“Didn’t Wanna Be Sleeping Outside”: With Nothing to Lose, Chad Muska, 90s Skating Icon Went from Homeless to Household Name Through Insane Grit and Rigor

Professional skateboarder, musician, editor, and entrepreneur, Chad Muska has worn many hats in his 45-year-old long life. The athlete spoke to Vice about his intriguing journey of life and painted a picture of his grit and rigor.

The athlete’s evolution from a homeless teenager to a celebrated and globally renowned skateboarder is a testament to the results of resilience. Muska found his way into high fashion, Hollywood, and the international art scene thanks to his dedication and hard work. In an October 2022 episode of ‘Epicly Later’, Chad Muska reflected on his life and enlightened the viewers with his experience.

Chad Muska spent night after daydreaming about a home

When you’re skateboarding style is so out of the box that everyone around you gets inspired, you shoot to fame and become a sensation. That is exactly what Chad Muska did when he took the 90s skateboarding scene by storm.

“Life kinda s**ked, yeah, I didn’t wanna be sleeping outside, I remember,” Muska illustrated his thoughts staring at the field where he used to spend time as a kid. Painting a canvas of memories, he continued, “Spent a lot of time just laying here and thinking.”

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But the sun didn’t shine for Muska from the very get-go. He had a hard time growing up without a roof over his head. “I had a blanket or a big beach towel in my backpack,” added Chad. Born in Ohio, Muska started skateboarding at a very early age. After an incident where his bike got stolen, he got a board from a neighborhood kid and started skating. “My first introduction to skating was in Phoenix Arizona,” stated Chad Muska.

The journey so far for the 90s sensation

The Lorain native has been an entrepreneur. He founded Ghetto Child, the skateboard wheel brand, and later ran the avant-garde store called Factory413. Chad has ventured into high fashion and signed sponsorship deals with Supra Footwear and Brooklyn Projects. He has been a major influence in the alternative 90s trend and also, has been identified as one of the top most influential athletes in skateboarding.

Muska did not stop there. He has also been a musician and produced music for a plethora of old-school hip-hop artists. In addition, he has appeared in Tony Hawk’s series of video games based on the sport.

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“I just wanted to have a house I guess, wanted somewhere to sleep,” an emotional Chad elucidates, lying on his back, his unwavering gaze fixed on the heavens. In conclusion, it pays to keep doing what you are always meant to do.