Hosoi's drug intake was slowly taking it's toll on his psyche and his bank account. Although Hosoi's transistion to street skating was smoother than some of his 80s contemporaires, such as Gator Rogowski and Jeff Grosso. As popularity in vert skating in the early 90s waned and more of the focus in the industry was paid to a rawer form of the sport, called street skating, Hosoi's star was beginning to fade.

He began experimenting with drugs at an early age, often just weed and alcohol, but this soon turned into harder drugs and an addiction to crystal meth. In the 80s he reigned supreme in the world of skateboarding winning several competitions, with a plethora of sponsors and all the riches that came along with his success. He was the epitome of California cool: stylish, laid back, famous, and popular with the ladies. That is when I stumbled across the story of Christian Hosoi.įor those of you who are not familiar or too young to remember, Hosoi was an 80's skateboarding legend and main rival of today's face of the sports Tony Hawk. He was best known for his flamboyant style and 'huge airs' that made vert-skating in the 80's so popular. A lot of my professional sports heroes-Michael Vick, Lenny Dykstra, etc.-have really been letting me down lately, sp I began to look outside of the four major sports for someone, something uplifting to raise my spirits and inspire me again to write interesting pieces that people may enjoy.

Christian hosoi 90s