Cristian Orozco — Passing It Forward

Cristian Orozco with his copy of Montar La Fire. After decades of skateboarding in León, he now focuses on encouraging the next generation of skaters.

After writing about Cristian's early years in skateboarding, his role in the community, and his creative work through the DISASTER brand, I wanted to understand what continues to motivate him after so many years.

His answer was immediate.

"Después de tanto tiempo patinando, lo que más me motiva a seguir adelante es la felicidad que me da patinar y ver a las nuevas generaciones felices sobre patines."

For Cristian, skateboarding is no longer only about his own progress.

It is about seeing others discover the same joy that first attracted him to the sport.

When León's skateboarding community was just beginning, opportunities were limited. Boards were shared. Parts were repaired. Skaters learned through persistence and creativity.

Today, things are different.

There is a skatepark.

There are younger skaters.

There are new opportunities.

And Cristian enjoys watching the next generation experience those opportunities for themselves.

He explained:

"Ahora les toca a los más jóvenes disfrutarlo y darlo todo por las próximas generaciones."

That attitude says a great deal about the kind of leader Cristian has become.

He is not focused on holding onto the spotlight.

Instead, he wants to see others grow.

He wants young skaters to discover what skateboarding can offer beyond tricks and competitions.

Young riders discovering their place in León's skateboarding community. For Cristian, these are the skaters who will carry the culture forward.

As he told me:

"Lo que espero que los jóvenes aprendan de mí es amar las nuevas oportunidades que les brindará el skateboarding, y disfrutar de todas las cosas maravillosas que ser skater puede ofrecer, viviendo las experiencias como nunca antes, de una manera sana."

Listening to Cristian, it became clear that skateboarding in León is about more than boards, ramps, and contests.

It is about community.

Several generations of skaters at the León skatepark. What began with a few determined skaters continues to grow through friendship, mentorship, and community.

It is about perseverance.

And most of all, it is about passing something valuable on to the next generation.