RIP IN PEACE: Gerry "Skatemaster Tate" Hurtado
Cruising in Santa Monica, always stylish. Photo: Chuck Katz
Gerry Hurtado: Sept. 9, 1959 - Oct. 13, 2015
"From when I can remember meeting Gerry "Skatemaster Tate" Hurtado … the hustle was on. Working every skatepark basically in the Orange County area in the late 70's – from Skatopia, Paramount, Big-O and Skate City, Taters was always smiling and trying to appease most everyone, or at least trying to pretend to be. He was always looking for what was new and happening, whether it be skate gear, music, clothing, or whatever else seemed important in the skate scene, or close to it. Taters loved life and the people he was friends with and met along the way. Always willing to help, whether it be putting Lance Mountain on Indy or giving the little kid on the street a skateboard, 'cause that's the way Taters was. One of the first team mangers for Independent Trucks, he was responsible for helping and making things happen in skateboarding through his love and devotion to the sport that he gave so much energy and passion to. Don't forget SKATE T.V.! Tates loved his music as much as skateboarding. Skatemaster Tate and his Concrete Crew was one of his first music projects. DJing was another love for Taters, along with searching thrift stores and record stores, all with a smile on his face, and a "whattaya-got,-maybe-we-can-trade-something-for-that" approach to life. To end this is not easy. I could go on and on, but won't. Taters will be missed by a lot of people – more than you could imagine. He was a good friend to so many. That is obvious. For me, there will never be another SKATEMASTER TATE. As they say, the mold was broke one day at Ermico – I don't remember if it was Fausto or Swenson.... but one of them. Gerry will be missed a lot. Live life to the fullest and never look back. Taters would tell you the same thing. One last thing: Taters loved his Mom and family."
See ya later, Taters.
Love you, Olson




A longtime slalom enthusiast, he dreamed of creating a modern event for the kids of LA. Photo: Chuck Katz
Adopting the name Skatemaster Tate, Gerry appeared on Thrasher's Skate Rock albums before working with Perry Farrell's Porno for Pyros and other big time artists. His music even appeared on the soundtrack for the movie What About Bob? This song was the theme song for Sk8 TV.

His most beloved song appeared in the Public Domain video for Doug Smith's part.
Lucero, Taters and Richard Armijo, back together.
"In 1981 I was kicked out of my local skate park! Banned for life for being obnoxious and terrorizing. We took to the vacant parking lot and thrashed the curbs all day and night! Tiles and coping is what we wanted, not rules! During that time, Gerry Hurtado was hired on to manage the park and build a new team. We weren't allowed in or near the park but Gerry somehow pulled all the strings to not only get us back in the park but we were on the team too! I never had to pay again! It felt like forever that we couldn't skate! That first night back I learned backside alley oop ollies in the clover! One of the best days of my life! Gerry was one of the first people to believe in me. My journey would have been much different without him. Always laughing and always loving! That's Gerry's Way! Thank you Ger, I Love You…" – John Lucero
-
12/04/2020
One Week of CPH OPEN
This documentary is the first to genuinely capture the magic that is the Copenhagen Open. Channel the vibes with Oski, KB, Kevin White, Hjalte and so many more. CPHO should be on every skater’s bucket list. -
12/04/2020
One Week of CPH OPEN Article
Arto documents the fast times of the CPH Open. See how he spent the week with Kevin White, KB, the Olsons and more of skateboarding’s all-time partygoers. -
11/02/2020
Burnside 4 Life: 30 Years Under The Bridge Video
Three decades of destruction smashed into six minutes. Big ups to everyone who’s chipped in or got broke off under the bridge. Fuel the stoke and build your own. -
9/24/2020
RIP IN PEACE: Keith Hufnagel
The word legend has entered our everyday lexicon to the point that we've lost sight of its huge power and rarity. Keith Hufnagel defined the word. -
9/10/2020
RIP IN PEACE: Vincent Nava
This week we had to say goodbye to one of the most exciting young skaters in recent memory. Take a second to appreciate the life of the LA kid who had everybody talking. RIP, Vincent.