The story follows the trials and tribulations of two unknown skaters. The player, as a Custom Skater (the main character in the storyline) and the Custom Skater's friend Eric Sparrow. The story begins in their hometown in New Jersey, with the Custom Skater and Eric exploring the area and helping prepare for Chad Muska's skate demo. After the demo, the Custom Skater performs for Chad as he explores the greater New Jersey area to grab his attention. Once accomplished, he suggests to the player to earn a sponsorship from the local skateshop, and gives the player his skateboard out of respect. After impressing the local sponsored skaters, one of Custom Skater's friends, Shawn, says that the local drug dealers have stolen a skateboard from Peralta's shop. The custom skater is sent on a dangerous odyssey to retrieve it.