• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Kickin’ It: An Inside Look at the Life of a Professional Skateboarder

Kelvin Hoefler talks about life on the road, what he looks for in a sponsor and more.

Louie Lopez nails a Fakie Flip (Photo by Jake Darwen)


The Street League Skateboarding (SLS) Nike SB World Tour landed at USC’s Galen Center in Los Angeles last weekend with Nyjah Huston and Lacey Baker winning the Men and Women’s Super Crown World Championship, respectively. Huston and Baker competed against the world’s best skateboarders and 2020 Olympics hopefuls in front of a packed arena.

Fans around the world watched the 2017 SLS Nike SB World Tour live on ETN, the only digital OTT network created by skateboarders featuring original skateboarding shows and live events.

Earlier in the week I sat down with former Super Crown champion, 24-year old Kelvin Hoefler from Brazil, and talked about the skateboarding industry and traveling the world for contests.

“First stop was in Tampa, FL and I did pretty good getting third, then Barcelona and Munich which I’ve never been to before. I like going to new countries because the fans are always different.”

Kelvin Hoefler lands a Nollie Nose Bluntslide. Photo by Justin Crawford)

Hoefler also competed last summer on the Dew Tour and spoke about the contrast between the events.

“The formats vary, like in Tampa you get a one-minute run, and same with the X-Games. Here at SLS you get two minutes to land five types of tricks. We have to adapt to every contest.”

When discussing sponsorships Hoefler was quite open about what he looks for.

“It’s about being comfortable for me. If I like shoes with no laces then I’ll wear Vans. This skate deck by Ammo is the best so I ride with them.”

Lacey Baker hits a Backside 5–0 grind (Photo by Jake Darwen)

The G-SHOCK endorsed athlete is known as one of the most technically sound skaters on tour and I wanted to find out what his favorite trick was.

“I like doing kickflips a lot, I enjoy doing flip tricks for sure,” he added.

Typically skateboarders ride the streets with few spectators, in contrast to a major event like this one inside a sold-out arena.

Hoefler describe the environment stating,

“Yeah it’s going to be gnarly, I like it. I enjoy the added pressure.”

Now that skateboarding has been added as an official sport for the summer Olympics I got the Brazilian’s thoughts looking ahead to Tokyo 2020.

“I’m down! I’ve been waiting for this announcement so I can’t wait to be there. It’s going to be so next level for us skateboarders. It’s been a long time…I’ve been waiting my whole career.”

At the end of this Los Angeles stop, Hoefler put up amazing tricks and walked away with a 3rd place finish.

Nyjah Huston celebrates his win (Photo by Joey Shigeo)

This piece has been presented to you by SMU’s Master of Science in Sport Management.


Front Office Sports is a leading multi-platform publication and industry resource that covers the intersection of business and sports.

Want to learn more, or have a story featured about you or your organization?Contact us today.

https://upscri.be/f32ae1

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) watches his ball clear the wall for a home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park

Rob Manfred Says Any Talk of MLB Salary Cap Is Premature

“No decisions” have been made regarding an MLB salary cap.

Amazon Sports Chief Says NBA, WNBA Coverage Should Be Celebratory

“There’s too much weird negativity out there,” Jay Marine told FOS.

Manfred Says New MLB Rights Deal ‘Replicated’ Money From ESPN Opt-Out

Rob Manfred spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) fakes a hand off in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.

Amazon Says It Wants To Broadcast a Super Bowl

Jay Marine says he is “optimistic” about airing the Big Game.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Athlos
May 4, 2025

Nike Wants to Pull Off the First Women’s Sub-4:00 Mile

Experts speak on whether Nike’s “moonshot” is realistic or a gimmick.
Jul 19, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., United States; Sheryl Swoopes hosts a WBNA All-Star brunch in honor of her former teammate, Nikki McCray Penson, at Thea in Phoenix on July 19, 2024
May 12, 2025

Sheryl Swoopes: A’ja Wilson Shoe Campaign Shows Nike Sea Change

Nike released the Air Swoopes in 1995.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Apr 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; MLB umpire Ron Kulpa (46) calls a third strike during a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field
May 4, 2025

Pro Refs Get Offered Free Lasik for Better Calls. Some Took It

Some pro officials have sprung for the offer for free corrective surgery.
January 15, 2025

State Farm Cancels Planned Super Bowl Ad Amid California Fires Controversy

State Farm’s Super Bowl ad last year featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; From left: Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
December 17, 2024

A ‘Wave’ of Sports Content Is Coming to TikTok

The next generation is consuming sports in a different way.
Apr 7, 2022; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy (left) and Brooks Koepka set up to putt on no. 9 during the first round of The Masters golf tournament.
exclusive
November 27, 2024

PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf TV ‘Showdown’ Will Pay Out $10M Crypto..

Two golfers from each tour will face off in Las Vegas.