Brian Sumner
Brian Sumner is a Professional Skateboarder, Evangelist, Pastor originally from Liverpool, England, currently residing in Huntington Beach, CA. After getting notoriety in England for winning contests and his stair/handrail skating, he landed himself on Airwalk by way of his friend Geoff Rowley, and Tony Hawks Birdhouse by way of Andrew Reynolds. After finishing school and 6 months of art college in Liverpool, Brian made his way stateside around the age of 16 to further his skateboard career.
Living in apartments with Birdhouse/Baker and such skaters, while filming, shooting, photos and touring Brian turned pro at the age of 19. He has rode for some of the biggest companies such as Birdhouse, Airwalk, Adio, Independent, TSA, Volcom, Analog, Rocket Wheels, Fender Guitars, Truth Soul Armor, Reliance Skateboards and Airspeed shoes.
Brian made his US debut in the skate video The End which is one of the biggest skate movies of all time.Template:Citation rneeded One Step Beyond by Adio shoes, many 411's, On videos, and Baker videos are the likes of where Brian was seen.
Brian spent many summers travelling the US on Tony Hawks Gigantic skate park tour which aired throughout America on television, and helped present skateboarding to a new generation of skateboarders.
Brian was married at 19 to Tracy Sumner of Huntington Beach California. Their son Dakota was born soon after.
In 2001, Brian wrote, produced, directed, filmed and edited an instructional skateboard video called "The Tao of Skateboarding." It starred skaters from Paul Rodriguez, Ed templeton, Bam Margera, Andrew Reynolds, Jim Greco, Kevin Long, Jeremy Rogers and more.
Brian became known for his dyed black hair, fitted clothes, as he took flip tricks to rails and stairs while skating to fast music.
In 2003 Brian was a stunt double for Adam Brody in the movie Grind and also made a cameo appearance as himself. In 2004 he appeared in Sleepover where he jumped over a fountain at UCLA with a rubber mask on. At this time he also worked in music videos for Reggie and the full effect, Saves The Day and OPM.
Brian Adio shoe with his staple Union Jack graphic went on to sell 100 of thousands of pairs around the world. Video games, tech decks, wheels, boards, pants, stickers, trading cards also where added to the list of endorsements.
Brian and Tracy divorced after just a few years and Brian began to question life and purpose. After being separated from Tracy, having Anger management and facing hard times, Brian began to study the different religions of the world. After doing community service at a Christian thrift store, and running into Christian Hosoi who had been in prison for five years, Brian soon ended up repenting of His sins to Jesus Christ and becoming a Christian.
Brian began sharing The Gospel of sin and repentance right away along with many other fellow skateboarders.
Soon after this Tracy became a Christian, they were re-married, and Brian became a Deacon at The Sanctuary Church and began preaching on Sunday nights and Evangelizing around the world.
In 2005, along with fellow skateboarders, Christian Hosoi, Jay Haizlip, he started The Uprising, a skateboard ministry that reaches out to youth and the skating community through assemblies and large arena festivals.
Soon after this Tracy gave birth to their second child, Eden.
In 2008 The Uprising was documented by Steelroots, a Christian Youth Television Network, and made into a reality television show. The first season of The Uprising (TV Show), had eight episodes following the ministry around California and England. Season 2, began airing in fall 2009 and filmed an additional 10 episodes, estimated to have reached into 100 million homes and won awards in England.
Brian became a US citizen.
In 2009 Brian started the skate ministry SkateBible. SkateBible.com
In 2009 Brian wrote, co-produced with Howie Lang, edited, skated and starred in "Foolishness" a 60-minute Gospel presentation by SkateBible and SumHow productions. This movie went around the world by way of television, word of mouth and DVD. In 2013 it won many awards along with best Evangelistic movie of the year. John Piper commented "Brian Sumner’s skate-studded DVD, "Foolishness,” is the fullest 60-minute Gospel word I’ve heard."
Alistair Begg of Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls, Ohio wrote "I watched this video and was stirred by the stories of the transforming power of Christ. It deserves to be widely distributed and viewed."
Brian "Head" Welch formerly of KORN wrote "To some we are the fragrance of life. To others we are the smell of death. FOOLISHNESS is a movie about real faith presented in a very cool way.
Brian also partnered with I AM SECOND ministries IAMSECOND.com and filmed his testimony that along with celebrities, athletes, and more, plays on the internet worldwide. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnpErcb8g84&feature=autoshare
In 2010 Tracy gave birth to their 3rd child Jude.
in 2011 Brian helped produce, skate in, co-ordinate stunts, and act in as himself the Skipstone Pictures film Hardflip. Also starring in this movie is skateboard legend Christian Hosoi, John Schneider, Rosanna Arquette, Randy Wayne and Sean Michael Afable.
Brian took Bible Courses through Victory Bible Institute and Francis Chan Eternity Bible college.
In 2011 he spoke at Liberty University the biggest Christian University in the world.
Today Brian is a Pastor at Rock Harbor Church in Huntington Beach Ca, where he preaches/teaches and focuses on city Evangelism and Outreach. Doors have been opening for him to speak at many schools and recovery centers. He and his wife finished marriage mentor courses though Rock Harbor under Dr Tirabashi, so they can continue to help couples in their struggles and challenges.
Brian continues to travel the world as an Evangelist where he shares his testimony, reaches out however and speaks at churches.
He is also an "Urban Missionary" raising support to provide for the ambiguous position he has.
Brian is currently working on a marriage devotional book due out early 2014.
External links
References
- "The Uprising Skateboard Ministry". Retrieved 20 December 2006.
- "Brian Sumner Home Page". Retrieved 4 April 2007.
- "The Uprising: Brian Sumner Bio". Retrieved 16 October 2009.