Dreams Are Made Of

Text and video by Junyi Cheng.

After winning a $37,500 lottery in January 2021, Chris Vidal opened UpperWestSkates on Broadway, ending his six-year life as a stay-at-home dad.

With his expertise in fashion retail and skateboarding, this New York native has turned this skateboard shop – located between 106th and 107th streets – into a go-to favorite for skateboarders on the Upper West Side.

But Vidal is not just another business owner focused on sales. He has become a core figure in strengthening the local skateboarding culture.