Tony Hawk, the legendary skateboarder, is embracing his new role as a grandfather with excitement and a little bit of guidance. His son, Riley Hawk, and daughter-in-law, Frances Bean Cobain, welcomed their first child, a son named Ronin Walker, on September 17 last year. Though baby Ronin is just four months old, Hawk has already introduced him to the world of skateboarding – in a safe and playful way.
In a recent interview, Hawk shared that while he couldn’t resist the urge to get Ronin on a skateboard, he has been careful to follow a specific rule set by his wife, Catherine Goodman. “She said, ‘You can’t stand up. That’s the only rule,’” Hawk noted. He understands that it’s important for Riley to have those first moments of bonding with his son when it comes to skateboarding.
Riley Hawk, who has continued his father’s legacy as a professional skater, married Frances Bean Cobain, the daughter of Courtney Love and the late Kurt Cobain, in October 2023. They announced Ronin’s birth on social media about a week after he arrived.
Although Tony Hawk is already the father of four children, he admits that being a grandfather feels different. “I’d say, yeah, I’m extra protective of him. Absolutely,” he said, playfully adding that he hopes he wasn’t careless with his own kids. Hawk described himself as a fun grandpa who aims to spoil Ronin and is always eager to spend time with him.
Family is incredibly important to Hawk, and he’s committed to keeping them healthy. He has been actively raising awareness about heart health, especially due to his father’s struggles with severe heart issues. Hawk shared that his father suffered multiple heart attacks and did not take care of himself. This history has motivated Hawk to be proactive about his own health; he has made heart health a part of his daily routine.
“I feel like I’m on a trajectory now that is way different than I’ve been on,” Hawk said, expressing his optimism regarding his health and skating. He feels great about his abilities as he continues to skate and maintains a positive outlook on life.
