Name: Robert Dean Silva Burnquist
Birthday: October 10, 1976
Birthplace: Rio De Janiero Brazil
Sport: Skateboarding, Skydiving
Website: bobburnquist.com
Nickname: Gutt
Height: 6 feet 2 inches
The Brazilian Bob Burnquist grew up in cities such as Rio De Janiero, Sao Paulo and Porto Alegre. Bob is such a creative skateboarder, learning in a different country has really given him a different style than the American skateboarders. Now he is a legend amongst the greats and even Tony Hawk has said that Bob is his favorite skater.
Soccer Ball Switch
The story of how Bob became a skateboarder is really funny. When he was 11 years old, his friend borrowed his soccer ball and lost it. Instead of buying Bob a new soccer ball, he gave him a skateboard. Bob took it and practiced in his living room. As he got better, he decided to take it to a skate park where he tried to drop into a wooden ramp. He fell flat on his face his first two tries and then practiced everyday after those falls.
Slam City Jam Start
By fourteen, Bob had already turned pro. At the Slam City Jam in 1995, Bob just showed up and entered. Practically an unknown, Bob’s skating floored the crowd and judges and earned him a first-place finish. After that day, Bob’s career just took off sky’s the limit.
Awesome Accomplishments
Bob’s switch-stance ability and creative lines set him apart from the rest. However, he’s no one-trick pony. Some of Bob’s other accomplishments include:
- Skating the “loop" switch (with a gap at the top of the loop!)
- Being a pioneer and continuing innovator of mega ramp skateboarding
- Carrying the Olympic torch
- Skydiving
- Piloting airplanes
- Overseeing his own organic farm.
- Owns a Vert Bowl halfpipe, Cork Screw, Loop, and Mega ramp in his backyard.
Healthy Happy Family
Bob has earned a much-deserved spot at the top of the skateboard pyramid. Bob also has a passion for living a healthy, human lifestyle and is always helping others do the same. However, being a father to his 2 daughters and husband to Veronica Nachard Burnquist is what he considers to be his top accomplishments.