one  of the best skater ever!!Christian Hosoi!!At the age of 13, Christian Hosoi emerged in the 80s skateboarding scene as an awe-inspiring prodigy and quickly became one of the most popular and flamboyant skaters in the sport’s history.  Hosoi originally developed as a skater in the famous “Dogtown” community of Venice Beach, rubbing elbows with established veterans such as Shogo Kubo, Tony Alva, Jay Adams and filmmaker Stacy Peralta, who later went on to direct the award-winning documentary “Dogtown and Z-Boys.”   He eventually became one of the biggest “vert” superstars of all time and was famous for his aggressive and outlandish style and the unprecedented “air” he could generate on his stunts.

Hosoi pioneered numerous signature moves, appeared in commercials, music videos, and movies and, between the contests, parties, and constant traveling, he managed to create and run multiple successful skateboard brands.  Throughout his career, he defined the sport of skateboarding alongside friendly rival Tony Hawk.  The competitions between Hosoi’s “showman” style and Hawk’s “technician” proficiency helped propel skateboarding into a legitimate and accessible sport.

In the late 90s, Hosoi’s rock star lifestyle, which included a proclivity for drugs and irresponsible behavior, began to destroy his skating, his businesses, and his life.  In January of 2000, he was arrested at the Honolulu airport while attempting to transport crystal methamphetamine and was charged with trafficking with the intent to distribute, a federal crime.  Hosoi was sentenced to 10 years at the San Bernardino Detention Center. 

While in prison, Hosoi found a new outlook and purpose through Christianity.  He began to minister to other inmates and, although still locked up, he used his celebrity status to warn youth about the dangers of drugs.  After receiving over 100 character statements on his behalf, including six letters from sheriff’s deputies, the Hawaii Federal District Court granted him an early release due to exemplary behavior.

Hosoi’s much anticipated return to professional skating has stirred up the community and excited virtually every skater, young and old, that has been privy to the legend or simply owned one of his signature board shapes.  His addition to the Quiksilver skate team has reunited him with former rival Tony Hawk and paired him with other legends like Natas Kaupas and Omar Hassan as well as some of the new school greats like Arto Saari, Reese Forbes, and Stefan Janoski.  Hosoi’s sponsorship by Quiksilver has also resulted in the production of the documentary “Rising Son, The Legend of Christian Hosoi” which will be toured around the country at the end of the summer and released on DVD in November.  Although professional skating has certainly evolved since the days when his portrait graced the pages of Rolling Stone, Hosoi is still skating with his trademark combination of strength and style and he plans to compete in major contests, re-launch Hosoi Skates, and perhaps author a book in the coming year.