Christian Hosoi

Christian Hosi, a renowned pro skateboarder, embarked on his skating journey at the age of seven or eight, inspired by legends like Shogo Kubo, Tony Alva, Stacy Peralta, and Jay Adams. The Marina Del Rey Skatepark, managed by his father Ivan “Pops” Hosoi, became Christian’s second home, leading him to quit school and hone his skills on the skateboard. In 1979, as an amateur, he gained sponsorship from Powell Peralta but left a year later due to their refusal to let him turn professional. Joining Dogtown Skateboards briefly, Christian faced setbacks as Dogtown went out of business. At just 14, he turned pro with Sims Skateboards and later joined Alva Skates, aiming to launch his own company through Alva. He invented iconic moves like the Christ Air and Rocket Air. Establishing his own company, Hosoi Skates, in 1984, Christian’s talent extended beyond vert skating, showcasing his prowess in street skating by winning both vert and street contests at the Lotte Cup in Japan in 1989.