JD Sanchez reaches new heights while representing Waianae

A Hawaii-born rising star in skateboarding has reached new heights.

15-year-old Justin Daniel Kamanakai Sanchez, known to fans as “JD,” capped off a memorable summer with a remarkable performance at one of skate boarding’s most prestigious events this past weekend.

The Waianae native soared to a second-place finish at the X-Games Lexus Vert Pro during the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach.

Despite taking silver, Sanchez’s weekend was nothing short of golden. He wowed the crowd with a 720 in the finals and joined an elite group by becoming just the 13th athlete to land a 900 on the vert ramp.

“It was like a dream,” Sanchez said. “Ever since I started skating, the X-Games has been my dream contest to even go to and watch. I’m so glad I get to be a part of it. I’m stoked because I landed everything I wanted. I got it all done and got second place. I didn’t even think I would get up there, but I’m stoked I did because I’ve skated against the best skaters in the world.”

The son of Danny and Jessie Sanchez, JD is homeschooled and currently resides in California while competing on tour, but takes great pride in representing the west side of Oahu. That was evident when Sanchez wore a T-shirt emblazoned with “Straight Outta Waianae,” when he landed his 900.

“I carry so much pride that my aunties and uncles, all of my family from Hawaii, are the most supportive people ever,” Sanchez shared. “I just got to represent where I’m from, where I came from, and what made me the person I am today.”

This achievement marks just the beginning for JD, as he has earned an invitation to the Vert World Championships in Rome next month. Looking ahead, he hopes to make Team USA for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.