Simon: So other than your family, what pros did you look up to?
Chaz Ortiz: I looked up to all of them: Sheckler, Paul (Rodriguez). I mean I always looked up to them and now I'm on their level, it's crazy!
Simon: On to your interests. What kind of music do you like?
Chaz Ortiz: I listen to hip-hop.
Simon: Anybody in particular?
Chaz Ortiz: Not really, whatever sounds good and whatever sounds good at the time.
Simon: What about fave TV shows?
Chaz Ortiz: I'm on MTV a lot. Or I watch the Dew tour stops.
Simon: What is the coolest place you've traveled so far?
Chaz Ortiz: I think Salt Lake City was one of the coolest ones. I've been out of the country, but Salt Lake was super nice, like all the mountains around. I just liked it there, nice weather and stuff, I want to go back there and vacation one time.
Simon: Are there any other sports you like to play?
Chaz Ortiz: I play basketball a little bit at my school sometimes with my friends. But other than that, just focus on skating.
Simon: What about school, how is that been going so far?
Chaz Ortiz: It's been pretty good so far. I've been in three or four weeks so far. It's alright.
Simon: What is your favorite subject?
Chaz Ortiz: I don't know, maybe world history.
Simon: For our female audience, do you have a girlfriend?
Chaz Ortiz: I do not (laughs). I don't want one.
Simon: How tough is it balancing a skateboarding career and school?
Chaz Ortiz: It's pretty hard because I have to do homework on the plane or hotel when I'm not skating. It's not hard to the point where it's overwhelming, it's just hard sometimes because you just want to focus on skating. But at the same time, you have to do your school work because when you get back they're going to want you to turn it in and stuff. But other than that, it's fine.
Simon: What are your goals for the future, short term and long?
Chaz Ortiz: Well my short term is to do good in Orlando. And my long term is to keep skating and see where it takes me and make the most out of it.
Simon: And very last question, what advice do you have for kids who are trying to follow in your footsteps?
Chaz Ortiz: Really just, if you like it just keep skating. Whatever makes you happy you got to do it for yourself and what you feel in your heart. And just keep going with it, just skate everyday, learn your stuff and be happy!
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