Chris Joslin Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Wife, Kids, Net Worth, Skating Career, Olympics, Medals
Chris Joslin is an American professional skateboarder renowned for his aggressive, high-impact style and his ability to conquer massive gaps and stair sets. Often described as a “skater’s skater,” he gained global recognition for his relentless work ethic and fearless approach to street skating. His breakout moment came in 2014 with his video part in Plan B’s True, where he famously 360-flipped the massive Davis Gap, a feat that instantly solidified his reputation as a top-tier talent. He turned professional in 2015 and has since become a staple in major competitions, including the X Games and Street League Skateboarding (SLS), while also representing Team USA in Olympic qualifiers.
Born in Hawaiian Gardens, California, Joslin overcame a turbulent childhood to find success. He was raised primarily by his grandmother, Joyce, due to difficult family circumstances; he never met his father, and his mother battled addiction while his brother spent time in prison. Joslin has frequently credited his grandmother’s unwavering support as the foundation of his career, noting that she kept him focused on skating and school to steer him away from negative influences. Skateboarding became both an escape and a path forward, allowing him to channel his energy into a disciplined and successful career.
Throughout his career, Joslin has produced highly acclaimed video parts and secured podium finishes at elite events, including a Gold Medal in X Games Real Street (2016). While he spent years with sponsors like Etnies and Plan B, he made a notable move to the Lakai footwear team in 2025. Beyond his professional achievements, Joslin is a dedicated father of two . He often cites his family as his primary motivation, striving to provide them with the stability he lacked growing up while continuing to push the physical limits of skateboarding.
Quick Facts
Early Life and Family Background
A Childhood of Resilience
Chris Joslin was born on March 10, 1996, in Hawaiian Gardens, California, a city in Los Angeles County. His early years were marked by significant instability. He never met his biological father, who was tragically killed by police in 2004 during a methamphetamine-fueled confrontation when Chris was just seven years old. His mother also struggled with severe addiction issues, which left her unable to care for him during his formative years.
Raised by “G-Ma”
In the absence of his parents, Chris was raised primarily by his grandmother, Joyce Joslin. He frequently credits her as the savior of his life and career. Joyce provided the stability and unconditional love he needed, steering him away from the gangs and crime that plagued his neighborhood. She recognized his passion for skateboarding early on—Chris started skating at age three—and supported him by driving him to skateparks and competitions, even when money was tight. To honor her sacrifice, Chris has the word “G-MA” tattooed on his arm and dedicated his 2024 video part, “JOYCE,” to her memory.
The Escape of Skateboarding
For a young Joslin, skateboarding was more than a hobby; it was a survival mechanism. While his older brother unfortunately fell into a life of crime and spent time in prison, Chris poured all his frustration and energy into skating. The local skatepark became his sanctuary, a place where he could control his destiny and push his physical limits. By the age of 12, he was already making waves locally, successfully skating the infamous Hollywood High 12-stair set, a feat usually reserved for seasoned professionals.
Physical Statistics: Age and Height
As of 2025, Chris Joslin is 29 years old. He stands at a height of 5 feet 11 inches (1.81 meters). His physical build is athletic and durable, a necessity for the high-impact style of skateboarding he favors. Unlike technical skaters who may rely on finesse and low-impact ledge tricks, Joslin’s repertoire involves jumping down massive heights, which requires immense leg strength and cardiovascular endurance.
Skateboarding Career
Early Beginnings and Amateur Days
Joslin’s talent was undeniable from his pre-teen years. He dominated the local Southern California amateur circuit, gaining a reputation as the kid who would “go for broke” on any obstacle. He was initially flow-sponsored by Powell Peralta but eventually moved to Plan B Skateboards, a legendary company co-owned by Danny Way and Colin McKay. Even as an amateur, his footage was so impressive that it rivaled the output of established pros.
The Breakout: Plan B’s “True” (2014)
Chris Joslin’s career effectively launched into the stratosphere with the release of Plan B’s full-length video, True, in late 2014. At the time, he was still an amateur, unbeknownst to the wider world. However, his part stole the show. He opened the video (a spot usually reserved for high-impact skating) and delivered a performance that is still talked about today. The defining moment of the part was his 360 Flip down the UC Davis Gap, a massive double-set that had rarely been conquered, let alone with such a technical trick. The part earned him The Skateboard Mag’s “Am of the Year” award and forced the industry to take notice.
Turning Pro (2015)
Following the massive success of True and a relentless barrage of subsequent footage, Chris Joslin turned professional for Plan B Skateboards in September 2015. His pro debut was celebrated with a signature deck release, marking the transition from a hungry amateur to a marquee name in the industry.
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The “Video Part Machine”
Joslin is often cited as one of the most productive skaters in history regarding video parts. While many pros take years to film a 4-minute segment, Joslin has been known to release multiple full-length parts in a single year. Notable video projects include:
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“No Hope” (2015): Released shortly after turning pro, proving his True part wasn’t a fluke.
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Etnies “Album” (2018): A heavy-hitting part that showcased his ability to skate switch and regular stance down massive gaps.
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“The Joslin Show” (2025): A recent project continuing his legacy of high-performance skating.
Sponsorship Changes: The Move to Lakai
For a significant portion of his career, Joslin was the face of Etnies Footwear, receiving multiple signature shoe models (The Joslin 1, 2, and 3). However, in a major industry shakeup in May 2025, following the acquisition of Etnies by Nidecker Group, the entire team was reportedly let go. Joslin wasted no time finding a new home, officially joining the Lakai Footwear team later that month. He announced the partnership by winning a contest at the Santa Monica Triple Set replica while wearing a Lakai shirt, signaling a new chapter in his career.
Competition History and Achievements
While Joslin is primarily respected for his street video parts, he is also a formidable contest skater.
X Games Success
Joslin has been a consistent threat in the X Games, particularly in the Real Street discipline, which judges skaters on video parts filmed in real street environments rather than a stadium course.
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Gold Medal: X Games Austin 2016 (Real Street)
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Silver Medal: X Games Minneapolis 2019 (Real Street)
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Bronze Medal: X Games Minneapolis 2017 & 2018 (Real Street)
Street League Skateboarding (SLS)
Joslin is a regular competitor on the SLS World Tour. Known for his “all or nothing” approach, he often attempts the biggest trick in the contest.
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Santa Monica Spot Takeover (2025): Winner.
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SLS Las Vegas (2022): 2nd Place.
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SLS Seattle (2022): 3rd Place.
Olympics (Paris 2024)
Chris Joslin was a member of the USA Skateboarding National Team. He fought hard through the Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS), securing a spot to represent the United States at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He competed in the Men’s Street prelims but finished 21st, missing the cut for the finals. Despite not medaling, qualifying for the Olympics at age 28—an age considered “veteran” in skate years—was a major achievement.
Major Awards & Recognition
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The Skateboard Mag’s Am of the Year (2014): Awarded after his breakout performance in Plan B’s True.
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Thrasher Skater of the Year (SOTY) Finalist: Joslin has been a contender for the prestigious SOTY award multiple times, driven by his heavy video output.
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Battle at the Berrics X (2017): Winner. He defeated some of the best flat-ground skaters in the world, proving he possesses technical precision alongside his gap-skating ability.
Personal Life: Wife and Kids
Off the board, Chris Joslin is a stark contrast to the aggressive daredevil seen in videos. He is a soft-spoken, devoted family man.
Marriage and Children
Chris is married to Julia Joslin. The couple has two children: a daughter named London and a son named Liam. Chris often brings his family to contests and speaks openly about how fatherhood changed his perspective on life. In interviews, he has stated that he no longer skates just for the thrill or the fame, but to secure a financial future for his children—something he did not have growing up.
Personal Struggles
Joslin has been open about the trauma of his childhood, specifically the loss of his father and his mother’s addiction. However, he uses his platform to inspire others who come from broken homes, showing that one’s background does not dictate their future. He maintains a sober lifestyle, focusing intensely on his health and training to maximize his career longevity.
Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Chris Joslin’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, though industry estimates place it in the range of $1 million to $2 million. His income is derived from multiple streams:
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Sponsorship Salaries: Monthly retainers from major brands like Plan B, Lakai, and Rockstar Energy.
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Signature Products: Royalties from the sales of his signature decks (Plan B) and shoes (formerly Etnies, now Lakai).
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Contest Prize Money: He has earned over $186,000 in contest winnings alone throughout his career.
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Incentives: Bonuses for photo incentives (magazine covers) and video part releases.
Conclusion
Chris Joslin is more than just a professional skateboarder; he is a symbol of perseverance. From a childhood marred by tragedy and instability to the pinnacles of the X Games and the Olympics, Joslin has navigated his life with the same fierce determination he applies to a 20-stair gap. With a new footwear sponsor in Lakai and a continuous stream of elite-level video content, Joslin remains a dominant force in skateboarding. His legacy is already cemented, not just by the tricks he has landed, but by the barriers he has broken to get there.
FAQs
How old is Chris Joslin?
Chris Joslin is 29 years old. He was born on March 10, 1996.
Who are Chris Joslin’s current sponsors?
As of 2025, his sponsors include Plan B Skateboards, Lakai Footwear, Independent Trucks, Bones Wheels, Rockstar Energy, Grizzly Griptape, and Ethika.
Did Chris Joslin compete in the Olympics?
Yes, Chris Joslin represented Team USA in the Men’s Street skateboarding event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, placing 21st in the preliminaries.
Who is Chris Joslin’s wife?
Chris is married to Julia Joslin. They share two children together.
What happened to Chris Joslin’s dad?
Chris Joslin never met his father, who was shot and killed by police in 2004 during a drug-related incident when Chris was seven years old.
What is Chris Joslin famous for?
He is famous for his massive gap skating, high consistency, and his breakout video part in Plan B’s True (2014), specifically the 360 flip down the Davis Gap.
Why did Chris Joslin leave Etnies?
In 2025, Etnies was acquired by Nidecker Group, which reportedly led to the entire skate team being let go. Joslin subsequently joined Lakai.
Does Chris Joslin have kids?
Yes, he has two children: a daughter named London and a son named Liam.
What is Chris Joslin’s net worth?
While not publicly disclosed, estimates suggest his net worth is between $1 million and $2 million, stemming from sponsorships, signature product royalties, and contest winnings.
What is Chris Joslin’s nickname?
He is often referred to as “The Wolverine” or “The Machine” due to his aggressive style and ability to keep skating after taking hard falls.
