🛹 Kelly Bird: From Pro Skater to Industry Icon

Kelly Bird is one of those rare figures in skateboarding who not only made his mark on the board but also helped shape the industry behind the scenes. His journey is a blend of raw talent, street smarts, and a knack for reinvention that’s kept him relevant across decades.

🌆 Early Life & Skateboarding Roots

Kelly Bird was born and raised in Houston, Texas. His formative years were spent skating at the legendary Skatepark of Houston and exploring the city’s downtown, which he described as one of the best urban landscapes for skateboarding in America. He even lived at the skatepark one summer, surviving on Slurpees and corn dogs while doing manual labor in exchange for room and board—a true skate rat lifestyle.

🛹 First Sponsors & Going Pro

Bird’s first sponsor was Circle-A / Poorhouse, thanks to a connection through Jamar Parish. He eventually moved to Laguna Beach to be closer to the brand and started skating with Ronnie Bertino and Adam McNatt. After they left Alva, the company rebranded as New School, and Kelly got his first pro model deck—featuring Fat Albert and the gang, which he still considers his favorite graphic.

He later joined Real Skateboards, further cementing his status in the pro ranks. His style was clean, technical, and street-savvy, and while he wasn’t known for inventing tricks, his execution of switch tricks and ledge work made him a standout.

🎥 Video Parts & Style

Kelly Bird’s most notable video appearance was in Real’s Non-Fiction, a gritty and influential skate video that showcased his smooth style and street sensibility. He also had footage in various sponsor videos and was part of the early wave of skaters who helped define the aesthetic of 1990s street skating.

👟 Transition to the Industry Side

After retiring from professional skating earlier than most, Bird quickly transitioned into the business side of skateboarding. Within months, he became a team manager at DC Shoes, one of the biggest skate shoe brands at the time. Though his tenure there ended abruptly, he bounced back by joining Lakai Footwear, working alongside legends Rick Howard and Mike Carroll.

He played a major role in the creation of Fully Flared, one of the most groundbreaking skate videos ever made. Later, he moved on to Nike SB, where he helped shape the brand’s skateboarding division and worked on iconic products like the Janoski shoe.

🧠 What Makes Kelly Bird Unique

• Adaptability: From skater to team manager to brand director, Bird has worn many hats.

• Influence: His work behind the scenes has arguably impacted skateboarding more than his time as a pro.

• Luck + Hustle: He’s the kind of guy who lands on his feet—whether it’s scoring a new gig or helping launch a legendary product.

📍 What’s He Up to Now?

Kelly Bird continues to work in the skateboarding industry, most recently with Nike SB. He’s known for his sharp insights into branding, product development, and team management. He’s also a regular guest on skate podcasts like The Nine Club, where he shares stories from his wild ride through skateboarding’s golden eras.

The REAL Video '93 : Kelly Bird

Kelly Bird | The Nine Club With Chris Roberts - Episode 259