Christian Hosoi has a saying: Skateboarding isn’t just a sport, it’s also a lifestyle.
The Huntington Beach skater, now 55, has spent the past four decades living a dream pro skater life, traveling the world and inspiring the next generation of riders. On Friday, Aug. 11, he was at the kickoff to a new Ramps & Reels event in Dana Point.
“This is a great community event, to help the kids see the passion of skateboarding,” he said. “I think there’s a lot to it, we’re planting seeds in the hearts of people, so they can get a feel of what we’ve experienced in life. For me, it’s been my life, but it’s also been my newfound love to share it. The kids are the future.”
Dana Point’s Doheny Village transformed into a skate and BMX playground on Friday, complete with a mega, 13-foot-tall halfpipe, a skate street course and pro rider appearances that continue Saturday during the two-day event.
Ramps & Reels is the idea of Randy Hild, who created the town’s popular REDO vintage market a few years ago, said Jeff Rosaler, the city’s deputy director of community services.
The coastal town in recent years has been putting a greater spotlight on its surfing heritage with its Waterman’s Plaza that boasts statues of the town’s surfing icons, and event organizers thought it would be a good idea to celebrate its skate and BMX roots, as well.
Doheny Village is a more industrial side of town, dotted with commercial buildings, some of which are surfboard shapers, skateboard makers and moto shops.
“The essence of Doheny Village really speaks to the grittiness of skate, BMX and surf,” Rosaler said. “We’re excited, we’re thrilled. Hopefully the word gets out and we get some people down to this area of town.”
The free community event has set up a street course with ramps and rails for skaters – who signed a city waiver – to take turns on the features. Stickers and T-shirts were given out to the crowd on Friday and bands played live…
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