Robbie McKinley, also known as McCrooks, was a professional skateboarder who made a huge impact in the skateboarding world in the early 2000s. He was known for his technical skills and innovative style, appearing in several classic skateboarding videos, such as Harsh Euro Barge, Rodney Mullen vs Daewon Song, Yeah Right!, and DC Video. He passed away on March 29, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and creativity.
Early Life and Career
Robbie McKinley was born on July 4, 1978, in Santa Cruz, California. He started skating at a young age and soon developed a passion for the sport. He moved to Los Angeles in 1996 and joined the Hot Rod skate shop team, where he met Chris Casey, one of his closest friends and collaborators. He also became friends with other influential skaters, such as Eric Koston, Guy Mariano, and Rodney Mullen.
Robbie McKinley turned pro in 1999, riding for Listen Skateboards. He quickly gained recognition for his smooth and effortless style, as well as his ability to skate any terrain. He was featured in several skate magazines and videos, such as Transworld’s The Reason, Listen’s Viajeros Locos, and 411VM’s Best of 411 Volume 7. He also traveled extensively, skating in various countries and continents, such as Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Major Video Parts and Achievements
One of Robbie McKinley’s most memorable video parts was in Rodney Mullen vs Daewon Song Round 2, released in 2000. In this video, he showcased his technical wizardry and versatility, performing tricks such as nollie heelflip noseslide, switch backside 180 nosegrind, and nollie inward heelflip backside tailslide. He also skated alongside Rodney Mullen, one of his idols and mentors, in a shared section.
Another notable video part was in Girl’s Yeah Right!, released in 2003. This video was one of the most influential and groundbreaking skate videos of all time, featuring a star-studded cast of skaters, such as Eric Koston, Rick Howard, Brian Anderson, and Mike Carroll. Robbie McKinley held his own among these legends, delivering a flawless and stylish part that included tricks such as switch frontside flip, nollie backside 180 heelflip, and switch backside tailslide bigspin out.
Robbie McKinley also had a remarkable part in DC Video, released in 2003. This video was the first full-length video from DC Shoes, a major skateboarding brand. Robbie McKinley represented DC Shoes well, demonstrating his speed, finesse, and consistency. He executed tricks such as switch frontside 180 crooked grind, nollie backside flip, and switch backside 360 ollie.
Legacy and Influence
Robbie McKinley was one of the most respected and admired skaters of his generation. He influenced many skaters with his unique and original style, as well as his positive and humble attitude. He was always supportive and generous to his friends and fellow skaters, treating everyone as part of his family. He was also a man of many talents, enjoying fishing, surfing, barbecuing, and cooking. He was a co-founder of the California Leisure Activity Club (C.L.A.C.), a group of skaters who shared a love for fun and adventure.
Robbie McKinley passed away on March 29, 2023, at the age of 44. He is survived by his wife, two children, and many friends and fans. He will be greatly missed by the skateboarding community and beyond. He left behind a legacy of inspiration and creativity that will live on forever.
According to Thrasher Magazine, Robbie McKinley was one of the most talented skaters to ever come out of LA, scorching our screens with epic parts in Listen, Rodney Vs. Daewon, the DC Video and Girl’s Yeah Right. According to Transworld SKATEboarding Magazine, he was one of the most innovative skaters that combined street and vert elements and his fearless attitude toward skateboarding. According to Genius Celebs, he was a celebrated skateboarder from Santa Cruz, California.