Tom Karangelov ("Tom K")

Skater

26 skating appearances

Bio

Stance: Goofy Tom Karangelov is a professional skateboarder known for his creative and unconventional approach to skateboarding, as well as his de...

Stance: Goofy Tom Karangelov is a professional skateboarder known for his creative and unconventional approach to skateboarding, as well as his dedication to finding and skating unique spots. Born in Serbia in 1988, he moved to Southern California at a young age, where he was raised in Santa Ana and Huntington Beach. Growing up in the vibrant skate scene of Orange County, Tom developed a passion for skateboarding early on, inspired by the aggressive, handrail-heavy style of the 1990s. Tom’s skateboarding career took off when he won "Slap" magazine’s "One In A Million" contest, which helped him catch the attention of Jamie Thomas. This led to him joining the Zero skate team, where he gained recognition for his standout part in the "Cold War" video. Despite his success with Zero, Tom eventually moved on, seeking a smaller, more creative space to develop his style. He joined 3D Skateboards, co-founded by Brian Anderson and Austyn Gillette, where he felt more at home and embraced a more personal, creative approach to skating. Over time, Karangelov’s unique style and dedication to finding obscure, under-the-radar spots earned him a spot with New Balance Numeric, where he became known for his precise tricks and captivating video parts. His passion for spot-hunting led him to collaborate with companies like WKND, where he also appeared in entertaining skits, demonstrating his multifaceted nature within the skate world. His commitment to finding challenging locations and creating video parts that emphasize atmosphere and storytelling has solidified his place as one of skateboarding's most respected figures. Off the board, Karangelov leads a grounded lifestyle, often spending time with his dog Charlie, a pug who survived cancer. Tom values the creative, DIY side of skateboarding and continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with a skateboard. His ongoing projects, including the Museum skate brand, reflect his entrepreneurial spirit and love for skateboarding’s artistic side. Despite his growing status, Tom remains humble, driven by his deep passion for the sport and his desire to inspire future generations of skaters.