🛹 Pat Channita: A Skateboarding Icon with Laotian Roots

Pat Channita may not be a household name today, but in the world of 1990s street skateboarding, he was a force to be reckoned with. From humble beginnings to international acclaim, Pat’s journey is one of grit, style, and quiet influence.

🌍 Origins and Early Life

• Born: 1977 in Seattle, Washington

• Heritage: Laotian-American, part of the Khmu’ ethnic group

• Family History: His parents immigrated to the U.S. as refugees from Xiangkhouang province, Laos, in 1975

• Raised: Garden Grove, California, where his father became a community leader in the Lao-Khmu’ community

Pat’s first skateboard came as a $20 Christmas gift in 1986 from a local swap meet. That simple board sparked a lifelong passion.

🛹 Rise to Skateboarding Fame

• First Contest: 1990 (amateur level)

• First Sponsorship: 1991 from a local skate shop

• Pro Debut: 1995 Slam City Jam in Vancouver

• Pro Model Decks: First released in 1997; he’s had nearly 10 pro models over the years

• Sponsors:

  • Plan B (early pro years)

  • Powell Peralta (later years, including the BRIGADE team)

  • Signature pro shoes released in 2002

🎥 Video Parts and Media Appearances

Pat’s technical street skating earned him spots in some of the most iconic skate videos of the era:

• H-Street’s "Lick" (1993)

• Plan B’s "Second Hand Smoke" (1994)

• "The Revolution" (1997)

• Multiple 411 Video Magazine issues

• MTV’s Jackass (Season 1, Episode 8) – skating alongside Jason “Wee Man” Acuña, Daewon Song, and Tony Hawk

• Cameo in "Extreme Days" (2001)

🏆 Career Highlights

• X-Games Competitor: First appearance in 1997

• Vans Triple Crown Winner: 1999

• X-Games Silver Medalist: 1999

• World Cup Skateboarding Street Champion: 1999 – ranked #1 in the world

Pat was known for his consistency in contests, often competing in two events per month during peak years.

🔥 Signature Style and Tricks

• Known For: Technical street skating, smooth flip tricks, and clean execution

• Favorite Trick: Flip tricks with stylish catches

• Dream Trick: A 540 (though he admitted vert wasn’t his strong suit)

• Notable Moves: Backside 180 kickflips and other street-level technical tricks

He was influenced by skaters like Christian Hosoi and Daewon Song, admiring their style and board control.

🎓 Life Beyond Skateboarding

Even while skating professionally, Pat pursued higher education:

• Degree: Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Cal State Fullerton

• Current Career: Licensed Vocational Nurse in Garden Grove, CA

💬 Fun Facts

• Pat was a fireworks enthusiast on tour—always had extra money for things that go boom.

• He played soccer before discovering skateboarding.

• Despite his fame, he remained grounded, preferring magazines over internet fame and focusing on skating for the love of it rather than chasing mainstream exposure.

Pat Channita 48th Birthday Video Part

Pat Channita - Powell Magic

Pat Channita Plan B 1994 Second Hand Smoke