Paul Noworyta
professional vert skater
About Paul Noworyta
Paul Noworyta: Buffalo’s Vert Skating Pioneer and Advocate
Buffalo, NY, is no stranger to producing trailblazers, and Paul Noworyta is one of its most inspirational figures. Born on April 7, 1969, Noworyta didn’t just make waves in the world of vert skating—he shattered barriers and made history. With roots firmly planted in Buffalo’s hardworking and community-driven culture, Paul’s story is one of perseverance, determination, and giving back.
Early Life in the City of Good Neighbors
Growing up in Buffalo, Paul absorbed the grit and resilience the city is famous for. The vibrant culture, especially in its sports and recreational scenes, offered endless opportunities for a kid with an adventurous spirit. From rolling around local skate parks to envisioning the kinds of heights only ramps could provide, Paul’s youthful curiosity quickly turned into a burning passion for vert skating.
Buffalo’s supportive atmosphere gave him the courage to chase his dreams, even when the odds were stacked against him. Though professional rollerblading might seem far removed from Buffalo’s snowy streets, Paul’s roots taught him how to persevere no matter the terrain.
Breaking Barriers in Vert Skating
Paul Noworyta’s skateboarding story is one for the books—literally. He became a professional vert skater, defying odds after undergoing a life-saving kidney transplant. At just 20 years old, Paul received a transplant at the Cleveland Clinic in September 1989. That experience could have sidelined anyone, but it only fueled his determination.
Vert skating is a physically demanding discipline, combining aerial stunts with precise control on a half-pipe structure. It’s not for the faint of heart, and Paul embraced the challenge with his typical go-getter spirit. He became the only athlete in the world to compete professionally on the vert skating circuit after receiving a kidney transplant—a title he holds to this day.
What’s even more remarkable is that Paul didn’t start his professional skating career until the age of 33—becoming the sport’s oldest rookie. His tenacity paved the way for participation in major competitions, where he held his own against much younger skaters. Some of his favorite tricks include the daring McTwist 540, backflips, and big disaster inverts—earlier feats that cemented his professional reputation.
Career Highlights
Paul’s career took him to vert competitions across the country in the early 2000s. He competed in events such as the LG Action Sports World Championships, NBC Gravity Games, and the Mobile Skatepark Series, earning recognition for his skills and perseverance. One standout moment was his fourth-place finish at the 2002 ASA World Championships in Los Angeles—an incredible achievement for someone proving every day that no obstacle was too great to overcome.
Advocacy Beyond the Ramps
Paul Noworyta didn’t just stop at pushing personal limits—he became a vocal advocate for kidney transplant awareness. Using his platform, Paul has inspired others to see that life can go on, and even thrive, after a transplant. His 2006 book, Transplant to Handplant, shares his incredible story of triumph over adversity, offering a blend of personal reflection and motivation.
He continues to spread awareness through his website KidneysAreSexy.com, a lighthearted but heartfelt initiative aimed at promoting organ donation and supporting kidney transplant recipients. His advocacy has turned his personal story into a source of hope for thousands of people navigating similar challenges.
A True Buffalo Ambassador
Despite traveling far and wide for competitions and events, Buffalo remains at the core of Paul’s story. The city’s values of perseverance, loyalty, and community shine through his achievements and advocacy. Paul is living proof of Buffalo’s ability to nurture extraordinary talent and strength.
Whether he’s flipping under the bright lights of competition or reconnecting with local roots, Paul proudly represents his hometown. Buffalo isn’t just where Paul started—it’s a constant source of inspiration that he carries with him wherever life takes him.
Celebrating Paul Noworyta
From the vert ramp to the advocacy stage, Paul Noworyta is more than just an athlete—he’s a symbol of resilience and inspiration. Buffalo can be proud to count him among its own, as his story inspires others to push boundaries, overcome obstacles, and face challenges with an indomitable spirit.
Paul Noworyta reminds us that success isn’t just about skill; it’s about heart, determination, and a willingness to give back. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, a kidney transplant recipient, or simply someone chasing a dream, his story proves that nothing can hold you back when you keep striving.
Here’s to Paul Noworyta—a Buffalo-born hero who continues to inspire and pave the way for dreamers everywhere.