Steve Rodriguez (skateboarder)

Steve Rodriguez (born 1971) is a goofy-footed American skateboarder, skate company owner, skatepark designer, community organizer, and creative services director, who lives and skates in NYC. Rodriguez is a leader in the effort to restore the iconic New York City skate spot: the Brooklyn Banks, a place where Rodriguez spent much time skateboarding. Until it closed for construction in 2010, Rodriguez hosted skate contests at the Banks.

Early life
Raised in Sayreville, New Jersey, Rodriguez discovered skateboarding around 1983 and started skating not long after. He started skating in New York City as a teen, working for his mom who managed a store in the City. Rodriguez would skate through the city while doing deliveries and running other errands.

Skateboarding career
In 1996, Rodriguez and a group of NYC skaters founded 5Boro skateboards. The original 5Boro squad being: Andy Henry, Neil Morgan, Pat Guidotti, Jim Young, JP Lotz, Alex Corporan, Dan Pensyl, Tato Feliciano, Ben Wall, and Jay Hammond. In 2004, 5Boro collaborated with the Beastie Boys to produce an exclusive co-branded board graphic.

Skate video appearances

 * 1999: Fire It Up – 5boro
 * 2004: Word of Mouth – 5boro
 * 2007: Short Ends – Champman Skateboards
 * 2012: Join, Or Die – 5boro

Skateparks designed or co-designed

 * LES Skatepark
 * Golconda Skatepark (Fat Kid)
 * Sgt. William Dougherty Skate Park
 * River Avenue Skate Park