Brian Sumner’s journey is far from typical. From a young skateboarder in Liverpool to a pro sponsored by major brands, his path took an unexpected turn when he embraced Christianity. This interview delves into his unique perspective, blending his love for skateboarding with his deep-rooted faith. It explores his experiences in the skate scene, his spiritual awakening, and his views on the intersection of faith and skateboarding.
Brian Sumner’s story begins in Liverpool, England, a city he shares with fellow skater Geoff Rowley. Arriving in America in the early 90s, he quickly made a name for himself. His impressive switch 180 5-0 down a 10-stair rail in an Airwalk ad caught the attention of Jeremy Klein, leading to a Birdhouse sponsorship and an apartment on the infamous Warner Ave. This apartment became a hub for some of skateboarding’s most iconic figures, including Andrew Reynolds, Jim Greco, and Dustin Dollin. These skaters, predominantly rail and stair specialists, formed a tight-knit community, sharing barbecues and skating sessions. While they didn’t realize it at the time, this period would become a “golden era” for skateboarding.
The Warner Ave. crew, as they were known, made a significant impact on skateboarding culture with their innovative styles and memorable video parts. Sumner recalls, “We were just these ams who were following in the footsteps of all these pros… Warner Ave. wouldn’t have been as iconic if Baker didn’t come out of that.” The camaraderie and shared passion for skating created a legacy that continues to influence skateboarding today.
A Spiritual Awakening
Sumner’s life took an unexpected turn after a severe slam during a skateboarding session at age 15. “I fell and hit between my legs and flipped over the rail, hit my head, and sat up,” he explains. This incident triggered a profound experience where he felt he had an encounter with God and predicted his future, repeating “I had an encounter with God, I’m going to ride for Airwalk, I’m going to move to America”.
He attempted to understand his experience by reading the Bible, but it was not until he was 24 that he truly embraced faith. During an interview with Thrasher, he spoke about his experience, which led to fellow skaters like Josh Harmony, Lance Mountain, and Ray Barbee reaching out to him in prayer. It was during a period of personal turmoil, including a divorce, that he returned to his faith and found a new path. He remarried his wife, and his faith became the center of his life.
Faith and Skateboarding: A Unique Blend
Sumner’s open embrace of Christianity within the skateboarding world sparked mixed reactions. While some appreciated his authenticity, others were skeptical. He states, “There are people who are opportunists, who view the world more through a business lens… but my boards were selling.” His faith-based skateboards and the success of his Adio shoe, which featured a flag design, became talking points.
He left Birdhouse to pursue ministry, and Adio as the brand was sold. He transitioned from the pursuit of a full-blown skating career to becoming a minister. He notes a shift in perception, “Brian is a serious man, he’s doing bible studies. He’s more serious about that than skating.” Sumner emphasizes that his faith doesn’t diminish his love for skateboarding. Despite the online trolls, he finds support within the skate community, sharing that many skaters share his beliefs but are hesitant to express them openly.
Addressing Controversial Topics
Sumner’s strong beliefs often lead to challenging conversations. He doesn’t shy away from discussing controversial topics, including his views on evolution. He challenges the interviewer’s belief in evolution, arguing that there’s no evidence of one species becoming another. He contends that belief in evolution requires faith, much like his belief in creationism. He states, “If you believe in evolution, you have to be able to show me that some species ever became another species.”
He also addresses the topic of homosexuality, stating that while Christians are called to love their neighbors, this doesn’t mean affirming every belief. He emphasizes that God’s word is clear, and it is up to individuals to choose whether to follow that word. He clarifies that “a Christian is someone who wants to follow Jesus and follow what he says,” and that all people need to be forgiven of their sins.
The Business of Skateboarding
Brian Sumner’s career saw him earning a substantial income. During his peak, he estimates that he made between $100,000 and $300,000 annually, combining sponsorships, royalties, and incentives. He stresses the importance of financial responsibility for young skaters, advocating for saving money, investing wisely, and prioritizing assets like housing over luxury items. He urges young skaters to “Start putting money away. A nice car over a house makes no sense to me.”
He highlights the transient nature of a skateboarding career and encourages younger skaters to prepare for the future by being financially responsible. He also suggests seeking business advice from industry veterans.
Respect and Understanding
Sumner advocates for respect and understanding, both in skateboarding and in life. He believes that people shouldn’t be divided by faith, and emphasizes that “everyone should be getting along”. He applies this principle to his views on skating at churches, arguing that skaters should be respectful, and churches should be welcoming. “If they’re not breaking stuff and vandalizing then let them skate,” he suggests, emphasizing the need for mutual respect between skaters and the communities they occupy.
Sumner concludes that had he not discovered skateboarding and moved to America, his life would have taken a very different and less positive trajectory. He credits his faith and his experiences for shaping him into who he is today. He hopes to inspire others, urging them to “come to a saving knowledge of Jesus.”
Brian Sumner’s life is a complex tapestry woven with threads of skateboarding, faith, and personal growth. His story provides a unique perspective on the intersections of these seemingly disparate worlds, encouraging respect, understanding, and introspection. His commitment to his faith, his passion for skateboarding, and his willingness to engage in difficult conversations make him a truly unique figure within the skateboarding community.
