Tony Chiala.

"There was always a board around the house when we were growing up, so it is hard to say when Tony started skating. He started skating avidly in 1982 on a ramp that Joe Arabia built in his backyard and learned surprisingly quick.

Now, as he always did, Tony skates smoother than Marty and Cindy Jimenez's baby's bottom. He gets more impressive every time I watch him skate.

During the day Tony kicks back and watches CHiPS and Emergency-51 with his pal Ricky Barnes, an avid D.P. fan. Then he'll street skate at night when it's cool. It's amazing how he cab go weeks without skating then step on a board and win a contest.

Tony currently lives in Huntington Beach with his girlfriend Angela. Although I hardly ever see him, he's my friend and my brother." - John Chiala

Tony rode for Lucero and the Black Label back in the early days. He was also on Billabong and Thunder.

Hats off to Ishod Wair for winning SOTY. Also props to Riley Hawk on turning pro. We can start having father/son skate contests now.

Chris Ortiz took the photo.

For the Check Out: Transworld - October 1988 Volume 6 Number 5

Thrasher - November 1990 Volume 10 Number 11