After receiving a job offer in California in 1980, Bob's dad moved the family to Pleasanton, CA; however, Bob's mom decided to move them back to Brazil.
At age 11, Bob received his first fiberglass skateboard from a friend, and he began skating both outside and inside, to his mother's dismay. His father then bought him a real board and there was no stopping him.
In 1990, a teenage Bob entered several amateur competitions. He won his first one but struggled with severe asthma attacks during later runs. Though these setbacks devastated him, he wasn't going to let them hold him back. Later that year he started competing professionally, qualifying for the Urgh? Vert War but placing only seventh.
During the early and mid 90's, Bob gained notoriety not just in Brazil but internationally. He was skating in competitions with Tony Hawk and traveling to different countries. Various sponsors were flying him all over to attend pro events.
After high school, Bob moved back to California and in 1997 began dating fellow boarder Jen O'Brien. She gave birth to their daughter, Lotus, in 2000. They lived together on an organic farm where Bob had purchased a home. Bob and Jen split a few years later and he then began seeing Veronica Nahard. They have a baby together, Jasmyn, and eventually married in 2007.
Bob currently holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Brazil. He speaks English and Portuguese fluently. He has two sisters and a half brother. He owns his own organics company and created a foundation to bring awareness about organic eating.
Bob Burnquist's Career Highlights
Competing for Brazil in the X Games, Bob has won 7 gold medals, 6 silver and 6 bronze. He has perfected several tricks for the Best Trick competition, including a fakie kickflip off the grind bar, as well as his own trick, the Burntwist, a handplant that is done at the top of a ramp. He has taken the gold 4 times at the Vans Triple Crown and has medaled several times at the Gravity Games. In 1997, he was named Thrasher's Skater of the Year, and in 2001 he won NEA's Best Skater in Munich.
