Birthdate: May 4, 1994
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
He's just 14-years-old, but skateboarder Chad Ortiz is making a big name for himself on the AST Dew Tour. We got the low down on this rising star!
Growing Up
Growing up in Chicago, Chaz had an itch for skateboarding at a very young age. When he was just six-years-old, Chad begged his dad to buy him a skateboard. When his dad gave in, Chaz took full advantage practicing tricks day and night. It wasn't long until the pint-sized skatepark star started making a name for himself around the Windy City and eventually the world.
Career
At just 13, Chaz competed in the Free Flow Tour, which is the premier amateur tour. Chaz dazzled the crowd and judges with a vast array of tricks. In the end, he was the 2007 Free Flow Champ! That year, he also took second overall in the Volcom Damn Am contest. He had his first pro contest in June 2008 for the AST Dew Tour's Panasonic Open in Baltimore, where he had a podium finish, placing third behind superstars Ryan Shecker and Paul Rodriguez. Chaz improved the next month by placing second place at the Right Guard Open. As of August 2008, Chaz is has a second place ranking in the AST Dew Tour with 160 points!
Riding Style
Chaz is known for his smooth riding style. He performs tricks that people ten years older are doing, and he does them with confidence. Many sponsors, athletes and media have taken notice of the next big thing in action sports. He is sponsored by Zoo York, Bones, Diamond, E's Shoes, FKD Bearings, Warp Skatepark and Force Trucks. Ryan Sheckler recently was quoted as saying, "He deserves everything he has coming to him. I think that Chaz has the potential to be the next "it" skater. He has the attitude of a champion, he skates like a champion; he skates like he wants to learn how to do everything that's going on in the skateboard world. I have nothing but good things to say for the kid. I hope he has the most success out of skateboarding, and I’ll help him any way I can."
Chaz Says...
"Just skate hard, skate your best, and don’t get yourself down. Just go out there and skate how you know how to skate, make sure you have your run planned, and just have fun."
