Eric Koston facts for kids
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Born | April 29, 1975 Bangkok, Thailand |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 160 pounds (73 kg) |
| Spouse(s) |
Ashlee Gaston-Koston
(m. 2007) |
| Sport | |
| Country |  United States |
| Sport | Skateboarding |
| Turned pro | 1993 |
Eric Koston (born April 29, 1975) is a famous American professional skateboarder who was born in Thailand. He is also a successful business owner. Many fans know him from the Tony Hawk's video games and the EA games Skate 2 and Skate 3.
Koston is a co-owner of Fourstar Clothing and a popular skatepark and website called "The Berrics". He started The Berrics with another pro skateboarder, Steve Berra.
Contents
Early Life and Start in Skating
Eric Koston was born in Bangkok, Thailand, but he grew up in San Bernardino, California. He started skateboarding in 1986 when he was 11 years old.
Professional Skateboarding Career
Koston's career took off in the early 1990s. One of his first sponsors was a company called H-Street. He later joined a team called 101. In 1993, he became a key member of the Girl skate team. He appeared in many of their popular skate videos, like Mouse and Yeah Right!.
Major Shoe Sponsorships
Koston has been sponsored by several major skate shoe companies. He was a top rider for the éS brand for many years. He even had an annual "Eric Koston éS Game of Skate" contest named after him.
After leaving éS, Koston joined Lakai footwear. He was featured in their 2007 video Fully Flared.
In 2009, he moved to Nike SB, Nike's skateboarding brand. Nike celebrated by releasing his first signature shoe, the "Eric Koston 1." They later released the "Eric Koston 2." For this shoe, Nike made a commercial with other famous athletes like Tiger Woods. Koston said that working with Nike was amazing because he had access to the best technology to design his shoes.
In 2016, Koston and Nike released the "Nike SB Koston 3 Hyperfeel." This shoe was inspired by soccer cleats and had a special ankle collar for extra support.
Leaving Girl Skateboards
After 22 years with Girl Skateboards, Koston and his friend Guy Mariano announced they were leaving the team in November 2015. A year later, in December 2016, they started their own skateboard company called Numbers.
In August 2024, Koston joined a new skateboarding team called EDGLRD, which was started by Harmony Korine.
Current Sponsors
As of 2018, Koston is sponsored by Nike SB, Skate Mental, Independent Truck Company, Spitfire Wheels, Fourstar, and Oakley, among others.
Business Ventures
Besides being a pro skater, Eric Koston is also a smart businessman.
- Fourstar Clothing: In 1996, Koston and Guy Mariano started their own clothing company because they couldn't find sponsors they liked.
- The Berrics: Koston and Steve Berra own a private indoor skatepark called The Berrics. The name is a mix of their last names (Berra and Koston's first name, Eric). They also run a website with the same name that posts skate videos and news.
- Numbers: This is the skateboard company Koston started with Guy Mariano after they left Girl Skateboards.
- Saint Archer Brewing Co.: Koston is a co-owner of this small brewery along with other athletes like surfer Josh Kerr and skateboarder Paul Rodriguez.
Influence on Skateboarding
Eric Koston is considered a legend in the skateboarding world. Fellow pro skater Brandon Biebel once called him the "Michael Jordan of skateboarding."
Pro skater Paul Rodriguez has said that Koston is his biggest role model. Rodriguez said, "I studied everything he's ever done. ... he's my favorite skater—period." This shows how much respect other skaters have for Koston's skill and career.
Koston in Video Games
Koston has been a playable character in many popular video games.
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (2000)
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (2001)
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (2002)
- Tony Hawk's Underground (2003)
- Tony Hawk's Underground 2 (2004)
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD (2012)
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 (2020)
- Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 (2025)
- Skate It (2008)
- Skate 2 (2009)
- Skate 3 (2010)
Major Contest Wins
Koston has won many major skateboarding contests throughout his career. Here are a few of his first-place finishes:
- X Games: He has won multiple gold medals at the X Games in the Park, Street, and Best Trick events.
- Gravity Games: 1st place (2002)
- Tampa Pro: 1st place (2007)
- Dew Tour: Multiple 1st place wins in Park events.
Film and Television Appearances
Koston has appeared in several movies and TV shows, often as himself.
- Ultimate X: The Movie (2002)
- Jackass: The Movie (2002)
- Jackass 3D (2010)
- The Motivation (2013)
- MTV Cribs (2003)
- Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory (2009, 2010)
- The Aquabats! Super Show! (2013)
See also
In Spanish: Eric Koston para niños
