Just a sophomore in high school, Chas Ortiz burst onto the skate boarding scene through the Gatorade Free Flow Tour last year. He won the Skate Park competition in Salt Lake City and last month in Portland. He is currently the leader in the Dew Tour's Skate Park standings. He will compete in the finals Saturday night at Energy Solutions Arena.
Question: How had your life changed since winning the Skate Park competition on the Dew Tour in Salt Lake City last year?
Answer: It opened up a lot of opportunities. I signed with Gatorade and I've been traveling a lot. I signed with Gatorade last December and I was like, "Wow!" That was amazing.
Question: What was your favorite opportunity or experience that came out of your skateboarding success?
I got to participate in a Dwyane Wade fundraiser. He had a talent show and I was a judge. It was awesome. I've always been a fan of his. Also, I got to go to the Super Bowl. I was just there with Gatorade but that was cool.....I met Dwyane Wade while we were shooting a Gatorade commercial.
Question:Are there any downsides to fame and success?
Answer: Traveling while I'm in school. I try to keep up on the homework but it doesn't really work. I just have to try to catch up when I go home. I miss stuff while I'm gone. Like next week I'm missing homecoming. I'm actually really mad about that. But I'm not complaining. I love it. I just have to worry about skating.
Question:Does skating feel different now that you've won some major competitions?
Answer: I just go out there and do my thing. I don't care if I get last place; if I had fun, then it's all good. I just try to learn some new stuff. The level of skating is ridiculous. I practice; I try to skate every day, at least a little bit...I have something special planned for Salt Lake. I have to win this one if I want to win the whole thing.
Question:What do you have planned after high school?
Answer: I'm going to keep skating and try to take some business classes. I'd like to start my own business - maybe clothing. (He has been sponsored by Zoo Park clothing since he was 8 years old.)_