The Skateboarding Hall of Fame had its 7th annual awards and Hall of Fame induction ceremonies last weekend at the City National Grove of Anaheim. Created in 2009, The Skateboarding Hall of Fame recognizes and honors the history of skateboarding and those influential figures who have significantly shaped skateboarding and our culture throughout the years.
Joining the 2016 inductees for the 1980’s Era One was Eddie “El Gato” Elguera of Palm Desert, CA. Eddie began skateboarding at the age of 8 in 1970. In 1979, Eddie received the title of U.S. Amateur Skateboard Association Champion for Pool Skating. He then went on to the professional circuit and received Skateboarder Magazine’s coveted award for Vertical Skateboarder of the Year, along with being awarded the “Most Spectacular New Maneuver” with the help of his coach Dale “Sausageman” Smith for inventing the Elguerial, a skateboard maneuver named after him.
The following year, Eddie went on to win the 1980 Gold Cup Series of skateboarding and became the World Champion for the 2nd year in a row. Along with two world titles he had introduced some of the most incredible skateboard maneuvers ever conceived or attempted at that time. In such a short period of time Eddie became a legend in the sport. Today he is considered an innovator, mentor and inspiration to many in the skateboard industry including Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Christian Hosoi and Eric Koston.
Most recently, Eddie has created the El Gato Classic Legends’ Weekend, a three-day event honoring and spotlighting the skateboarding legends of the 1970’s and 1980’s. Joined by Tony Hawk, Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero and many other legends of the sport, the two-time event has drawn hundreds of fans to Palm Springs, and received press in dozens of publications world-wide.
Eddie is a professional skateboarder and the creator of the El Gato Classic Legend’s Weekend in Palm Springs California. www.elgatoclassic.com
Eddie is the Lead Pastor of The Rock Church Coachella Valley. www.therockcv.com. Along with being a full time pastor for over 20 years, he is a widely respected and sought after speaker. With his dynamic approach to teaching, he has traveled world-wide, speaking at conferences, camps, crusades, schools and churches, impacting thousands of teens, church leaders, and pastors with his passionate convictions, seeing thousands saved.
Eddie and his wife of 32 years Dawna have 3 boys, 2 daughters-in-law and one granddaughter. Their mission is to “love people to life.”
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