We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric “tuma” Britton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric “Tuma”, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
The Habits I feel that have helped me succeed are simple but not always easy. for me it always starts with a positive mind set, No matter what I’m up against it is important to see the lessons and gifts in every situation which will help me to continue to move forward in-spite of how many times I fail.. through dedication, perseverance, A positive mind set, plus hard work! I believe all things are possible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I got to where I am today professionally through years of hard work, Dedication and never giving up, Even in moments of failure. Believeing in myself and the support of friends and the community. Skateboarding is not an easy life path, Most of the time you fail, all in search of a few moments of glory. Along the way you are constantly breaking bones, sprained ankles,Bruised hips and bruised ego. Skating is not for the weak, those of us who Skateboarding at the highest level are not regular humans, were built different. So no it wasn’t easy and I wouldn’t change a thing. How I overcame the challenges was through the dedication I spoke about earlier and lots of support from my friends and community. they held me up and inspired me to keep going when I wanted to quit. The lessons I’ve learned as a skateboarder, amatuer and professional are many. what it has taught me is perseverance, Discipline, Dedication. These lessons have translated to all areas of my life. No matter what your path is we will all face difficulties that seem impossible to get through, Skateboarding has taught me that I can get through most anything. What id like the world to know is that I’m dedicated to giving back to my commuinty by passing on my years of knowledge through teaching people how to skate, mainly kids but any and all who are intrested in learning. Skateboarding is much more than riding a piece of wood with four wheels, Its a tool for confidence building, community building and bonding and can truly be a form of moving meditation

Anyone looking to learn how to skateboard can reach me at…

Tumaskateboardacademy.com

ig: Tuma_Nation

Thank you -Eric “Tuma” Britton

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Where would I take my best friend visiting my area for a week to show them the best time ever.
Monday we would go to my Buddhist meditation center “Against The Stream” for meditation and dhrama talk then lunch at Great White in Venice.

Tuesday id take them to Malibu”s world famous first point for a surf. That night we would head to my friend Louie”s restaurant Hatchet Hall for dinner.

Wednesday hit an art show in the arts district of, Dtla then heard back and grab street tacos at my spot on Lincoln and Rose in Venice.

Thursday personal tour with history lesson of the Venice boardwalk, Were I spent many of my years as a kid skateboarding then head to Hama Sushi venice for dinner.

Friday head to Joshua Tree for the day to do some rock climbing, Then dinner at moto ramen in culvercity.

Saturday bbq at my place so that I can introduce them to my amazing community.

Sunday head to my Native American community in Ojai for a sweat lodge ceremony.

Monday airport drop-off with lots of hugs.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I Would like to give a SHOUTOUT first to Skip Englomb, Co founder of the iconic Zephyer Skateboard team and later the founder of Santa Monica Airlines Skateboards. Skipper, as he is commnly called by those who know him, Stood by me and believed in me Turning me professional in 1991 for SMA. Next I would like to Shoutout all of my mentors, The ones who guided me in my early years as a amatuer skateboarder and later in my professional career. Jay Adams, Tony Alva,
Eric Dressen, Steve Olson, Scott Oster, Aaron Murray, Julien Stranger and so many more that played a part in my life, and what is now the iconic DogTown Z-Boy legacy. My Native American spiritual community that have supported me through many of my life’s most difficult moments. Last but definitely not least, My son “Taj Uhuru Britton who everyday inspires me to be a better man.

~ Eric Tuma Britton

Website: https://www.Tumaskateboardacademy.com

Instagram: Tuma_Nation

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