Mike McGill

Mike McGill (born September 2, 1964) is an American professional skateboarder widely regarded as one of the most influential vert skaters in the history of the sport. He is best known for inventing the McTwist, a revolutionary aerial maneuver that combined a front flip with a 540-degree rotation, which fundamentally changed the possibilities of vertical skateboarding and influenced generations of skaters across multiple board sports.

McGill was a central figure in the legendary Bones Brigade team sponsored by Powell-Peralta during the 1980s, appearing alongside skateboarding icons such as Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain, Rodney Mullen, and Tommy Guerrero. His innovations helped transition skateboarding from a surf-inspired activity to a legitimate athletic pursuit with its own distinct identity and technical vocabulary.

Beyond his competitive achievements, McGill has maintained a continuous presence in skateboarding culture for over four decades, transitioning from professional competitor to entrepreneur, skate shop owner, and industry veteran. His McTwist remains one of the most recognizable and referenced tricks in skateboarding history, with variations performed in snowboarding, BMX, and other action sports.

McGill was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2017, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s true pioneers who helped define the technical boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard.

Early Life

Mike McGill was born on September 2, 1964, and spent his formative years in Florida. Growing up in the southeastern United States during the 1970s, McGill was exposed to skateboarding during the sport’s first wave of mainstream popularity. The Florida skate scene, with its warm climate and proliferation of empty swimming pools, provided an ideal environment for young skaters to develop their skills.

In 1978, at age 14, McGill made his first trip to California alongside fellow Floridian skaters. This journey exposed him to the epicenter of skateboarding culture and the emerging professional scene. California represented the pinnacle of skateboarding at the time, with its purpose-built skateparks and concentration of professional talent. This early exposure to the West Coast skate scene would prove formative in McGill’s development as a skater and his understanding of skateboarding’s potential as a career.

McGill’s goofy-footed stance (right foot forward) would become one of his trademarks, influencing the way he approached tricks and transitions. His early skating was characterized by a powerful, aggressive style that distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.

During his teenage years, McGill immersed himself in the emerging vertical skateboarding scene. The late 1970s represented a pivotal moment in skateboarding history, as the empty pools of Southern California and the first generation of concrete skateparks provided new terrain for skaters to explore. McGill’s timing could not have been better—he entered the sport just as it was transitioning from urethane wheels and clay bearings to the precision equipment that would enable technical progression.

By the early 1980s, McGill had established himself as one of the most promising young talents in American skateboarding, catching the attention of industry figures who would play crucial roles in his professional development.

Career

The Bones Brigade Era

Mike McGill’s professional career reached its zenith as a member of the Bones Brigade, the elite skateboarding team sponsored by Powell-Peralta. Led by Stacey Peralta, a former professional skateboarder turned filmmaker and team manager, the Bones Brigade dominated professional skateboarding throughout the 1980s. The team roster read like a who’s who of skateboarding legends: Lance Mountain, Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Steve Caballero, and Tommy Guerrero alongside McGill.

The Bones Brigade represented a new model for professional skateboarding teams. Rather than simply sponsoring individual skaters, Powell-Peralta created a cohesive unit that appeared together in groundbreaking videos, traveled as a group, and cross-pollinated ideas and techniques. This collaborative environment proved essential for technical innovation.

Video Parts and Media Presence

McGill appeared prominently in Powell-Peralta’s influential video series, most notably in “The Search for Animal Chin” (1987). These videos were revolutionary for their time, introducing narrative elements and high production values to skateboarding media. They helped transform skateboarding from a regional subculture into a national and international phenomenon.

The Bones Brigade videos documented the rapid progression of skateboarding during the 1980s. McGill’s parts showcased his powerful vert style and the technical innovations that would define his career. The videos circulated through skate shops and on VHS tapes, inspiring a generation of young skaters across the country.

The Invention of the McTwist

McGill’s most significant contribution to skateboarding came in 1984 when he invented the McTwist. The trick was born during a trip to Rättvik, Sweden, where McGill was skating on a wooden half-pipe. Inspired by Fred Blood’s 540-degree rotation on roller skates, McGill sought to combine a front flip with a 540-degree mute grab aerial.

After numerous attempts, McGill successfully landed the maneuver. When he returned to the United States, he performed it at the Del Mar Skate Ranch’s concrete bowl, known as “The Keyhole.” Lance Mountain documented the trick with a sequence shot on a single-shot camera for the Bones Brigade Intelligence Report, requiring McGill to perform it 27 times in the same spot. Rodney Mullen subsequently named the trick the “McTwist,” combining the “Mc” from McGill’s name with “twist,” referencing the Gay Twist invented by Mountain and Neil Blender.

The McTwist was groundbreaking because it represented a new category of aerial maneuver—an inverted rotation that combined flipping and spinning in ways previously considered impossible on a skateboard.

Contest Career

McGill competed in over 30 professional contests during his career, securing multiple first-place finishes and consistently placing in the top tier of competitors. His contest record includes:

• 1st place, 1981 Kona “Go For It” Contest, Jacksonville, Florida (Pool)
• 1st place, 1982 Christmas Classic Contest, Upland Skatepark (Pool)
• 1st place, 1986 NSA Pro/Am Contest, Skatepark of Houston, Texas (Vert)
• 1st place, 1987 Raging Waters’ Boomer Ramp, San Jose, Doubles with Steve Steadham (Vert)
• 2nd place, 1986 NSA Contest, Del Mar (Pool)
• 2nd place, 1986 Go Skate Sacramento Pro/Am Contest (Vert)
• 2nd place, 1987 NSA Shut Up and Skate Contest, Skatepark of Houston, Texas (Vert)
• 3rd place, 1983 Turkey Shoot Contest, Upland Skatepark (Pool)
• 3rd place, 1986 East Coast Assault Contest, Virginia Beach, Mount Trashmore (Vert)
• 3rd place, 1989 NSA Vertical Championships, Hara Arena, Dayton, Ohio (Vert)

His consistent high placements throughout the 1980s established him as one of the era’s dominant competitive forces.

Post-Bones Brigade Career

As street skating began to dominate the industry in the late 1980s and early 1990s, McGill, primarily a vert skater, transitioned to the business side of skateboarding. He founded Chapter Seven Skateboards, which, while eventually defunct, represented his first foray into brand ownership.

McGill also opened his own skate park, further cementing his commitment to skateboarding infrastructure and community development. His understanding of the sport’s business aspects positioned him for long-term sustainability in an industry where many professional careers proved short-lived.

In 2006, McGill was featured in a Discovery Channel commercial as the inventor of the McTwist, highlighting his continued cultural relevance decades after the trick’s invention.

McGill appeared alongside his Bones Brigade teammates in the 2012 documentary “Bones Brigade: An Autobiography,” directed by Stacey Peralta. The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, bringing skateboarding history to mainstream film audiences. A trailer was released in January 2012, generating significant buzz in both skateboarding and film circles.

Business Ventures

McGill owns and operates McGill’s Skateshop in Encinitas, California, a community-focused skate shop that serves as both retail establishment and gathering place for local skaters. The shop represents McGill’s commitment to skateboarding’s grassroots culture and his understanding that local skate shops serve as crucial infrastructure for the sport.

Additionally, McGill has developed a line of beginner skateboards, safety equipment, and portable skate ramps marketed through Walmart. This business line makes skateboarding accessible to newcomers while providing McGill with diversified revenue streams beyond traditional skate industry channels. He has also marketed Air Speed skate shoes through the same retail partnership.

McGill has partnered with Powell-Peralta to reissue his signature skateboard decks from the 1980s, capitalizing on the nostalgia market while introducing his iconic graphics to new generations of skaters.

Acting and Stunt Work

McGill’s skateboarding skills translated to opportunities in film. Alongside Rodney Mullen, he served as the stunt double for Christian Slater in “Gleaming the Cube” (1989), a cult classic skateboarding film that brought skate culture to mainstream cinema audiences.

McGill also had an acting role as Tommy ‘D’ in the 1984 action film “Escape from El Diablo,” starring Jimmy McNichol. Fellow Bones Brigade member Steve Caballero also appeared in the film, representing early efforts to integrate skateboarding into Hollywood productions.

Continued Skating

Despite transitioning to business pursuits, McGill has never stopped skateboarding. He continues to skate, travel for demonstrations, and contribute to skateboarding culture. His longevity in the sport serves as an inspiration to aging skaters and demonstrates that skateboarding can be a lifelong pursuit.

Achievements and Records

Major Accomplishments

Mike McGill’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 Mike McGill 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

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

Technique and Style

Goofy-Footed Stance

Mike McGill skated with a goofy-footed stance (right foot forward), which influenced his approach to transitions and aerials. This stance, while common in skateboarding, gave McGill’s skating a distinctive look and affected the mechanics of his revolutionary McTwist invention.

Vert Specialization

McGill specialized in vertical skateboarding, focusing his efforts on half-pipes, bowls, and other transition terrain. This specialization allowed him to develop the technical expertise necessary for the McTwist and other aerial innovations. While many skaters of his era pursued both vert and street skating, McGill’s dedication to vertical terrain positioned him at the forefront of that discipline’s progression.

His vert style was characterized by powerful, high-amplitude skating. McGill generated significant speed and height, enabling him to attempt maneuvers that required substantial airtime. This amplitude was essential for the McTwist, which demanded enough hangtime to complete both the flip and rotation components.

The McTwist Technique

The McTwist represents a complex combination of:

1. Front Flip: A forward rotation around the lateral axis
2. 540-Degree Spin: A one-and-a-half rotation around the vertical axis
3. Mute Grab: A grab of the board’s nose with the front hand while the back leg is boned (straightened)

The trick is performed by launching from the coping (the rounded edge of the ramp), initiating the front flip while simultaneously spinning 540 degrees, and grabbing the board in the mute position throughout the rotation. The skater lands back on the transition facing the opposite direction from takeoff, having completed 1.5 full spins while inverted.

McGill described his breakthrough moment in Sweden: “Okay, I thought, if I could just get past the 400-degree mark I could bail out to my knees and not land on my head. After a couple dozen tries it happened and I landed one with speed, just like that.”

The McTwist was approximately four feet out from the wall when McGill first landed it, which he found easier than closer to the transition because it allowed him to see what he was doing during the rotation.

Aerial Innovation

McGill’s approach to aerials emphasized combining multiple rotation axes. While early aerials typically involved rotation around a single axis (either spinning horizontally like a 360 or flipping vertically like a frontside air), the McTwist combined both movements simultaneously. This multi-axis approach would become standard in advanced aerial maneuvers.

Mute Grab Preference

The McTwist utilized the mute grab position—front hand grabbing the nose while the back leg is extended. This grab position became one of McGill’s signatures and has remained popular in aerial skateboarding. The mute grab provides stability during inverted rotations while allowing the skater to maintain board control.

Competitive Approach

In competition, McGill was known for consistency and calculated risk. While some competitors attempted high-difficulty tricks with low success rates, McGill balanced technical innovation with reliable execution. This approach served him well in the contest environment of the 1980s, where completing clean runs often proved more valuable than attempting but failing more difficult maneuvers.

Equipment Adaptations

McGill’s skating pushed equipment development. The aerial maneuvers he pioneered required skateboards capable of withstanding significant impact forces and maintaining stability during complex rotations. His association with Powell-Peralta positioned him at the forefront of equipment evolution during a period of rapid advancement in deck construction, truck design, and wheel technology.

Style Legacy

McGill’s powerful, aggressive vert style influenced generations of transition skaters. His approach emphasized amplitude, speed, and commitment—qualities that remain essential in vertical skateboarding today. While modern vert skating has progressed to more complex rotations and combinations, McGill’s fundamental approach to aerials established the technical vocabulary that contemporary skaters continue to build upon.

The McTwist specifically remains a benchmark trick in vert skateboarding. Its difficulty level ensures that only advanced skaters can execute it consistently, yet its invention date (1984) demonstrates how far ahead of his time McGill was in conceptualizing aerial possibilities.

Personal Life

Family Life

Mike McGill is known within the skateboarding community as a family man who has successfully balanced his professional career with personal responsibilities. Unlike some professional skaters whose careers consumed their personal lives, McGill maintained stable family relationships throughout his time in the spotlight.

Relocation to Encinitas

McGill relocated to Encinitas, California, where he established McGill’s Skateshop and integrated himself into the local skateboarding community. Encinitas, located in northern San Diego County, has long been a hub of Southern California skate culture, with proximity to legendary spots and a thriving community of professional skaters.

His presence in Encinitas connects him to a lineage of influential skaters who have called the area home, contributing to the region’s status as a global skateboarding destination.

Business Ownership

As the owner of McGill’s Skateshop, McGill has assumed responsibilities extending beyond his personal skateboarding. The shop requires inventory management, staff supervision, community engagement, and business administration. This entrepreneurial role demonstrates McGill’s evolution from professional athlete to businessman while maintaining his connection to skateboarding culture.

The shop serves as both commercial enterprise and community hub, hosting local skaters, supporting regional events, and providing equipment to the next generation of skateboarders.

Continued Skateboarding

Despite advancing age and decades removed from his competitive peak, McGill continues to skateboard regularly. This commitment to the physical practice of skateboarding distinguishes him from retired athletes who distance themselves from their sport. McGill’s continued skating serves as inspiration for aging skaters and demonstrates that skateboarding can be a lifelong pursuit rather than a youth-limited activity.

His ongoing participation in demonstrations and skate-related travel maintains his visibility within the skateboarding community and provides opportunities for interaction with fans and younger skaters.

Media and Film Appearances

McGill’s film and stunt work, including his role in “Gleaming the Cube” and his stunt doubling for Christian Slater, introduced him to entertainment industry professionals outside skateboarding. These experiences broadened his professional network and provided exposure to production processes that would later benefit his business ventures.

His participation in the “Bones Brigade: An Autobiography” documentary (2012) required extended interviews and promotional activities, reconnecting him with former teammates and introducing his story to new audiences.

Relationship with Bones Brigade Members

McGill has maintained relationships with his Bones Brigade teammates over the decades since their competitive peak. The documentary “Bones Brigade: An Autobiography” documented these enduring connections, showing the mutual respect and shared history among team members including Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain, Rodney Mullen, and Tommy Guerrero.

These relationships represent more than professional networking—they reflect genuine friendships formed during formative years and sustained through shared experiences that few others can fully understand.

Community Engagement

Through his skate shop and continued presence in skateboarding, McGill engages with the broader skateboarding community. This engagement includes mentoring young skaters, supporting local events, and maintaining the infrastructure that enables skateboarding culture to thrive. His status as a Hall of Fame skater gives him unique credibility and influence within this community.

Privacy

McGill has generally maintained a private personal life, avoiding the tabloid attention that has affected some professional athletes. This privacy has allowed him to focus on his business ventures and skateboarding activities without the distractions of celebrity culture. His public presence remains primarily connected to skateboarding rather than personal drama or controversies.

Legacy Planning

Through his business ventures, including product lines and skate shop ownership, McGill has established mechanisms for sustaining his involvement in skateboarding beyond his active skating years. These business interests provide both financial security and continued relevance within the industry he helped shape.

Legacy

Invention of the McTwist

Mike McGill’s legacy rests primarily on his invention of the McTwist in 1984—a trick that fundamentally expanded the technical possibilities of vertical skateboarding. The McTwist was the first inverted 540-degree aerial maneuver in skateboarding history, combining a front flip with a one-and-a-half spin while grabbing the board in mute position. This innovation opened new avenues for aerial progression that skaters continue to explore nearly four decades later.

The McTwist’s influence extends beyond skateboarding into snowboarding, BMX, and other action sports. Shaun White’s double McTwist at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics demonstrated the trick’s evolution and its adoption across disciplines. This cross-pollination establishes McGill as an influential figure in action sports broadly, not just skateboarding specifically.

Bones Brigade Legacy

As a member of the legendary Bones Brigade, McGill contributed to the most influential skateboarding team of the 1980s. The Bones Brigade, under Stacey Peralta’s leadership and Powell-Peralta’s sponsorship, transformed skateboarding from a regional subculture into a national phenomenon. Their videos, including “The Search for Animal Chin,” introduced narrative elements and high production values to skateboarding media, establishing templates that continue to influence skate video production.

McGill’s presence in this collective achievement ensures his place in skateboarding’s institutional memory. The Bones Brigade represents a golden era of skateboarding, and McGill’s contributions to that era remain visible in archival footage and historical documentation.

Technical Innovation

McGill’s approach to aerial maneuvers—combining multiple rotation axes—established technical concepts that became foundational for advanced skateboarding. Before the McTwist, aerials typically involved rotation around a single axis. McGill’s multi-axis approach demonstrated that skaters could simultaneously flip and spin, opening entirely new categories of tricks.

This conceptual breakthrough influenced generations of skaters who built upon McGill’s foundation, progressing from 540s to 720s, 900s, and beyond. Tony Hawk’s McHawk (a 720-degree double Gay twist) was explicitly created as a homage to McGill, demonstrating the direct lineage of influence.

Skateboarding Hall of Fame

McGill’s 2017 induction into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame institutionalized his legacy within skateboarding’s official historical record. This recognition, bestowed by the sport’s governing historical body, confirms McGill’s status as one of skateboarding’s most influential figures and ensures his contributions will be preserved and celebrated by future generations.

Entrepreneurial Model

McGill’s successful transition from professional skater to business owner established a model for career longevity in skateboarding. His ownership of McGill’s Skateshop, product lines distributed through major retail channels, and continued industry involvement demonstrated that skateboarding careers could extend beyond competitive performance into sustainable business ventures.

This entrepreneurial legacy influenced how subsequent generations of professional skaters approached their careers, emphasizing business development and diversified income streams alongside competitive success.

Cultural Impact

The McTwist’s penetration into popular music—referenced by OPM in “Heaven Is a Halfpipe” and the Beastie Boys in “B-Boys Makin with the Freak Freak”—demonstrates McGill’s cultural impact beyond skateboarding’s core audience. These musical references introduced McGill’s name and achievements to mainstream audiences who might never have watched a skate video or attended a contest.

Influence on Equipment Development

McGill’s pioneering aerials pushed equipment manufacturers to develop stronger, more responsive skateboard components. The forces generated by McTwists and similar maneuvers required decks, trucks, and wheels capable of withstanding significant stresses. His association with Powell-Peralta positioned him at the forefront of equipment evolution during a critical period of skateboard development.

Mentorship and Community

Through his skate shop ownership and continued presence in skateboarding, McGill has influenced younger skaters directly through mentorship and example. His demonstration that skateboarding can be a lifelong pursuit—he continues to skate regularly decades after his competitive peak—inspires aging skaters and proves that the sport need not be abandoned as youth fades.

Historical Documentation

McGill’s participation in “Bones Brigade: An Autobiography” (2012) ensured that his story and perspectives would be preserved in high-quality documentary form. The film’s Sundance Film Festival premiere brought skateboarding history to mainstream film audiences, extending McGill’s legacy beyond skateboarding’s traditional media channels.

40th Anniversary Recognition

The 40th anniversary of the McTwist’s invention in 2024 generated renewed media attention and historical recognition. Coverage by outlets including the San Diego Union-Tribune acknowledged McGill’s contribution to “ushering in the next generation of vertical skateboard maneuvers,” demonstrating that his achievements remain relevant and worthy of celebration decades after their initial execution.

This sustained relevance—four decades of influence—is perhaps McGill’s most significant legacy. While many athletes achieve temporary fame, McGill’s contributions to skateboarding technique continue to influence how skaters approach aerial maneuvers, ensuring his place in the sport’s permanent history.