900 (skateboarding trick)

The 900 is a 2½-revolution (900 degrees) aerial spin performed on a skateboard ramp. While airborne, the skateboarder makes two-and-a-half turns about their longitudinal axis, thereby facing down when coming down. It is considered one of skateboarding's most technically demanding tricks.

A number of opinions exist about pre-1999 900s. The most prominent of these is the argument that Danny Way landed the 900 in 1989, and it appears in an early Santa Cruz film. In 1999 Tony Hawk said:

Well, he was shown in a video almost 10 years ago. He was really close, but he didn't make it. He came the closest by far, but they cut the video before he fell. So it may have misled some people. There are only four people who have been able to spin completely and he's one of them. Tas Pappas and Rob Boyce also have spun it, but they haven't landed it. We've all been trying it and killing ourselves.

In the months before the 1999 X-Games, Tas Pappas had been developing the 900. After being photographed by Grant Brittain of Transworld Skateboarding, sequences of his attempts were available for study. Tas was hoping to debut the trick at the competition in the Best Trick competition. Despite competing in the vert competition, he was not allowed to compete in the Best Trick competition by the organizers.

Tony Hawk, one of the most successful vertical pro skateboarders in the world, landed "The 900" at the 1999 X-Games after ten failed attempts. It was past regulation time but, as one announcer said, "We make up the rules as we go along. Let's give him another try." Other skaters protested, but Hawk continued. Hawk twice landed on his board, but it flew out from under him. When he finally completed the trick, his arms windmilled and his hand barely grazed the ramp. Nonetheless, he rode away. He was awarded 1st place in the "Best Trick" event despite going over the time limit. At a later X-Games, Hawk landed the trick again, this time during regulation time.

...
Wikipedia