Cows-Kids-and Pro Skater, Christian Hosoi

By Ron Stebenne – Freestyle Promotions International/BambooSK8

Tunnel Hill GA – You would never expect to see a cow skateboarding anywhere in Georgia.  Almost as unusual is to see a world renowned professional skateboarder in Tunnel Hill, Georgia. However, on Saturday, April 10, both a cow and Christian Hosoi where skateboarding in the same place, the North Georgia Skate Park in Tunnel Hill.  The ‘Cow’ was indeed skateboarding on the ramps courtesy of the event sponsor, Chick Fil-A of Walnut Square Mall in Dalton.  Christian was brought to the park by the owner, Loretta Scriven to provide an equally unique opportunity for skateboarders to see, hear, and experience Hosoi’s life journey through wealth, fame, prison, and his redemption.

Hosoi’s journey began when he was just a young teenager in the early 80’s.  His bold skate tricks, movie star looks, and his aggressive nature put him on the fast track to fame, money, and all the world had to offer, including drugs which eventually led to his arrest for possession of 1 ½ pounds of crystal meth in January of 2000.  He served 4 years in prison in San Bernardino California Central Detention Center.  Prior to his arrest, Hosoi was Tony Hawk’s biggest competitor in contests.  Millions of kids watched Hosoi and Hawk battle it out on ramps.  In 2000, these two skateboard greats went in two very different directions.

In many ways, Hosoi’s arrest saved his life and created a whole new life for him. Hosoi says, “ I traveled the world 10 times over and no one told me about Christ.   It’s weird but I invented a trick they call the “Christ Air”, my nick name is Christ, but no one told me about Christ.  When I finally hit rock bottom, I was open for Christ to come in.”   Since his arrest, Hosoi has been clean and sober.  He is married and has 4 children and is dedicated to his family.  Moreover, he turned his life over to his Lord, Jesus Christ, and freely shares his journey with those who will listen.  Now as a pastor for The Sanctuary Church in Westminster, California, is travels the world to proclaim his faith, share his life, share the Gospel, and skate in contests and shows in the hopes of changing the lives of young skaters worldwide.

On Saturday, Hosoi was at the North Georgia Skate Park in Tunnel Hill for a purpose beyond just hanging with the kids as a pro.  “I wanted to come here and see if I could make a difference in the people’s lives in this community and influence them to do something positive, to steer them away from the kinds of things I went through.  I now know it’s about making the right choices, knowing good life-skills, and being good members of society rather than going down the roads that a lot of kids don’t make it out of.”

Park owner, Loretta Scriven, made the event possible because she felt the kids needed to hear these words from someone they respected and looked up to.  By the response from the crowed of young and older skaters, she was right.  After Hosoi’s talk, dozens of youth and adults crowded around Hosoi to pray with him and be close to the legend.  Later they crowded around him to get his autograph and ask questions.  Hosoi patiently talked to everyone, had pictures taken with the kids and even skated with them.

Loretta Scriven hopes to have more events and guest pros in this new facility.  She and Christian have the same vision, to bridge Christianity and skateboarding, to positively impact the youth in all of Georgia and beyond, and to provide a safe place for kids and families to truly recreate themselves in mind, body, and spirit.

Those interested in visiting the North Georgia Skate Park should visit www.northgeorgiaskatepark.com

You can also visit:  www.c3tvradio.us for a live broadcast of the event.

http://business.transworld.net/33170/features/catching-up-with-bamboo-sk8s-ron-stebenne/

Click to read an interview with Ron Stebenne of Oceanside, California BambooSK8 talking about the ecological benefits of bamboo as a superior choice for building skateboards.  Thank you transworld.

Ron has been busy taking his motorhome and a trailer full of ramps around and setting up a mobile skatepark on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-6:30 at a San Diego church called “the Connection”.  If you are around, please stop by and say hello to Ron and enjoy a game of skate or just having fun riding the ramps.

We want to thank Dr. Twede and the Michigan State University packaging department (PKG 485 class) for their assistance with designing a skateboard package with an environmental and cost-effective focus.  11 students spent this past semester working on the project; Geoff Koboldt (MSU graduate) first spoke to the class about sustainability and skateboarding in January and then Ron Stebenne came in for the final presentation at the end of April.  The 11 students got their special own bamboo skate deck with a “S” for Spartans and Michigan State University logo screened on.