Phil Shao (December 28, 1973 - August 23, 1998) was a goofy-footed professional skateboarder and journalist from Redwood City, California. Before his death, Shao was to be the next editor-in-chief of Thrasher magazine.Phelps, Jake. "Thrasher Magazine Issue# 311." (2006).
Skateboarding career Shao was featured in many skate magazines including Thrasher Magazine, Big Brother Skateboard Magazine, Skateboarder Magazine, TransWorld Skateboarding. Shao graced the July 1996 cover of Thrasher magazine with a smith grind on the top rail at Fort Miley. Shao was known as a master of many different styles of skating including street and vert. Jake Phelps refers to Shao as "Hosoi and the Gonz in one dude."
Shao appeared in many skateboarding videos in his career, traveling the world to skateboard. His last video was "Dedications" from Think Skateboards, released shortly before his death.
Skate video parts
1994 - Just Another Day On The Range - Think 1994 - Issue 8 - 411VM 1995 - High 5 - Etnies 1996 - Jim's Ramp Jam - Deluxe 1996 - Hitting The Streets - Thrasher 1996 - Damage - Think 1997 - Yellow - Emerica 1998 - Portable Flat Bar 1998 - Dedication - Think
Journalism
Thrasher Magazine In addition to skating, Shao worked at Thrasher magazine as a copy editor. Shortly before his untimely death, Phil was informed he was to be named Editor of Thrasher Magazine. After Shao's passing, Jake Phelps stayed on as Editor-in-chief.
Death On August 23, 1998, Phil Shao died in a car accident in Arcata, California.
Phil Shao Memorial Skate Park In the summer of 2003, Redwood City collaborated with Phil's friends and family to build a skatepark dedicated to Phil called the Phil Shao Memorial Skate Park. The park is a 13,000 square foot skatepark with 5 bowls, rails, and ledges.
Personal life Shao had an English degree from the University of California at Berkeley.
References
External links
Remembering Phil Shao - Thrasher Phil Shao's "Tribute" Video - 2020