So Brian, you are on the Hawk Tour. Are you having fun so far?
Yes, it's lots of fun actually. It's better this year for me then last because last year I had to leave early and this year I am on board for all 6 stops on the West Coast Leg. I even brought my wife and kid along.

Kind of a family deal huh?
Yea, it's great having my little boy here. It's cool because everyone is bringing their kids. Tony brought his son Riley last year and again this year. The Condor brought his little girl. Next year it will be like a kindergarten on tour.

Brian Sumner

Now that you're a recent father, has it changed your life?
It sure has, being that I am only 21. I have a lot more responsibilities now. It has definitely opened my mind up more. I look at things a little differently now.

Your boy will be ripping like Tony's son Riley soon.
Oh yeah!

Last year nobody even realized how big this Tour was going to be, how did it get so big so fast?
Tony has been on the cover of every magazine lately and on tons of TV shows, not to mention the success of his video game, Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1, 2 and soon to be released 3, it's no wonder the Tour is taking off.

Next year we are probably gonna have to build our own skateparks.
Yes, definitely we will need to able to house like 4-5000 people next year.

What are your newest tricks you are working on?
Backside nose blunt slides and stuff like that.

I saw you doing those in Arizona you were looking pretty smooth.
Thanks, I like the way they look.

What is like hanging out with Mike V (Vallely)?
It's really good because I like being on tour with him, it's a great experience. Everybody looks at him as this tough guy, and he is, but he is really just down for skateboarding and also has a real positive influence. The guy kills every demo he is in and I have so much respect for him.

Right on! In your profile it says your biggest influences are Geoff Rowley, Jeremy Klien and Jamie Thomas. Anyone else you want to add to that list?
Eric Koston is the best in the world, also Heath Kirchard and Andrew Renoylds. Rowley and I grew up skating in Liverpool together. Basically I appreciate everyone who skates.

You guys kind of have the same hairdo.
Yes, it's the whole Beatle thing since they were also from Liverpool.

If somebody were to ask you who is the all-time best skater what would you say?
I can't really answer that because it ain't even about that. But you could take Tony to any ramp and he would rip. But street wise there are so many kids out there who aren't even sponsored and they are just as good as some of they guys in the mags.

What is skating going to be like in ten years?
I think skateboarding goes in cycles, so I imagine with the boom right now in the next few years it will go really big. It will be more accepted, not like it was in the past. Kids will be able to do melon grabs, kick flips and ollies in their garages and I am sure Tony will still be skating.

That's for sure, Tony will be like 45 years old and still be tearing things up.
By then there will be probably Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 43 out.

What is the biggest slam you have ever taken?
About 3-4 years ago I was trying to do a 16-stair handrail for the Birdhouse video, The End. I was still an amateur at the time. I did it once and ended up jumping off. I tried it a second time and my wheels locked up I went over the rail and landed in some thorny bushes, scraped myself up pretty bad and hurt my hip but I kept skating for about 20 minutes longer. The next day I woke up and I couldn't even walk. I stopped skating for about 3 weeks after that.

Any advice to the kids?
Just have fun at what you're doing and remember it is you doing it and that you are lucky that you can even do it at all. Don't get too competitive, basically just have fun.

Why do you wear black?
I don't know, its kind of goth. I guess it's the whole miserable English guy syndrome. Even when its 107 out I still wear black. I just love black.

When is the next Birdhouse video out?
Summer 2002. Right now I am working on a Adio video that should be out in September. I also have my own shoe coming out from Adio too.

Thanx for taking the time to talk to me.
Anytime.

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