Mark Gonzales

Not to be confused with Mark González.

Mark Gonzales
Mark Gonzales by Skin Phillips
Personal information
Born (1968-06-01) June 1, 1968 (age 56)
South Gate, California, United States
Occupation(s)Skateboarder, artist, company owner

Mark Gonzales (born June 1, 1968), also known as "Gonz", "the Gonz" and "the Godfather", is an American professional skateboarder and artist.[1] A pioneer in the development of modern street skating, he is considered one of the first street-style skateboarders alongside Natas Kaupas. Gonzales and Kaupas are also credited with the first known boardslides on a handrail.[2] Gonzales' pioneering influence on skateboarding has caused him to be known as the "God Father" of modern street skateboarding,[3] and he was named the "Most Influential Skateboarder of All Time" by Transworld Skateboarding magazine in December 2011. Gonzales was placed ahead of Tony Hawk (2nd) and Rodney Mullen (3rd)[4]

  1. ^ Emma Reeves (March 2013). "Gonzo for Mark Gonzales". Interview Magazine. Retrieved March 15, 2013.
  2. ^ https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/history-of-skateboarding [bare URL]
  3. ^ "First & Last: Mark Gonzales". July 22, 2022.
  4. ^ Blair Alley (December 20, 2011). "THE 30 MOST INFLUENTIAL SKATERS OF ALL TIME". Transworld Skateboarding. Bonnier Corporation. Retrieved August 17, 2012.