This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:27:14
The video chronicles the life and achievements of Don Nguyen, known as Nuge, highlighting his multifaceted career as a professional skateboarder and his ventures into the culinary world. Nuge's impressive skateboarding feats, such as ollieing El Toro and bombing Baxter Street, earned him a legendary status within the skateboarding community. Born to Vietnamese parents who fled the aftermath of the Vietnam War and settled in Oklahoma, Nuge faced numerous challenges, including racism, while growing up. His passion for skateboarding began in his childhood, influenced by family and friends.
The narrative also delves into his restaurant, Burger She Wrote, and its planned expansions to Miami and New York, emphasizing his entrepreneurial spirit. Nuge's involvement with prominent skateboarding teams like Toy Machine and Baker Skateboards is discussed, including a critical moment when he initially thought a recruitment call from Andrew Reynolds was a prank. His camaraderie with fellow skateboarders and his contribution to the scene, particularly within the Hell Rose crew, are also highlighted.
Additionally, the video recounts a harrowing incident in South Africa where Nuge's quick thinking in a failing van potentially saved lives, underscoring his bravery and leadership. Despite his busy schedule managing various ventures, including a restaurant, a beer company, music, and deejaying, Nuge remains connected to the skateboarding world through his association with Supreme and the Baker brand. The summary concludes by acknowledging Nuge's lasting impact on both the skateboarding and business communities.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the discussion centers around Nuge, a skater known for both his cooking talent and stylish skating. His restaurant, Burger She Wrote, is highlighted, with plans for expansion to Miami and New York. The conversation touches on the historical significance of the Oklahoma-style smash burger, from the Great Depression era. Nuge’s multifaceted personality is praised, depicting him as a hero figure and reliable friend. His legendary skateboarding feats, such as ollieing El Toro and bombing Baxter Street, are noted alongside his contributions to the skate community. The video also introduces a new season of “Epicly Later’d,” and delves into Nuge’s background, including his family’s journey from post-war Vietnam to Oklahoma City and his early life surrounded by Vietnamese culture.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker shares a personal family history about their father’s dramatic escape from Vietnam and the contrasting, easier escape of their mother’s family who were evacuated via helicopter due to their grandfather’s embassy work. The speaker recounts how their parents met in Oklahoma and the establishment of a pool hall which served as an early venue for the speaker’s skateboarding journey. Skateboarding began around age six, influenced by an older brother and his friends. Growing up in Oklahoma, the speaker faced significant racism and difficulties being part of a small Asian community. The transition to California marked a significant change, motivated by the vibrant skateboarding scene, despite initial financial challenges. The segment further details a spontaneous and successful attempt to ollie the famous El Toro stairs, spurred by a conversation among friends and carried out the following day.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the narrator reflects on a skateboarding moment involving a photographer missing a key shot. They recount hearing about a kid who ollied El Toro and deciding to get a photo of it. Despite several attempts, the perfect photo was eventually taken but there were some initial errors, including a misspelled name in a magazine. The skateboarder, already riding for Toy Machine flow, later impressed the team and was considered for joining Toy Machine but didn’t make it possibly due to a team member’s disapproval of his chin piercing. The skateboarder fondly remembers his first significant video part for Foundation’s “Cataclysmic Abyss” and the enjoyable era of skating with peers like Corey Duffel.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker reflects on the skateboarding culture after moving to California, noting a shift in fashion and social dynamics over the years. They share anecdotes about being mistaken for other skaters like Jerry, highlighting a humorous incident involving Christian Hosoi. The segment also discusses “Hell Rose,” a house and group of skaters heavily influenced by the Baker skateboarding style, who lived a lifestyle of constant skating and partying. The speaker recounts the group’s camaraderie, even burning skateboards for warmth during a harsh winter. Nicknames such as “Nuge,” “Slash,” and “Lizard” are explained, showcasing the playful and tight-knit nature of their community.
00:12:00
In this segment of the video, the speakers discuss the dynamics and experiences within the skateboarding crew associated with Jim Greco and Baker Skateboards. They highlight the recruitment of Nuge, describing how he initially thought it was a prank call when approached by Reynolds to join Baker. Nuge ultimately accepted, joining the team at the age of 30, which was considered late in his career. The camaraderie within the team, including members like Reynolds, Spanky, and Theotis, is emphasized, along with their shared experiences travelling and skating together in Los Angeles. The segment also touches on Nuge’s impressive skateboarding skills, including his ability to perform difficult tricks and take on high-impact challenges. The narrative concludes with an anecdote about Nuge being dared to bomb Baxter Street, highlighting his fearless attitude.
00:15:00
In this segment, a group of friends at a party discusses a daring skateboarding challenge. They agree that Nuge will be featured on a magazine cover if he successfully skates down a very steep hill. Despite warnings and the challenging nature of the hill, which has a 32% grade and is made of concrete due to its steepness, Nuge decides to take on the challenge. Onlookers, including children, express their concern, but Nuge goes for it, achieving success. His daring feat is celebrated, and he is acknowledged for being the first to conquer the hill, solidifying his reputation as an excellent skater.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion centers on the character and bravery of a person named Nuge during chaotic and risky situations. While on a tumultuous road trip with a reckless crew, Nuge is highlighted for his leadership, staying composed, and keeping the group together. During a particularly perilous moment when the brakes of their over-capacity van fail on a dangerous dirt road in South Africa, Nuge manages to steer the vehicle to safety despite the imminent danger. His quick decision to veer left at a fork in the road potentially saves everyone from a fatal accident. Throughout the trip, their motto “slow and low” underscores the calm and steady approach they aim to maintain despite the chaos around them.
00:21:00
In this part of the video, the narrator describes a harrowing incident involving a van crashing through a farm gate, narrowly missing animals, and eventually colliding with a yurt where a lady was breastfeeding her baby. Despite everyone being severely jolted and the brakes of the van failing, all passengers managed to pile out safely. The villagers were concerned about their well-being rather than the damages. Nuge (Don Nguyen) is highlighted as a hero for steering the van to avoid greater harm, potentially saving everyone’s lives. The segment closes with reflections on Nuge’s heroism and his legendary status among his peers.
00:24:00
In this part of the video, the conversation highlights the transition of a professional skateboarder, Nuge, into other ventures while still maintaining his presence in the skateboarding community. Despite cutting back on skating due to time constraints from running a restaurant, Nuge continues to skate when possible. His smooth transition into other opportunities, such as working at Supreme, starting a beer company, playing music, and deejaying, demonstrates his ability to leverage his connections and experiences. Key points are his busy schedule juggling multiple jobs, his proactive work ethic, and his lasting impact and involvement with the Baker brand. The segment emphasizes his multifaceted success and constant drive to stay engaged and active in various pursuits.
00:27:00
In this part of the video, the speaker humorously describes someone who often boasts about their skateboarding achievements, specifically mentioning ollieing El Toro and bombing Baxter. The person frequently brings up these accomplishments without being asked, which surprises others.