Usually, a magician never lets the audience in on what is going on behind the curtain. But, in Zoltan Torkos’ case, he is not the average magician. He has made a name for himself by performing skateboarding tricks on surfboards with the elements of water, waves, and fins being additional obstacles. He hopes that the story behind his innovative surfing stunts will inspire others to get out there and realize that their dreams can be a possibility. His tip for all surfers who are attempting new tricks is simple and sincere. Torkos advises: “Don’t give up when things get hard. Live your dreams and believe in yourself in life.”
Torkos had humble beginnings. He worked as a butcher at a local supermarket from 9am to 5pm. He and friend, Carl Reimer grew up together and surfed together. One day while surfing, Torkos almost pulled off the kickflip. Carl was continuously encouraging Torkos to keep at it. One Friday night, Carl was leaving a neighborhood gathering wearing a dark hoodie. He was mistaken for another man and quickly became the victim of gang violence. After his friend was killed, Zoltan was more determined than ever to pull off the kickflip on his surfboard in Carl’s honor. He said that this situation “forced him to be fearless with it.”
Family man Zoltan Torkos completed the first kickflip on a surfboard on March 4, 2011. Originally, Volcom acknowledged his kickflip but denied him some $10,000 in reward money for the contest that they were sponsoring. The company’s initial concern was the kickflip not being high enough or off the lip. Meanwhile, greats like Tony Hawk were busy posting in social media about Zoltan Torkos. Zoltan’s kickflip video went viral getting over 1 million hits on youtube.com, praise on Facebook and coverage on ESPN's Sports Nation. His video was in competition with an LA Lakers clip and received the majority of votes for being the more impressive clip. One week later, Volcom called him back and awarded him the prize money as well as attributing him the title of the man who first performed the kickflip on a surfboard.
Zoltan Torkos is like the David Copperfield of modern surfing having completed the first kickflip, the darkslide, the first finger flip acid drop, finger flip board transfer, and the first hippie jump ride. In his bag of tricks, the hippie jump ride is particularly interesting. Instead of using a rope or chain, Torkos uses a longboard and a surf leash to perform this impressive stunt. Currently, he is working on the burial flip which is like a pop shove-it kickflip. Inspired by a desire for kids to take part in positive activities, he has recently committed to bringing skateboards to kids from all walks of life. Torkos snickers that he sounds like a Nike slogan or something as he continues to spread his motto: “Get your aggression and creativity out in a positive way. Pull tricks not triggers. Go do it.”
Related site: http://zoltantorkos.com/
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