Marty Grimes facts for kids

Marty Grimes, born in 1962, is a professional skateboarder from Los Angeles, California. He is known for being "goofy-footed," which means he skates with his right foot forward. Marty was one of the first skateboarders to become famous for riding in empty swimming pools in Los Angeles. He rode for well-known skateboard companies like Dogtown and Zephyr. Marty and his brother were the first African-American professional skateboarders.

Early Life and Skateboarding

Marty Grimes grew up in Midtown, a part of Los Angeles. He went to Mar Vista Elementary School, which had a large dirt hill that he loved to skate on. When he was 10, a family member showed him how to skateboard. Later, as part of a program to help schools become more diverse, Marty attended Paul Revere Junior High. This school was in Pacific Palisades and had one of the best skate spots in the city: a popular bank (a sloped surface).

Becoming a Pro Skater

After competing in the Del Mar Skateboard Championships in 1975, Marty and his brother, Clyde, were offered sponsorships. They joined the EZ Ryder team. Marty Grimes was also the first Black skater to have his own signature model skateboard. This means a skateboard was designed and sold with his name on it.

External Links

• A Pro Skater Has Written the First Good Skateboarding Book for Kids – VICE
• My First Skateboard Book