Youth Skateboarding Event & Rodney Mullen Come to Malibu

campbell wellman rodney mullen skateboarding event malibu 2026

In the world of skateboarding, there are legends, and then there is Rodney Mullen. Often called the "Godfather of Street Skating," Mullen’s impact on the sport is so foundational that if you’ve ever seen a skateboarder leave the ground, you’ve seen his work in action.

This Wednesday, May 6, the City of Malibu is hosting a rare two-part event featuring Mullen—celebrating both his physical mastery of the board and his brilliant mind for innovation.

A Legacy of Innovation

To understand the hype, you have to understand the history. Rodney Mullen is credited with inventing the flatground ollie, the kickflip, the heelflip, and the impossible. While most skaters of the '80s were focused on vertical ramps, Mullen reimagined the flat pavement as a canvas for complex physics.

Today, his influence extends far beyond the skatepark. Mullen is a frequent speaker at MIT’s Media Lab and an advisor to the Smithsonian, where he explores the intersections of human performance, resilience, and creative hacking.

 

 

The Event Details: Wednesday, May 6

4:00 PM | YOUTH SKATEBOARDING SESSION

  • Where: Malibu Skate Park (at Malibu Bluffs Park, 24250 PCH)

  • What: A hands-on session where youth skaters can receive guidance and tips from the pioneer himself.

  • The Fine Print: No RSVP is required, but safety gear is non-negotiable. Helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards are required for all participants.

7:00 PM | Library Speaker Series (City Hall)

  • The Update: This event has officially reached full capacity, and RSVPs are closed. For those lucky enough to snag a seat, Mullen will be discussing his journey from a freestyle world champion to a tech innovator.

 

 

The Campbell Wellman Take

 

Rodney Mullen is the ultimate example of how a singular passion can evolve into a world-changing career. At its core, skateboarding is about resilience—falling down and figuring out the physics of how to get back up. That spirit of innovation is exactly what defines the Malibu community. Whether you're a young skater heading to Bluffs Park or a neighbor following his work with MIT, Mullen’s presence here is a reminder that Malibu is a hub for both peak performance and creative thinking.