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P-Rod: The Story Behind Skateboarding’s Cultural Icon
Paul Martin Rodriguez Jr., better known as P-Rod, is more than just a professional skateboarder; he’s a cultural icon whose influence goes beyond the world of skateboarding.
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Who is Paul “P-Rod” Rodriguez Jr.
Born on December 31st, 1984, in Tarzana, California, Paul inherited a legacy of entertainment from his father, the renowned actor and comedian Paul Rodriguez, and his mother, Laura Martinez. Growing up with an older sister, Nikole, and a younger brother, Lucas, Paul found his true passion at the age of 12 after receiving his first skateboard as a Christmas gift.
From that moment on, skateboarding became more than just a hobby for Paul Rodriguez—it became his life’s calling. Fascinated by how his schoolmates could effortlessly lift their skateboards off the ground, Paul was determined to master the art himself. It was around this time that he received his now iconic nickname, P-Rod, from his fellow classmates.
Paul’s big break came when he caught the eye of Andy Netkin, the owner of a local skate shop called “One Eighteen,” after watching his “Sponsor Me” video and recognizing his undeniable talent. This led to his first sponsorship with DNA Skateboards, marking the start of a remarkable career that would propel P-Rod to the top of skateboarding greatness and collaborate with brands like Nike.
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His skateboarding journey soon included affiliations with brands like City Stars and Girl Skateboards. While with City Stars, he quickly rose through the ranks, even as an amateur, and gained recognition for his skills and dedication. However, Rodriguez ultimately decided to part ways with City Stars prior to the launch of his signature skateboard deck, which showed his integrity and respect for the company, ensuring they wouldn’t face financial losses.
Legendary skateboarder and cultural icon
It was after he transitioned to Girl Skateboards that he achieved professional status and realized his lifelong dream. Joining the Girl team brought him immense fulfillment, especially since he was invited there by his idol Eric Koston. His debut professional signature skateboard with Girl holds a special place in his heart, symbolizing the culmination of his hard work and dedication. Despite eventually moving on to Plan B Skateboards, Rodriguez still cherishes his time with Girl, considering them a lifelong sponsor and appreciating the opportunity to contribute to their legacy.
Throughout his career, P-Rod has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including eight medals at the X Games, four of which are gold. His dominance in competitions, such as the X Games and Street League Skateboarding, solidified his status as a legend in the sport. Notably, Paul’s victories in events like the Tampa Pro and his standout performances in iconic skateboarding videos like “Yeah Right” and “Me, Myself, and I” have left a lasting mark on the skateboarding community.
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However, Paul’s contributions to skateboarding go further beyond just his achievements on the ramp. In 2008, he co-founded Primitive Skateboarding, a skate and clothing store in Encino, California. It ended up evolving into a full-on board company in 2014 —a move that would reshape the landscape of skateboarding brands, collaborating with cultural icons such as Tupac Shakur and Dragon Ball Z.
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Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to skateboarding have made him a trailblazer in the industry. His dedication to the sport is evidenced by his resilience in the face of adversity and setbacks. In 2023, despite facing a knee injury that threatened to derail his career, Paul launched “Life Reset,” a series documenting his journey towards physical and mental well-being.
Now, at 38 years old, Paul Rodriguez shows no signs of slowing down. His passion for skateboarding remains as strong as ever, serving as an inspiration to aspiring skaters worldwide. As he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible on a skateboard, Paul’s legacy as a pioneer, innovator, and cultural icon is firmly cemented in the annals of skateboarding history.
Make sure to catch Paul Rodriguez’s appearance on our new episode of Ganadoras on LATV! You can find it on the LATV+ App.
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