About Mike Manzoori - Pro Skateboarder Profile, Biography and History

August 26, 2025

Mike Manzoori: The Quiet Architect of Skateboarding’s Golden Era

If skateboarding had a soul, Mike Manzoori would be one of its quiet poets—less about the spotlight, more about the substance. Born in England in the early 1970s, Manzoori grew up in an era when skateboarding was still a fringe pursuit in the UK. His journey into the world of skateboarding began not with a bang, but with a stolen BMX bike. That loss led him to pick up a skateboard, and the rest, as they say, is history.

🛹 Early Days and Style

Manzoori’s early skating was shaped by the gritty streets of London and the crusty halfpipes of Harrow. He quickly developed a reputation for being an “all-terrain vehicle” skater—someone who could seamlessly transition between street, vert, and everything in between. His style was fast, loose, and deeply intuitive. Tricks like backtails on sketchy ledges, wallrides in impossible spots, and flowing lines through rough terrain became his signature. He wasn’t chasing perfection; he was chasing feeling.

🤝 Sponsors and Pro Career

Mike’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. He was picked up by Powell Peralta and later Santa Cruz, two of the most iconic brands in skateboarding history. But it was his time with ATM Click and Adrenalin Skateboards that truly cemented his place in skateboarding’s underground lore. When the ATM team disbanded, Mike was essentially handed the reins to the brand—a testament to the respect he commanded among his peers.

He also rode for Sheep Shoes, a short-lived but beloved brand under the Sole Tech umbrella, and later became deeply involved with Etnies, not just as a rider but as a filmmaker and creative force.

🖼️ Pro Model Decks

Though not as commercially prolific as some of his contemporaries, Manzoori did have pro model decks released under Adrenalin and ATM Click. These boards often featured understated graphics that reflected his low-key personality—no flashy flames or skulls, just clean design and solid wood.

🎥 Video Sections That Mattered

Mike’s video parts are scattered across some of skateboarding’s most influential tapes. His section in Sheep: Life of Leisure is a cult classic, showcasing his raw style and creative spot selection. He also appeared in ATM: Come Together and ATM: Flick, both of which captured his unique approach to street skating.

But perhaps his most iconic contribution came behind the lens. Manzoori transitioned into filming and editing, working on legendary projects like Menikmati for éS and This Is Skateboarding for Emerica. His eye for detail and ability to capture the essence of skateboarding made him one of the most respected filmmakers in the industry.

🎬 Beyond Skateboarding

Interestingly, Mike didn’t stop at skate videos. He crossed over into BMX filmmaking, working on projects like Grounded and Chapters for Etnies. His ability to translate the energy of action sports into compelling visual narratives made him a sought-after creative in both worlds.

📍What’s He Up to Now?

Today, Mike Manzoori is still deeply embedded in skateboarding culture, primarily through his work in video production. He continues to create content for Etnies and other Sole Tech brands, often blending skateboarding, BMX, and storytelling into beautifully crafted films. He’s also known to mentor younger filmmakers and riders, passing on the ethos of skating that values creativity over conformity.

Mike Manzoori - 'Hating Life' A4 (1999)