Photo: Dave Brewer
Chaz Ortiz at Toyota Challenge Dew Tour Free Flow
Finals in Salt Lake City.

Chaz Ortiz is a teenage skateboarding sensation. Still in high school Chaz is a shining example that dreams can come true. Just two years ago Chaz made his way to the Free Flow Tour Final, won it. Since that Cinderella moment, Chaz has racked up the podium finishes, signed with a grip of sponsors and has become, in many respects, the new face of skateboarding. At the Toyota Challenge in Salt Lake this weekend, BNQT had the chance to catch up with this Chicago-based boy wonder.

BNQT: Thanks for letting me come up and hang out in your VIP lounge. Can I get you a purple Gatorade?

Chaz: Haha, no thanks man I m good. Thanks for interviewing me.

BNQT: Alright, let s get started. For those that don t know, what s your name and how old are you?

Chaz: My name is Chaz Ortiz and I am 15 years old.

BNQT: When did you start skateboarding?

Chaz: I started skating when I was six.

BNQT: I heard you are still in high school?

Chaz: Yup, I m a sophomore so I have two more years left.

BNQT: Does anyone ever ask you what you are doing in high school if you are a professional skateboarder traveling, doing what you love at such a young age?

Chaz: Ya, I get that a lot but I mean school s fun. I enjoy it, and I like know everyone there so it s not like a big deal. You know I have gone to school with them for a long time so no one makes it a big deal.

BNQT: I have kind of a personal question for you. I don t know if you are ready for this:

Chaz: Uh oh

BNQT: So last year, you where here in Salt Lake City and you beat out Ryan Sheckler. Ok, now everyone knows that Ryan Sheckler is good with the ladies. All the girls want him. So, since you beat him last year, have you gotten any hot dates?

Chaz: HaHa. I don t know dude. There s a lot of girls in the stands screaming for me but it s pretty cool, you know? But like Ryan is a ladies man. He s got his game down.

BNQT: So you don t have a girlfriend?

Chaz: Ya, I do actually. Her name is Kalyn.

BNQT: So, it was a year ago that you were here in Salt Lake City on the free flow tour. What s it like being back in Utah? How are you feeling right now?

Chaz: I m feeling good. I am skating pretty decent. And I got some tricks up my sleeve. I don t know man, I am just gonna go for it. I want to win this stop so I m like pretty chillin for Orlando. So there is not like a ton of pressure there.

BNQT: We are stoked to see you back in Salt Lake. We treated you well last year, and here s hoping that you have a good run this year.

Chaz: Ya, I like it here. I like seeing all the mountains and the nice weather.

BNQT: You know Adam Dyet is from here. Has he ever taken you out to some street spots?

Chaz: Ya, I know Adam. He hasn t taken me out yet. I have only been here for a couple of days at a time you know, so I have never gotten to skate street. But I m sure I will come back here and I would like to film. That would be cool.

BNQT: What are your plans for the next few years?

Chaz: Um, I don t really know man. You know all the contests. The X Games and Dew Tour. I m sure there will be a lot more stuff coming up.

BNQT: Who all came out with you on the Free Flow tour?

Chaz: Just my mom and my sister. But my dad and my friend are coming in tonight.

BNQT: So your family must be really supportive of you doing what you love.

Chaz: Oh ya, if it wasn t for them I wouldn t be here so it s pretty cool.

BNQT: Do you have any shout out? Anything at all you want to say to anyone?

Chaz: Thanks to all of my sponsors. Gatorade, Zoo York, Bones I don t know man. Thanks to you? Hahaha

BNQT? Haha for sure, Chaz. Anytime.

Words and Photos DaveBrewerPhoto.com