John Cardiel was born on December 14, 1973, in San Jose, California. From a young age, he was drawn to the skateboarding scene and quickly became immersed in the sport. Cardiel cited legendary skateboarders Mark Gonzales and Tony Hawk as early influences, shaping his passion for skateboarding and setting him on a path to success in the industry.
Cardiel's talent and dedication to skateboarding quickly caught the attention of the skateboarding community. He became known for his fearless style and innovative tricks, earning him a spot as one of the founding members of AntiHero Skateboards, a company known for its rebellious and raw approach to skateboarding. Cardiel's groundbreaking skating style and unwavering commitment to the sport led to him being ranked the 11th Most Influential Skater of All Time by Transworld Skateboarding magazine in 2011.
In 2013, Cardiel expanded his creative horizons and founded Break Free Customs, a company specializing in custom bikes, skateboards, and clothing. Through Break Free Customs, Cardiel was able to channel his artistic vision and passion for craftsmanship into unique and innovative products that resonated with skateboarding and extreme sports enthusiasts around the world.
Despite his immense success in the skateboarding world, Cardiel remains grounded and true to his roots in San Jose, California. He continues to push the boundaries of skateboarding and inspire the next generation of skaters with his fearless attitude and innovative approach to the sport.
Cardiel's impact on the skateboarding industry cannot be overstated. His pioneering tricks and fearless style have paved the way for a new generation of skaters to push the boundaries of what is possible on a skateboard. His influence can be seen in the work of fellow skateboarders like Tony Trujillo, who, like Cardiel, is a member of the AntiHero Skateboards roster. Cardiel's legacy as a skateboarding icon will continue to inspire and shape the sport for years to come.
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