionalism: Reliable industry partner

Current Status (2024)

At age 60, Lance Mountain remains: - Active professional skateboarder - Flip Skateboards team rider - Regular presence at skate events - Continuing artistic pursuits - Living in California - Skating several times per week

His career represents one of skateboarding’s most remarkable sustained presences, spanning from the empty pools of the 1970s to the global Olympic sport of the 2020s.

Achievements and Records

Major Accomplishments

Lance Mountain’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 Lance Mountain 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

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

Lance Mountain - Technique and Playing Style

Overview

Lance Mountain’s skateboarding style represents the convergence of technical precision, smooth flow, and creative approach to terrain. While never the most acrobatic skater, Mountain developed a distinctive technique that has influenced generations of transition skaters. His style emphasizes consistency, creativity, and the pure joy of skateboarding over competitive technicality.

Stance and Fundamentals

Regular Stance

Mountain skates regular-footed (left foot forward), which has remained consistent throughout his 40+ year career. His stance is characterized by: - Stable, balanced platform - Knees bent in ready position - Weight centered over board - Arms positioned for balance

Foot Positioning

• Front foot: Positioned just behind front bolts for control
• Back foot: On tail for leverage and pop
• Weight distribution: Adjusts based on trick and terrain
• Pressure control: Precise foot pressure for lip tricks

Vert and Transition Skating

Lip Trick Technique

Mountain is renowned for his mastery of lip tricks on vert ramps and pools:

Axel Stall: - Smooth stall on back truck - Controlled re-entry - Often used as setup for sequential tricks

Disaster: - Quick, precise execution - Balanced landing on deck - Flow into next maneuver

Blunt to Fakie: - Controlled stall on tail - Smooth pivot back into transition - Demonstrates board control mastery

Smith Grind: - Front truck on coping, back truck in transition - Consistent grind length - Clean exit

Aerial Technique

While not known for the highest airs, Mountain’s aerial technique features: - Controlled rotation: Clean 180s, 360s, and variations - Smooth landings: Feet positioned for immediate flow - Height efficiency: Maximum trick execution from minimal air - Safety awareness: Calculated risk assessment

Transition Flow

Mountain’s greatest technical strength is his flow through transitions: - Seamless connection of tricks - Maintaining speed through lines - Creative use of ramp features - Reading terrain to maximize flow

Pool and Bowl Skating

Pool-Specific Techniques

Mountain helped pioneer modern pool skating with techniques including:

Corner Navigation: - Reading pool curves - Maintaining speed through corners - Using pool walls for momentum

Coping Interaction: - Grinds and slides on pool coping - Lip tricks adapted to pool environment - Creative use of pool features

Transition Variety: - Adapting to different pool shapes - Technical tricks on varied surfaces - Flow through complex pool layouts

Modern Pool Revival

As pool skating experienced resurgence, Mountain adapted his technique: - Incorporating modern flip tricks into pool lines - Higher speed approaches - Technical lip combinations - Integration of street-influenced maneuvers

Street and Flatground

Versatility

While primarily known for transition skating, Mountain maintains street capability: - Basic flip tricks and manuals - Transition to street terrain - Adaptation of vert techniques to street

Current Street Approach

At age 60, Mountain’s street skating emphasizes: - Cruising and flow - Basic flip tricks - Fun over technicality - Consistency over difficulty

Inventive and Creative Approach

The Mountain Method

Mountain’s technique is defined by creative problem-solving: - Finding ridable terrain in unlikely places - Adapting tricks to available features - DIY approach to spot creation - Experimentation with board positions

Innovation in Action

Examples of Mountain’s technical innovation: - Early adoption of sequential lip tricks - Creative use of ramp extensions - Combining unrelated tricks into lines - Adapting pool techniques to modern terrain

Style and Aesthetic

The Smooth Approach

Mountain’s skating appears effortless due to: - Relaxed upper body - Flowing arm movements - Natural weight shifts - Minimal tension in execution

The Humorous Element

Mountain often incorporates humor into his skating: - Intentionally awkward positions - Self-aware bails and attempts - Playful trick selection - Not taking himself too seriously

Technical Evolution

1980s Era

Early career technique focused on: - Vert ramp fundamentals - Pool riding basics - Consistent lip tricks - Competition-oriented runs

1990s Transition

As street skating dominated, Mountain adapted: - Maintained transition focus - Added street-influenced tricks - Developed more creative approach - Reduced competition focus

2000s and Beyond

Current technique emphasizes: - Masters division consistency - Creative line construction - Pure enjoyment of skating - Technical refinement over progression

Equipment Preferences

Board Setup

Mountain’s equipment choices reflect his style: - Deck: Flip Skateboards signature models, typically 8.5”+ width - Trucks: Independent Trucks (149 or 169 models for stability) - Wheels: Spitfire Wheels (54-56mm, 99-101a durometer) - Bearings: Bronson Speed Co. for smooth roll - Grip: Mob Grip for traction

Equipment Evolution

Over his career, Mountain has adapted to equipment changes: - Wider decks for stability - Larger wheels for speed and transition - Higher trucks for vert skating - Evolving shoe technology

Comparison to Contemporaries

Versus Tony Hawk

• Hawk: Higher airs, more technical difficulty
• Mountain: Smoother flow, more creative lines
• Both: Vert pioneers, Bones Brigade teammates

Versus Steve Caballero

• Caballero: Inventor of numerous tricks, goofy-footed
• Mountain: Regular-footed, flow-focused approach
• Both: Pool skating innovators

Versus Modern Vert Skaters

• Modern: Higher technical difficulty, bigger tricks
• Mountain: Style and flow emphasis, technical consistency
• Both: Share love of transition skating

Statistical Profile

While statistics are less relevant in skateboarding than traditional sports, Mountain’s technical profile includes: - Consistent landing percentage on lip tricks - High completion rate in competition runs - Ability to skate multiple terrain types - Sustained technical ability across decades

Training and Practice

Maintenance Routine

To sustain his career into his 60s, Mountain emphasizes: - Regular stretching and warm-up - Consistent skating schedule - Listening to body signals - Adapting difficulty to physical condition

Technical Focus

Current practice emphasizes: - Maintaining fundamentals - Smooth execution over difficulty - Creative line exploration - Enjoyment of process

Influence on Technique

Impact on Vert Skating

Mountain influenced vert skating through: - Smooth run construction - Lip trick combinations - Flow emphasis - Professional approach

Impact on Pool Skating

Mountain’s pool contributions include: - Reading pool terrain - Coping trick techniques - Line construction in pools - Revival of pool skating culture

Conclusion

Lance Mountain’s technique represents the ideal of sustainable, enjoyable skateboarding. His style proves that technical mastery doesn’t require athletic risk-taking, and that creativity often surpasses difficulty in lasting impact. At age 60, his continued ability to skate at a high level validates his approach—smooth, consistent, and genuinely fun.

His technical legacy is not measured in specific tricks invented or competitions won, but in the countless skaters who adopted his philosophy: skate for the love of it, master your fundamentals, and never stop pushing your own boundaries, regardless of age or changing trends.

Lance Mountain - Personal Life

Family Background

Lance Mountain grew up in a middle-class family in Pasadena, California. His parents provided stable support for his unconventional career path, even as skateboarding evolved from hobby to profession. The suburban Southern California environment of the 1970s and 1980s provided the perfect backdrop for his skateboarding development.

He has a brother who also skateboarded in the early days, creating a family culture that embraced alternative sports. This sibling connection to skateboarding helped normalize his passion within the family structure.

Current Residence

Mountain has maintained residence in California throughout his life: - Primary Residence: Alhambra, California (Los Angeles area) - Previous Locations: Various Pasadena-area suburbs - Connection to Area: Lifelong Southern California resident

His choice to remain in the Los Angeles area reflects his deep roots in California skate culture and proximity to skate industry headquarters and premier skate spots.

Marriage and Family

Wife: Suzanne Mountain

Lance Mountain has been married to Suzanne for several decades. Their long-term marriage has provided stability throughout his unconventional career.

Partnership Characteristics: - Suzanne has supported Lance’s skateboarding career - Shared commitment to family - Private relationship away from skate industry spotlight - Partnership through industry’s ups and downs

Children

Mountain and Suzanne have children together, though they maintain privacy regarding family details: - Children have been kept largely out of public skateboarding spotlight - Family life separate from professional persona - Balance between skateboarding career and family responsibilities

Personal Interests Beyond Skateboarding

Art and Design

Mountain’s creative pursuits extend beyond skate graphics: - Painting: Acrylic and mixed media works - Sculpture: Assemblage and found-object art - Drawing: Illustration and sketch work - Gallery Shows: Periodic exhibitions of artwork

His artistic style reflects industrial and mechanical themes, often incorporating humor and DIY aesthetics that mirror his skateboarding approach.

Music

Mountain has deep connections to music culture: - Punk Rock: Grew up with Southern California punk scene - Music Collection: Extensive vinyl and music memorabilia - Band Connections: Friendships with musicians from punk era - Soundtrack Work: Music supervision for video projects

The connection between punk rock and skateboarding in the 1980s significantly influenced Mountain’s worldview and approach to both skating and business.

Automotive and Mechanical Interests

Mountain maintains interest in mechanical and automotive culture: - Car Culture: Southern California car scene participation - Mechanical Projects: Working on vehicles and machinery - Industrial Design: Appreciation for functional design - DIY Repair: Maintains his own equipment

These interests often appear in his artwork and skateboard graphics.

Photography and Video

Beyond skating in videos, Mountain engages in: - Skate Photography: Documenting spots and sessions - Video Production: Behind-the-camera work - Archiving: Preserving skateboarding history - Technical Knowledge: Understanding of filming equipment

Personality and Demeanor

Public Persona

Mountain is known in skateboarding for: - Humility: Despite legendary status, remains approachable - Humor: Self-deprecating and ironic sense of humor - Supportiveness: Encourages younger skaters - Professionalism: Reliable in business relationships

Private Nature

Unlike some skateboarding personalities, Mountain maintains privacy: - Limited social media presence - Selective about media interviews - Family life separate from public persona - Focus on actions over self-promotion

Philosophical Approach

Mountain’s worldview reflects: - DIY Ethic: Do-it-yourself independence - Authenticity: Genuine love of skateboarding - Anti-Commercialism: Skepticism of mainstream co-optation - Community: Belief in skater-owned culture

Health and Physical Condition

Injury History

Like all skateboarders, Mountain has experienced injuries: - Knee Issues: Wear and tear from decades of skating - Ankle Injuries: Common skateboarding injuries - Back Problems: From falls and repetitive motion - Minor Injuries: Countless scrapes and bruises

Current Physical Condition (Age 60)

Mountain maintains remarkable physical condition for his age: - Still skates several times per week - Manages chronic issues through conditioning - Adapts skating style to physical limitations - Prioritizes longevity over progression

Wellness Practices

To sustain his career, Mountain emphasizes: - Regular stretching and warm-up - Listening to body signals - Rest and recovery - Accepting physical limitations

Business Philosophy

Approach to Sponsorship

Mountain’s sponsor relationships reflect his values: - Loyalty: Maintains long-term relationships - Integrity: Partners with brands he respects - Authenticity: Only promotes products he uses - Reciprocity: Supports companies that support him

Views on Industry

Mountain has witnessed skateboarding’s evolution: - Independent Spirit: Values skater-owned businesses - Cultural Concerns: Watches mainstream commercialization critically - Optimism: Believes in skateboarding’s resilience - Mentorship: Supports younger industry figures

Relationships Within Skateboarding

Bones Brigade Bonds

Mountain maintains close relationships with Bones Brigade teammates: - Tony Hawk: Lifelong friendship and mutual respect - Steve Caballero: Shared history and continued connection - Rodney Mullen: Respect for Mullen’s innovation - Mike McGill: Shared Bones Brigade legacy - Tommy Guerrero: Ongoing friendship and collaboration

These relationships, formed in the 1980s, represent some of the longest-standing bonds in skateboarding.

Flip Skateboards Relationships

At Flip, Mountain is: - Mentor to younger team riders - Respected veteran presence - Part of company’s identity - Friend to team members

Industry-Wide Respect

Mountain is universally respected across skateboarding: - Younger Skaters: View him as legend and inspiration - Peers: Respect his longevity and contributions - Industry Figures: Value his professionalism - Media: Appreciate his accessibility and honesty

Media and Public Relations

Interview Philosophy

When Mountain does grant interviews, he is known for: - Honest, unfiltered responses - Humor and self-deprecation - Historical perspective on skateboarding - Avoidance of controversy

Documentary Participation

Mountain’s participation in documentaries reflects: - Willingness to share history - Vulnerability about personal struggles - Desire to document skateboarding authentically - Respect for filmmakers like Stacy Peralta

Social Media Approach

Mountain maintains minimal social media presence: - Instagram: Occasional posts through sponsors - Privacy: Values real-world connections - Content: Shares skating and art, not personal life - Philosophy: Prefers doing over documenting

Philanthropy and Community

Skatepark Advocacy

Mountain supports: - Public skatepark development - Community skate programs - Youth access to skateboarding - DIY spot preservation

Historical Preservation

He contributes to: - Skateboarding history documentation - Vintage skateboard preservation - Oral history projects - Museum exhibitions

Charitable Work

While not publicly prominent, Mountain participates in: - Charity skate events - Art auctions for causes - Benefit video appearances - Community support

Controversies and Challenges

Minimal Controversy

Mountain has largely avoided scandal: - No public legal issues - Professional reputation remains clean - Personal life kept private - Avoids skate industry drama

Industry Criticisms

Occasional criticism has included: - Being too commercial (counter-culture critique) - Not progressive enough technically - Corporate sponsorship acceptance - All generally minor within skate culture

Personal Challenges

Mountain has been open about: - Struggles with confidence early in career - Family challenges during Bones Brigade era - Balancing career and personal life - Physical challenges of aging

Current Lifestyle (2024)

At age 60, Mountain’s lifestyle includes: - Regular skate sessions (3-5 times per week) - Art creation and gallery work - Time with family - Selective industry appearances - Golf and other recreational activities - Automotive and mechanical projects - Music and cultural interests

Values and Beliefs

Mountain’s life reflects core values: 1. Authenticity: Being genuine in all endeavors 2. Perseverance: Continuing despite challenges 3. Community: Supporting skateboarding culture 4. Creativity: Expressing oneself through art and skating 5. Humility: Maintaining perspective despite success 6. Loyalty: Honoring long-term relationships 7. Independence: DIY approach to life and work

Legacy of Character

Beyond his skateboarding achievements, Mountain’s personal life represents: - Successful navigation of fame and privacy - Long-term commitment to marriage and family - Sustained creative output across decades - Professional integrity in business dealings - Support for skateboarding community - Graceful aging within action sports

Lance Mountain’s personal life demonstrates that one can achieve legendary status in a countercultural pursuit while maintaining stability, integrity, and authenticity. His 40+ year career has been marked not just by skateboarding innovation, but by consistent character and genuine love for the culture he helped build.

Lance Mountain - Legacy and Cultural Impact

Historical Significance

Lance Mountain occupies a unique position in skateboarding history as the connective tissue between multiple eras. His 43+ year professional career spans from the empty pools of the 1970s through skateboarding’s Olympic debut in 2020, making him one of the few active links to skateboarding’s formative years.

The Bridge Generation

Mountain represents the generation that bridged: - Dogtown Era (1970s): The pioneering pool skaters - Bones Brigade Era (1980s): The first commercial boom - Street Era (1990s): The shift to urban terrain - Modern Era (2000s-present): Global sport status

His continuous presence provides historical continuity that few other figures can claim.

The Bones Brigade Legacy

The Most Influential Skate Team Ever

As a member of the Powell-Peralta Bones Brigade, Mountain helped create the template for professional skateboarding teams. The Bones Brigade, consisting of Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Rodney Mullen, Mike McGill, Lance Mountain, and Tommy Guerrero, achieved unprecedented cultural penetration.

Cultural Impact: - “The Search for Animal Chin” remains the most influential skate video ever - Bones Brigade members became household names among youth - Team model copied by every subsequent skate brand - Video part established as career essential

Mountain’s Specific Contribution

Within the Bones Brigade, Mountain provided: - The relatable everyman quality - Humor and accessibility - Technical consistency - Artistic sensibility - Longevity and dedication

While Hawk provided acrobatics and Mullen provided invention, Mountain provided authenticity.

Innovation and Invention

The Fingerboard Revolution

Mountain’s invention of the fingerboard may be his most lasting cultural contribution:

Impact Timeline: - 1970s: Invention and patent - 1990s: Commercial explosion - 2000s: Global fingerboarding scene - 2010s-present: Competitive fingerboarding

Cultural Significance: - Created entirely new micro-sport - Billions of fingerboards sold globally - Professional fingerboarders exist today - International fingerboard competitions - YouTube fingerboarding phenomenon

Legacy Recognition: - Universally acknowledged as inventor - Profiled in fingerboard documentaries - Honored by fingerboard community - Original patents and prototypes collector’s items

Skateboarding Progression

Mountain contributed to skateboarding evolution: - Early adoption of aerial maneuvers - Technical lip trick development - Pool riding techniques - Transition flow concepts - DIY spot creation philosophy

Longevity as Achievement

Unprecedented Career Span

Mountain’s 43+ year professional career is unmatched in skateboarding:

Age Milestones: - Professional at age 17 (1981) - Still pro at age 30 (1994) - rare at that time - Still pro at age 40 (2004) - nearly unprecedented - Still pro at age 50 (2014) - legendary status - Still pro at age 60 (2024) - singular achievement

Active Skating at Age 60: - Still skates vert ramps - Still appears in video parts - Still maintains sponsorships - Still influences younger skaters

Breaking Age Barriers

Mountain has redefined what’s possible for aging skateboarders: - Proved skating can be lifetime pursuit - Showed technique sustains longer than athleticism - Demonstrated age doesn’t eliminate relevance - Created template for older skaters

Cultural Philosophy and Influence

The DIY Ethic

Mountain embodies skateboarding’s do-it-yourself ethos: - Founded his own company (The Firm) - Creates his own art - Invented his own equipment (fingerboard) - Supports skater-owned businesses

This philosophy has influenced: - Entrepreneurial skaters - Artist-skater hybrids - Independent company founders - DIY spot creators

Style Over Difficulty

Mountain championed an approach emphasizing: - Smooth execution over technical difficulty - Flow and creativity - Fun over competition - Individual expression

This influence appears in: - Modern transition skaters - Pool skating revival - Masters division skaters - Recreational skating culture

The Humorous Approach

Mountain’s self-deprecating humor influenced skate culture: - Not taking oneself too seriously - Celebrating the bail as much as the make - Irony and sarcasm in skate media - Anti-corporate attitude

Industry Impact

Sponsorship Model

Mountain’s career shaped modern sponsorship: - Long-term relationships over short deals - Loyalty to core sponsors - Authentic promotion - Professional reliability

Company Ownership

The Firm demonstrated: - Skater-owned business viability - Quality over quantity approach - Survival through industry downturns - Support for diverse skating styles

Artist-Skater Archetype

Mountain established the template for skaters as artists: - Professional skating career - Parallel art practice - Graphics design contribution - Gallery exhibition presence

Media and Documentation

Video Impact

Mountain’s video parts influenced: - Video part construction - Transition skating representation - Humor in skate videos - Masters division visibility

Documentary Significance

“Bones Brigade: An Autobiography” (2012): - Award-winning documentary - Mountain provided emotional core - Revealed personal struggles - Historical documentation

Historical Preservation

Mountain contributes to skate history: - Vintage skateboard collection - Historical knowledge sharing - Museum consultation - Oral history participation

Influence on Modern Skateboarding

Current Skaters Citing Mountain

Numerous professional skaters cite Mountain as influence: - Transition skaters: Style and approach - Pool skaters: Technique and philosophy - Veteran skaters: Longevity inspiration - Artists: Creative expression model

Modern Vert Skating

Mountain’s influence on current vert skating: - Flow-oriented runs - Lip trick combinations - Style emphasis - Age-defying persistence

Masters Division

Mountain helped legitimize age divisions: - Proves competitive value of older skaters - Creates career extension possibilities - Inspires skaters to continue - Validates lifelong skating

All-Time Rankings Assessment

Historical Standing

Among skateboarding’s all-time greats, Mountain ranks: - Top 10 in cultural influence - Top 5 in career longevity - Top 3 in transition skating pioneers - Top contributor to skate art

Unique Position

No other skater matches Mountain’s combination of: - Innovation (fingerboard) - Longevity (43+ years pro) - Cultural impact (Bones Brigade) - Artistic contribution - Continued relevance

Comparisons to Peers

Versus Tony Hawk

• Hawk: Higher mainstream profile, bigger tricks
• Mountain: Longer sponsorship stability, artistic contribution
• Both: Bones Brigade legacy, historical significance

Versus Rodney Mullen

• Mullen: Technical invention, street skating father
• Mountain: Cultural continuity, transition influence
• Both: Innovation, Bones Brigade members

Versus Steve Caballero

• Caballero: Trick invention, goofy-footed pioneer
• Mountain: Regular-footed flow, artistic contribution
• Both: Pool skating pioneers, Bones Brigade

The Legacy in Numbers

Career Statistics

• Years Professional: 43+ (1981-present)
• Video Parts: 20+ major parts
• Signature Decks: 25+ models
• Age Still Active: 60+

Cultural Impact Metrics

• Fingerboards Sold: Billions (industry spawned)
• Videos Sold: Millions (Bones Brigade videos)
• Skaters Influenced: Millions (generations of skaters)
• Documentary Views: Millions (streaming and broadcast)

Philosophical Legacy

Skateboarding as Lifestyle

Mountain demonstrated that skateboarding is: - Lifetime pursuit, not youth phase - Source of joy at any age - Community and culture - Valid career path

Authenticity in Action

His career validates: - Staying true to one’s style - Long-term commitment over quick gains - Supporting community over pure commercialism - Art and sport as complementary pursuits

Conclusion

Lance Mountain’s legacy defies simple categorization. He is: - Inventor: Created fingerboarding - Pioneer: Part of vert skating’s foundation - Artist: Established skater-artist model - Entrepreneur: Founded The Firm - Historian: Living link to skateboarding’s past - Inspiration: Proof that skating is for life

His impact will continue through: - Every fingerboard sold - Every older skater still riding - Every transition skater flowing a line - Every skater who prioritizes style - Every artist-skater creating work

Lance Mountain didn’t just participate in skateboarding history—he helped define it, sustained it through challenging periods, and continues to embody its best qualities into his seventh decade of life. In a culture that often celebrates youth and novelty, Mountain stands as proof that authenticity, dedication, and genuine love for skateboarding create a legacy that outlasts any single trick or trend.

His name belongs alongside the most influential figures in skateboarding history—not because he was the most acrobatic or won the most competitions, but because he never stopped, never sold out, and never lost the joy that makes skateboarding matter.