Overview

Robert Lance Mountain, born on June 13, 1964, is an American professional skateboarder and artist whose innovative approach significantly impacted the sport. He gained prominence in the 1980s, largely due to his involvement with the Bones Brigade. Before that, he rode for Variflex in 1982. Mountain continues to skate professionally and is currently sponsored by Flip, Nike SB, Indy, Spitfire, and Bones Bearings. Beyond skateboarding, Mountain is credited with inventing the fingerboard and co-designing the Independent ‘Stage V’ skateboard truck. He also co-invented the transitional skateboard maneuver known as the ‘Gay Twist’ with Neil Blender. He founded his own skateboard company called, The Firm, in 1991 and closed the company down seven years later. Mountain has also worked as a stunt cameraman. In addition to his skateboarding career, Mountain is also a prolific artist with numerous art displays.

The Firm (formerly)

Co-founder

What Is Lance Mountain Net Worth?

Lance Mountain, born Robert Lance Mountain on June 13, 1964, in Pasadena, California, is an American professional skateboarder and artist. His estimated net worth is $10 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career as a skateboarder, his artistic endeavors, and his innovative contributions to the skateboarding world, including the invention of fingerboards.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Lance Mountain’s skateboarding journey began in 1975 when his friend, Enrique Esparza, gifted him an old skateboard. This early start fueled his passion, and by 1981, he turned professional, joining Variflex Skateboards. In 1982, Mountain transitioned to Powell-Peralta, where he became a key member of the Bones Brigade, alongside legends like Tony Hawk and Steve Caballero. Mountain’s talent shone through, and he consistently placed in the top spots of amateur competitions, solidifying his position in the skateboarding scene. One notable victory was at the Upland Turkey Shoot contest in 1983, where he competed against fellow team riders Steve Caballero, Mike McGill, and Tony Hawk. In 1984, he appeared in skateboarding’s first full-length company video, “The Bones Brigade Video Show”.

The Firm Skateboards and Later Ventures

In 1991, coinciding with changes in the skateboarding industry where street-style skateboarding was becoming increasingly popular, Mountain left Powell-Peralta to co-found his own skateboard company, The Firm, with former Powell-Peralta teammate Ray Barbee. The Firm’s team included notable skateboarders such as Bob Burnquist and Rodrigo “Tx” Teixeira. Blitz Distribution handled the distribution for The Firm. After releasing four videos and operating for over a decade, Mountain announced the closure of The Firm on March 13, 2006. Following The Firm’s closure, Mountain and several former team members joined Flip Skateboards. As of March 2013, Mountain and Burnquist were still sponsored by Flip. Mountain’s appearance in Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground marked his first inclusion in the Tony Hawk video game series.

Artistic Pursuits and Fingerboard Innovation

Beyond skateboarding, Lance Mountain is a prolific artist, showcasing his work in over a dozen art displays. His artistic talent extends to skateboard designs, shoes, and various creative projects, often reflecting his connection to skateboarding culture. In addition to his skateboarding and artistic talents, Mountain is credited as one of the inventors of the fingerboard in the late 1970s. He fashioned the prototype from cardboard, pencil erasers, and a disassembled Hot Wheels toy. This invention was featured in Transworld Skateboarding magazine and the Powell Peralta video, Future Primitive. While initially a DIY project, fingerboards have since evolved into a multi-million dollar toy industry. One brand sold over 20 million finger skateboards in the late 1990s.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

Throughout his career, Lance Mountain has been associated with several prominent sponsors. He was first sponsored by Variflex in 1981, followed by Powell-Peralta in 1983. As of October 2012, his sponsors included Flip, Independent Trucks, Spitfire, Nike SB, and Stüssy clothing. He has also had re-issues on Bones Brigade and created special limited projects with them. Mountain and Steve Caballero co-designed the Independent “Stage V” skateboard truck.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Lance Mountain’s career is marked by several significant milestones:

  • 1983: Won the Upland Turkey Shoot contest.
  • 1984: Appeared in “The Bones Brigade Video Show,” the first full-length skateboarding company video.
  • 1991: Co-founded The Firm skateboard company.
  • Late 1970s: Invented the fingerboard, contributing to a multi-million dollar toy industry.
  • Co-invented the “Gay Twist” with Neil Blender.
  • Participated in the Los Angeles art and music collective Surf Skate Roots Rock in July 2023.
  • Organized an art and memorabilia exhibition titled “Everything Must Go” in Los Angeles, California, in June 2024.

Continuing Influence

As of August 2017, Mountain continued to skate professionally, sponsored by Flip, Nike SB, Indy, Spitfire, and Bones Bearings. Lance Mountain was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2014. Through his continued involvement in skateboarding, art, and innovation, Lance Mountain remains an influential figure in the skateboarding community and beyond, with a net worth of $10 million.

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