By Steve Hise

November 1, 2025, will go down as one of the most incredible days in Simi Valley’s history – at least for anyone who loves skateboarding culture. The Skateboarding Hall of Fame hosted “Lunch with the Z-Boys,” and it was nothing short of legendary.

The Z-Boys: Pioneers Who Changed Everything

If you’re not familiar with the Z-Boys, let me give you some context. Fifty years ago, this group of young skateboarders from Venice Beach’s Dogtown neighborhood revolutionized the sport forever. They didn’t just skate – they invented vertical skateboarding, brought aggression and style to the sport, and created the foundation for modern skate culture as we know it.

As Skateboarder Magazine famously said: “There was so much aggression… they were more like a street gang than a skate team.”

And on November 1st, we got to sit down and have lunch with them.

An Unforgettable Experience

The event, hosted by Pizzanista!, brought together some of the most iconic names in skateboarding history. The confirmed attendance list read like a who’s who of skateboarding legends:

The Z-Boys in attendance:

• Tony Alva – The godfather of modern skateboarding
• Paul Constantineau
• Jim Muir
• Nathan Pratt
• Allen Sarlo
• Wentzle Ruml

Special guest appearances:

• Christian Hosoi – Skateboarding icon
• Eric Dressen
• Glen E. Friedman – Legendary photographer who documented the Z-Boys
• Marty Grimes
• Aaron Murray
• Jesse Martinez

What Made This Event Special

1. Sit-Down Lunch with Legends

This wasn’t just a meet-and-greet where you shake hands and move along. We actually sat down and had lunch with these pioneers. The intimacy of breaking bread with people who literally changed the course of action sports history was surreal.

2. Dogtown & Z-Boys Documentary Screening

The event included a screening of the critically acclaimed documentary Dogtown & Z-Boys, which chronicles the rise of the Z-Boys and their impact on skateboarding culture. Watching it with the actual subjects of the film in the room added a whole new dimension to the experience.

3. Live Q&A Session

After the screening, we got to participate in a Q&A with the legendary Z-Boys themselves. Hearing their stories firsthand – the struggles, the breakthroughs, the raw energy of those early days – was absolutely captivating. These weren’t rehearsed stories; these were real memories from the people who lived them.

4. Silent Auction Benefiting the Hall of Fame

The event also featured a silent auction with skateboarding memorabilia and collectibles, with all proceeds going to benefit the Skateboarding Hall of Fame. It was a great way to support the preservation of skateboarding history while potentially taking home a piece of it.

The Energy Was Electric

What struck me most about the event was the energy in the room. You had multiple generations of skaters – from those who were there in the ’70s to young skaters just discovering the Z-Boys’ legacy. The mutual respect and passion for skateboarding culture was palpable.

Tony Alva, in particular, commanded the room with his presence. His stories about the early days of vertical skating, pool riding, and the birth of aggressive skateboarding were mesmerizing. You could see in his eyes that the fire that drove him fifty years ago still burns bright.

Glen E. Friedman, the photographer who captured some of the most iconic images of the Z-Boys, shared insights into what it was like documenting this movement as it happened. His photographs didn’t just capture skateboarding – they captured a cultural revolution.

Why Simi Valley is Skateboarding’s Home

The fact that the Skateboarding Hall of Fame is located right here in Simi Valley is something we should all be proud of. This isn’t just a museum – it’s a living tribute to the athletes, innovators, and artists who built skateboarding from the ground up.

The Hall of Fame preserves the history, honors the legends, and inspires the next generation of skaters. Events like “Lunch with the Z-Boys” remind us that skateboarding isn’t just a sport – it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and an art form.

The Takeaway

If you missed this event, you missed a piece of history. But the good news is that the Skateboarding Hall of Fame is open year-round, and they regularly host events that celebrate skateboarding culture.

Whether you’re a lifelong skater, a casual fan, or someone who’s never stepped on a board, I highly recommend visiting the Hall of Fame. Walk through the exhibits, learn about the pioneers, and appreciate the incredible journey skateboarding has taken from the streets of Dogtown to a global phenomenon.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
• Time: Noon – 5:00 PM
• Ticket Price: $50
• Lunch by: Pizzanista!

Skateboarding Hall of Fame:

• Location: 1555 Simi Town Center Way #230, Simi Valley, CA
• Website: skateboardinghalloffame.org

Final Thoughts

“Lunch with the Z-Boys” was more than just an event – it was a celebration of rebellion, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries. The Z-Boys didn’t ask for permission to change skateboarding; they just did it. And fifty years later, their influence is still felt in every skatepark, every halfpipe, and every kid who drops into a bowl for the first time.

Simi Valley, we’re lucky to have this piece of history in our backyard. Let’s continue to support the Skateboarding Hall of Fame and keep this legacy alive for future generations.

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Steve Hise is a Simi Valley content creator showcasing local businesses, community events, and the stories that make our city special. Follow along for more Simi Valley highlights!

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