From the Toysit archive
Tony Hawk RC Skateboard
Explore how the Tony Hawk RC Skateboard separates board movement from rider movement, then sketch a turn as a sequence of observations.
The play at a glance
Watch the board and the rider separately
The Tony Hawk RC Skateboard gives the player controls for both the board and the rider figure. Mattel’s 95170 guide distinguishes the driving and steering sticks from two buttons that rotate the rider.
That distinction makes the toy more interesting to describe than the original “one-touch preprogrammed stunts” wording suggests. A brief rider movement and a complete trick are different things; the guide’s trick sequences combine inputs.
Three kinds of input
- Travel
- One stick selects forward and reverse movement at different settings.
- Steering
- The other selects turns with different amounts of steering.
- Rider movement
- Action buttons rotate the figure; holding and briefly pressing a button produce different durations of movement.
These jobs can be described separately even when the player combines them. The system’s Adaptive Control name is not evidence that the toy learns a routine or plans its own tricks.
Read a trick as a sequence
Look for a starting position, an input, a change in movement and an ending. The guide illustrates these stages. A successful result is not guaranteed by pressing a single button.
For observation, follow one thing at a time: which way the board faces, which way it travels, or how the rider is positioned. That makes it easier to explain a result without confusing a body turn with a change in travel direction.
Keep the scale of the play clear
This is a motorized model with its own mechanisms and instructions. Its control sequences are not advice for a person learning to skateboard. A likeness and a named trick do not make the two activities mechanically identical.
A paper sequence can explore the same descriptive questions without a working toy, ramps or an attempt to reproduce a stunt. For an original vehicle, follow its complete guide and matching power-system instructions.
A turn in three pictures
- Draw a simple skateboard and rider approaching a gentle curve.
- In a second panel, show the board facing a new direction and choose a position for the rider.
- In a third, show the route leaving the curve.
- Use one arrow for travel and another for the rider’s movement.
- Describe which changes belong to the board and which belong to the figure.
This independent storyboard is conceptual. It is not a tested trick sequence, a picture of the toy’s exact linkage or a real skateboarding lesson.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The full original product description and Tony Hawk merchandise survey remain below. The one-touch wording is historical promotion: the matching manual describes rider action buttons and combined control sequences, not a general menu of automatically completed tricks. The wider brand discussion is background, not current reporting on endorsements, sales or product availability.
This amazing full-function, radio-controlled skateboard features an articulated rider sculpted to look like world champion skateboarder, Tony Hawk and features one-touch preprogrammed stunts.
This amazing full-function, radio-controlled skateboard features an articulated rider sculpted to look like world champion skateboarder, Tony Hawk and features one-touch preprogrammed stunts. This radio-controlled stunt boarder is so realistic, Tony Hawk--extreme boarder extraordinaire--endorsed it with his signature and likeness. As far as toys go, it totally lives up to his name. Properly operated, it'll perform megastunts (like tic-tacs) and tricks that real boarders like Hawk have perfected. At the controls, you determine how the body and the board move. The body leans into turns (and stays on) thanks to seven-position steering and variable speed capabilities. Recovery from deep curves is unbelievable for a toy, but this thing does it.
Tony Hawk, the legendary skateboarder, has not only made a name for himself in the world of skateboarding but has also successfully leveraged his brand through various merchandise partnerships. His collaborations have extended to toys, video games, and sports equipment, creating a significant impact in different markets:
- Toys: Tony Hawk's partnership with toy manufacturers has led to the creation of skateboarding action figures, mini skateboards, and playsets. These toys have become popular among young fans, capturing the excitement of skateboarding and allowing children to emulate their hero.
- Video Games: Perhaps one of the most notable successes has been Tony Hawk's collaboration with video game developers to create the "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" series. These games have been incredibly successful, selling millions of copies worldwide and introducing a new generation to the sport of skateboarding. The realistic gameplay, combined with Tony Hawk's involvement, has made the series a staple in the gaming community.
- Sports Equipment: Tony Hawk's brand has also extended to sports equipment, including skateboards, helmets, pads, and apparel. His line of skateboarding equipment is known for quality and innovation, reflecting Hawk's expertise and commitment to the sport. These products have become a go-to choice for both amateur and professional skateboarders.
Overall, Tony Hawk's merchandise partnerships have been a resounding success, reflecting his influence and appeal both in and outside the skateboarding community. By aligning his brand with products that resonate with his fans, Tony Hawk has managed to create a lasting legacy that extends beyond his incredible achievements on the skateboard.
Sources and editorial notes
Mattel’s eight-page 95170 guide was visually reviewed, including control positions, rider buttons, trick diagrams, power system and restrictions. It matches the rider-and-board family pictured in the original image. The 95455 catalog entry corroborates the family, but its age label differs from the manual; no combined age recommendation is made. No skateboard, battery or stunt was tested. The turn sequence is an independent drawing activity.
- Mattel Tony Hawk RC Skateboard instructions — Driving, steering, rider movement and illustrated control sequences.
- Mattel Tony Hawk Skateboard 95455 record — Historical product-family identification.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
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