Steve Alba: The Legend At 62 - Still Shredding!

22 May, 2025

Is it possible to remain a relevant icon in the skateboarding world, even as the years accumulate? Steve Alba, at 62 years young, embodies the answer with a resounding "yes," proving that the spirit of skateboarding knows no age limit.

Born in Pomona, California, on February 6, 1963, Steve Alba, also known as "Salba," has etched his name into the annals of skateboarding history. This enduring legend, a child of the Baby Boomer generation, is a testament to the enduring appeal of a sport that began as a spin-off of surfing, evolving into a global phenomenon. From his early days in the 1970s, when he first stepped onto a skateboard in third grade, Alba has not only witnessed skateboarding's evolution, but has actively shaped it.

Alba's influence extends beyond mere longevity; he is celebrated for expanding the boundaries of vert skateboarding. He is a true pioneer, his name synonymous with a style that emphasized aerial prowess and a relentless pursuit of concrete playgrounds, often involving the audacious act of trespassing in the pursuit of the perfect pool. The spirit of Alba, the skater who, as he once explained, believes that, "If youre doing it right then youre trespassing, and you can get in a lot of trouble for pool skating.

Category	Details
Full Name	Steve Alba
Also Known As	Salba
Date of Birth	February 6, 1963
Place of Birth	Pomona, California, USA
Age	62 years old (as of 2024)
Zodiac Sign	Aquarius
Generation	Baby Boomer
Primary Profession	Professional Skateboarder
Known For	Vert skateboarding, pool skating, punk rock influence
Sponsors	G&S, Alva, Independent Trucks, Santa Cruz Skateboards, Spitfire Wheels, Hurley, Vans, and more
Key Achievements	Winner of the first pool contest in skateboarding history (1978), Pioneer of vert skateboarding, Influential figure in skate culture
Social Media	@salba69 on Instagram
Reference	Transworld Skateboarding

Alba's career trajectory is a fascinating narrative. He began skating in the 1970s, a time when skateboarding was still finding its identity. This period witnessed the rise of pool skating, a practice that Alba embraced with remarkable fervor. In 1978, at the Spring Valley stop of the Hester Series, he etched his name in history by winning the first pool contest in skateboarding. He mastered the vertical domain and took inspiration from the surf culture of Southern California and incorporated that feel in his riding.

His affiliation with Santa Cruz Skateboards and his association with Steve Olson in the 1980s, also played a role in introducing the vibrant energy of punk rock to the skateboarding scene. This fusion of subcultures cemented skateboarding's rebellious spirit. Alba's personal style of riding and his music went hand in hand.

Through the late '80s, 1990s, and the present day, Alba has embraced the counter-culture aspect of skateboarding. This embrace has helped him develop a somewhat cult status. Alba's search and adventures for skating concrete not made to be skated has left a mark on the sports history. Throughout his career, he remained focused on skating concrete, something that led him to seek out and conquer pools.

Albas influence is visible in the current generation of skaters. The passion for transition skateboarding started when he began skateboarding in pools. Alba's approach to skating continues to influence skateboarding.

Alba's contributions to the skateboarding world have been recognized through his pro model board for Kryptonics, which became a best-selling board in the late 1970s. His sponsors throughout the years have read like a who's who of skateboarding, including names like G&S, Alva, Independent Trucks, Santa Cruz, Spitfire Wheels, Hurley, and Vans.

Alba's story is also a story of cultural influence. The integration of punk rock into the skateboarding aesthetic, something that he was a part of, fundamentally reshaped the sport. The rebellious energy of the punk movement combined with the risk-taking spirit of skateboarding and, a distinct style, was born. His exploration of non-traditional skate spots, including the pursuit of finding pools, made him an innovator.

Alba's commitment to skating is evident, with a continuous search and adventure for skating concrete. Albas life is a testament to the notion that the pursuit of passion knows no end. The skateboarding world continues to appreciate him.

Alba, and his contemporaries from the 1970s, are still active, embodying the core values of skateboarding: freedom, creativity, and a refusal to conform. The enduring legacy of Steve Alba is not just a record of tricks and competitions, but a representation of skateboarding's enduring spirit.

For those eager to delve deeper into the world of skateboarding and the extraordinary career of Steve Alba, resources abound. His social media accounts and skateboarding publications provide up-to-date information, photographs, and a deeper understanding of his impact on the culture.

The story of Steve Alba is about a journey that defies the limitations of time and expectation. At 62 years old, he continues to remind us that skateboarding is more than just a sport; it's a lifestyle, a form of artistic expression, and a never-ending quest for the perfect ride.

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