Alan Gelfand

[3] Named by Thrasher Magazine as "The Founding Father of A Generation", Alan Gelfand's invention of the ollie changed the face of skateboarding.

[6] This unintentional innovation, dubbed the "trick of the century" by Stacey Peralta, fundamentally changed skateboarding, transforming it from simple maneuvers to complex aerial dynamics.

Titled "Special Tips on Progressive Aerials," the article described his method for executing the no-hand ollie air, providing a step-by-step guide that has influenced generations of skateboarders.

He competed in various significant events in the 1970s and 1980s, showcasing his skills across multiple countries on tour as the first member of the legendary Bones Brigade team put together by Stacey Peralta.

[17][18] Their collective innovation and media exposure played a significant role in skateboarding's transition from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon.

His tour and competition schedule in the late 1970s included events across Europe and South America, where he showcased the ollie and other complex maneuvers, further popularizing skateboarding as a sport.

[5] 1970s 1980s Special exhibitions and demonstrations During his tours, Gelfand's style and technical skills left an indelible mark on the international skateboarding scene.

He participated in significant events such as the Super Skate Show in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1979, which featured prominent skaters of the time and was a key venue for Gelfand to demonstrate the ollie to a wider audience.

[23] Gelfand began his motorsport journey in 1982 by winning the South Florida Autocross Championship in the C Street Prepared (CSP) category.

The shop, established after a rebranding from VW Depot due to a trademark dispute, now operates with eight bays and serves hundreds of cars monthly, generating multi million dollar revenues.

[10] This recognition highlights the widespread impact of his innovation on skateboarding and popular culture, illustrating how a sport's technical term can become embedded in everyday language.

He filed lawsuits against major companies, including Disney and Sega, for using the term "ollie" without permission, claiming infringement on his trademark rights.

Gelfand's involvement in the documentary underscores the revolutionary changes in skateboarding during this era, including his invention of the ollie which can be seen on video for the first time.