1982
Billy Ruff
aka: The Wizard
Skating died in the early
eighties. Vert champions had
nowhere to fly except the few
parks still in existence. Billy
Ruff owned Del Mar (before
Hawk) hence his claim to fame
and seeded the clouds with his
high backsides.
•Made 540's and then quit
Can see him at any tradeshow
in the Airwalk booth
Sported the first squeeb
Invented the Unit (frontside
540° invert)
1983
Steve Caballero
aka: Cab, Little Stevie Wonder
Caballero showed up at
Campbell Skatepark sheathed in
plastic and padding from fingertip
to toecap and proceeded to light a
fire that burns to this day. Highlights
include: frontside across the gorge
like Winchester pool channel,
Caballerials, and more signature
moves than any other. Certified
Bones brigadeer general.
• Loves animals
• Still fingerflip grabs Indy airs
Got left hanging by Johnny Rad in
Animal Chin
Wore suspenders on vert
Smoked cloves
World record highest air (12 ft)
1984
Mike McGill
AKA: Captain America
Little Mike proved that the East
Coast would rise to the challenge,
coming out of Florida under the
tutelage of Shawn Peddie and
mega-parks like Sensation Basin.
Mike had one of the longest run-
ning "pro" careers and mixed it up
with the best vertibots of the day.
Always in the cut, Mike skated
crisp and fast, always got in more
tricks (side to sides) than anyone,
and made up for lost style points
with sheer determination, a willing
ness to pull it or slam trying.
• Invented the 540°
Wore tight shorts
•Sported his own shirt in contests
• Was close personal friends with
Barry Zaritsky
•Has US flag tattooed on his back
machi