Torey Pudwill

Torey Pudwill
Personal information
Birth name Torey Jamison Pudwill
Born May 2, 1990
Simi Valley, California, U.S.
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight 135 lb (61 kg)
Sport
Country  United States
Sport Skateboarding

Torey Jamieson Pudwill[1] (born May 2, 1990),[2] also known by his nickname "T-Puds",[3][4] is an American professional street skateboarder.

Early life

Pudwill was born in Simi Valley, California, United States (US).[5] In a February 2013 online interview, Pudwill explained that Justin Shulte (also a sponsored skateboarder as of March 2013[6][7]) was the friend that he would mostly skateboard with during his early adolescence.[8]

As a teenager, Pudwill would spend his time skateboarding at the Skatelab in Simi Valley, California. Five years after the facility opened, Pudwill was featured in the Skatelab "all-time accident report" and owner Todd Huber explained in 2009: "Torey had 117 accidents—more than anyone else on there and he was only thirteen."[9] It was during his teenage years that Pudwill originated the Grizzly Griptape brand.[8]

Professional skateboarding

Pudwill was around 14 years of age when his part appeared in the 2005 Shorty's video How To Go Pro.[10] Shorty's was Pudwill's first board sponsor and following the demise of the brand, he was a flow rider for Alien Workshop for "at least a year".[11]

Pudwill was then invited to join the Almost team by company co-owner Daewon Song—who had first made contact after the cessation of Shorty's—during the pair's time as DVS team riders (as of December 2014, Pudwill and Song remain DVS teammates[12][13]). Pudwill explained in 2010:

After Alien [Workshop], I floated around, getting boards from Chocolate [Skateboards] for a couple months and then Daewon [Song] hit me up. He hit me up before that, around the time I left Shorty’s, but I had something lined up with Alien, so I wanted to stay loyal—not hop around. It didn’t work out the way I saw it in my head though.[11]

Pudwill accepted Song's offer and achieved professional status in August 2008 during his tenure at Almost.[14] Following the announcement that Pudwill had decided to join the Plan B team, Schulte was announced as a new Almost rider and a short video part accompanied the announcement.[15]

An official announcement was released in March 2010, stating that Pudwill had joined the Plan B Skateboards team, alongside skateboarders such as Danny Way, Colin McKay, Ryan Sheckler, PJ Ladd and Paul Rodriguez.[16] A welcome video that was published on the Internet also accompanied the announcement.[17]

Following his change to Plan B, Pudwill used some of the footage he had filmed while at Almost for his first-ever video part in a TransWorld SKATEboarding magazine production. The video, Hallelujah, was released to the public on July 28, 2010,[18] and also featured professional skateboarders Ryan Decenzo, Pete Eldridge, Taylor Bingaman, and Tyler Bledsoe.[19]

Pudwill's first full video part for Plan B, "Torey Pudwill's Big Bang!," was released on July 4, 2014, as a free DVD with an issue of Thrasher Magazine.[20] The video was also released on the Thrasher website and YouTube channel, and as of December 2, 2014, the latter received over four million views.[21][22]

On January 4, 2012, a teaser video was released, featuring Pudwill performing an upward tailslide-to-kick flip-out on a ledge, stating that the Plan B video is due for release in summer of 2013. The video is the first in a series of teasers that will be released during the period leading up to the video release date.[23][24]

In October 2012, the DVS Shoe Company published a press release stating that Pudwill had signed a three-year contract. The press release revealed that the two signature shoes that Pudwill has released with the company have been among the brand's most popular. As of the press release date, Pudwill's third shoe model was in the process of being designed.[25] Pudwill explained in a May 2013 interview:

I’ve been with DVS for a long time and it’s definitely part of my roots in skateboarding. DVS is a big part of me and we have a solid team and family there. We’re all really close and as a team we’re all really hyped on each other. I recently re-signed with them and we’re rebuilding with a solid crew especially with guys like Daewon and Chico. We’re all working tough towards new goals for the brand. It’s shoes and skateboarding, man. It’s sick.[26]

Pudwill's part for the inaugural Plan B full-length video, True, was used as the concluding section. The video premiered on November 23, 2014, at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, California.[27]

Sponsors

As of December 2014, Pudwill's sponsors are Plan B Skateboards, DVS Shoes, Diamond Supply Co, Bones Bearings, Venture Trucks, Select Wheels, Grizzly Grip, Happy Hour, Loud, Red Bull, and Nixon Watches.[28]

Pudwill's former sponsors are Shorty's, Alien Workshop (flow), Chocolate (flow), Force Trucks, Almost, CCS, and Matix.[29][30]

Contest history

Pudwill won the "Best Trick" title (while also finishing third in the overall ranking[31]) at the 2011 Tampa Pro contest—held at the Skatepark of Tampa in Tampa, Florida, US[32]—and finished in fifth position at the Seattle, US stop of the Street League Skateboarding competition of the same year.[25][33] Pudwill then placed first at the 2012 Tampa Pro contest.[34]

Entrepreneur

Pudwill is the owner of Grizzly Griptape, which is distributed through Diamond Supply Company as of August 2012.[35] Pudwill started the brand as a teenager, using a baking mold as the original inspiration for the logo design.[8][36] As of March 2013, the company also manufactures apparel and accessories.[37]

Awards

In 2011, Pudwill received the "Street Skater of the Year" award from TransWorld SKATEboarding magazine.[38] Following the announcement of the award, Transworld elaborated on the decision with a video segment that was published on its website—entitled "Why We Picked ...", the segment features interviews with Transworld staff members and other professional skateboarders.[39]

Influence

Following Pudwill's selection as Street Skater of the Year in 2011, professional skateboarder and entrepreneur Jeron Wilson stated: "I don't think you can say anything bad about Torey. He's one of those guys that's just, hands down, one of, like, the greatest skateboarders and the coolest dude. He's obviously an awesome skateboarder, but he's also an awesome human." Wilson's comments were compiled as part of the "Why We Picked ..." segment that was published on the Transworld website and editor of Transworld SKATEboarding Kevin Duffel also contributed to the video:

I actually just read a bit online of someone saying that they're gonna call this era [2010s] the "Torey Pudwill Era". And, I mean, it's kind of funny when you think about it, but, at the same time, it's pretty true. It's, like, this dude is really changing the game for a lot of people. The amount of tech skill he has is definitely unmatched.[39]

In terms of his own influences, Pudwill has spoken of Plan B cofounder and co-owner Danny Way in interviews and in 2013 explained: "Danny is tight. He’s awesome to kick it with and he can pretty much do whatever he wants. He’s Danny Way. He’s got that all access pass. Just to see the motivation and dedication he has to film for this video makes me want to never give up and film my part as if my life depended on it."[26]

Videography

See also

References

  1. Venture Trucks (2012). "TOREY "BLACK FROM THE WAIST DOWN" PUDWILL". Venture Trucks. Deluxe Distribution. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  2. Jeremy Adams (3 May 2011). "Torey Pudwill 21st Birthday/Private Screening Battle Commander". The Skateboard Mag. Strictly Skateboarding. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  3. "T-Puds on Plan B". Thrasher Skateboard Magazine. High Speed Productions, Inc. 15 March 2010. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  4. Blair Alley (8 June 2011). "T-PUDS BTV CLIP #5". Transworld Skateboarding. Bonnier Corporation. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  5. Templeton Elliot (8 October 2012). "Torey Back With DVS". The Skateboard mag. Strictly Skateboarding. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2012.
  6. MountainDewSkate (23 April 2012). "Justin Schulte - Welcome to the Team" (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  7. "Justin Schulte". Grizzly. Diamond. March 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 AlliSports (28 February 2013). "Torey Pudwill, aka T-Puds, Skates to the Top Then Starts Grizzly Grip, The A ..." (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  9. Kailee Bradstreet (7 April 2009). "RETAIL PROFILES: SKATELAB, SIMI VALLEY". TransWorld Business. TEN. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  10. 10.0 10.1 "Shorty's - How To Go Pro". Skatevideosite.com. Skatevideosite.com. 2005–2014. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  11. 11.0 11.1 Josh Brooks (17 March 2010). "newsHIT Interview: Pudwill on Plan B". TransWorld SKATEboarding. TEN. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  12. Alliance Skatepark (13 March 2013). "DVS Does Dallas - Scion Of Lewisville Skatepark - Demo" (VIDEO UPLOAD). Alliance Skatepark on Vimeo. Vimeo LLC. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
  13. "DVS Global Team". DVS Shoes – Skate. DVS Shoes. March 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
  14. Crossfire (5 August 2008). "Torey Pudwill Goes Pro". Caught in the Crossfire. Division Media. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  15. Ben Kelly (19 February 2010). "ALMOST WELCOMES JUSTIN SCHULTE: EXCLUSIVE VIDEO AND INTERVIEW". Transworld SKATEboarding. Bonnier Corporation. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  16. Jonathan Young (16 March 2010). "Torey Pudwill Joins The Plan B Team". Europeskate. Europeskate.com. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  17. EuropeSkate666 (16 March 2010). "Torey Pudwill Plan B Welcome Video" (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  18. Blair Alley (28 July 2010). "Hallelujah Is Here! Order Now!". TransWorld SKATEboarding. TEN. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  19. Blair Alley (31 March 2010). "Hallelujah Trailer". TransWorld SKATEboarding. TEN. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  20. Cold Pizza (30 June 2011). "THER STONED REVIEW: TOREY PUDWILL’S “BIG BANG” JULY 4TH PLAN B PART". Jenkem. Jenkem. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  21. "Plan B Presents: Torey Pudwill's Big Bang!". Thrasher Magazine. High Speed Productions Inc. 4 July 2011. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  22. "Torey Pudwill's Big Bang". ThrasherMagazine on YouTube. Google Inc. 22 July 2011. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  23. Blair Alley (4 January 2013). "PLAN B TEASER #1". Transworld Skateboarding. Bonnier Corporation. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  24. PlanBTVChannel (4 January 2013). "TOREY PUDWILL - TEASER #1 - PLAN B FULL LENGTH VIDEO COMING" (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  25. 25.0 25.1 "DVS Shoe Company Signs Torey Pudwill to its Pro Skate Team "T-Puds" Back With DVS on a 3-Year Deal". EOL – Enhanced Online News. Business Wire. 8 October 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  26. 26.0 26.1 "CCS Exclusive | Torey Pudwill Interview". CCS Blog. CCS. 22 May 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  27. 27.0 27.1 "Plan B True Premiere". TransWorld SKATEboarding. TEN. 24 November 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  28. "Team: Torey Pudwill". Plan B Skateboards. Branch Distribution. 2 December 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  29. Josh Brooks (17 March 2010). "NEWSHIT INTERVIEW: PUDWILL ON PLAN B". Transworld Skateboarding. Bonnier Corporation. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  30. "Ambassadors". Matix. Matix Clothing. 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  31. ezu999 (14 March 2011). "Tampa Pro 2011 Finals & Best Trick" (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  32. PlanBTVChannel (15 March 2011). "Plan B Torey Pudwill 1st Place Best trick Tampa Pro 2011" (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  33. "Torey Pudwill Laser Heal Street League Seattle". DVS Shoes on Facebook. Facebook. 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  34. Blair Alley (25 March 2012). "TOREY PUDWILL’S WINNING RUN: TAMPA PRO 2012". Transworld Skateboarding. Bonnier Corporation. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  35. Giovanni Reda (5 September 2012). "WEDNESDAYS WITH REDA At Diamond Supply Co. - Part 2". The Berrics. The Berrics. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  36. RIDEChannel (17 August 2012). "Torey Pudwill's House, P-Rod, Nick Tucker, and Skateboarder Mag's Charity Jam: SPoT Life Episode". YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  37. "Grizzly Griptape". Grizzly. Diamond Supply Co. March 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  38. "Red Bull Perspective – Pudwill" (VIDEO UPLOAD). Red Bull USA. Red Bull. 13 February 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
  39. 39.0 39.1 "13TH ANNUAL TWS AWARDS: TOREY PUDWILL BEST STREET SKATER" (VIDEO UPLOAD). Transworld SKATEboarding. Bonnier Corporation. 28 May 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
  40. nightwolfskt (17 August 2010). "DVS City of Dogs Tour Brasil" (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  41. PodiumPictures (7 January 2008). "Matix Ams Going Green Tour NEW FULL EDIT" (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  42. "DVS Skate & Create" (VIDEO UPLOAD). DVSSHOES on Vimeo. Vimeo LLC. February 2009. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  43. PodiumPictures (8 May 2008). "DVS Dudes Dudes Dudes Part 4 Torey Pudwill" (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  44. dan abadi (14 March 2009). "Torey Pudwill - Interview for P RODs New video "PROOF"" (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  45. "Double Rock: Torey Pudwill". Thrasher Skateboard Magazine. High Speed Productions, Inc. 29 June 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  46. dvxskating (30 January 2012). "Torey Pudwill - Hallelujah" (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  47. ThrasherMagazine (22 July 2011). "Torey Pudwill's Big Bang" (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  48. "Torey Pudwill skate videos". SkatevideoSite.com. SkatevideoSite.com. 2005–2013. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  49. ThatSkateSite (15 March 2013). "Primitive - Pain Is Beauty Full Video HD" (VIDEO UPLOAD). YouTube. Google, Inc. Retrieved 17 March 2013.

External links