Hailing from Encinitas, California—a town oozing with skateboarding culture, spots and plenty of crowded skateparks—you could argue Braden Hoban was perfectly positioned to become the powerhouse he is today.
In the new installment of The Platfrm’s Then/Now series, Braden dives deep into his journey, from picking up his first shop board at McGill’s Skateshop to designing his first pro model shoe with Emerica, life on the road and so much more. Take a look:
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Like Braden, I grew up in North County San Diego, and like a lot of young skaters, I was always blown away by the YMCA vert ramp you could see from the freeway as a kid.
It makes total sense that Braden grew up skating there—you can tell he caught the skate bug early and his confidence on a board is undeniable. He’s been putting in the work for years and over the last few years, it’s all really been paying off.
Related: Braden Hoban and Rayssa Leal Celebrate Victories at SLS San Diego
From turning pro for Toy Machine to spending two years dialing in his pro model with Emerica, Braden Hoban lives and breathes the kind of skate life most up-and-comers only dream of. Add in his SLS win in San Diego (see above) and a grip of other podium finishes, and one thing is absolutely clear—Hoban rips. No debate.
These days, Braden is in the van handling business with all the pro skaters he grew up watching and admiring, like Leo Romero, Jeremy Leabres, Dakota Servold—you know the crew—literally living the dream. So rad.
I’m sure that Rockstar money doesn’t hurt, either. Hey, it’s all well-deserved.
His story is one worth learning more about, that’s for sure. He’s come a long way, and he’s only getting started. All gas, no brakes with this dude. Yeah, Braden!
