JAMIE THOMAS 'SOLO MISSION'

'Over the past 25 years, skateboarding has played many different roles in my life. When I first started, every day felt like Christmas, I couldn't wait to get up and skate around the neighborhood. As I got a little older, skateboarding was the sanity that helped me get through adolescence. No matter how much I hated everything, skateboarding was the outlet that helped me to escape the reality of life. Skateboarding gave me hope that there were possibilities outside of my small town in Alabama, the hope that I could do something with my life. When I left home for California, I had no idea skateboarding would become my vehicle for life. I couldn't be more thankful that I've been able to earn a living and see the world through skateboarding. As I try to hang on to the dream, I'm constantly reminded of how precious time is. This keeps me motivated to embrace the struggle and make the most of every opportunity. Skate or die.'