Eric Hunt, owner/director of PUSH Skate Camp was born and raised here in WNC and has been an active member in the skate community for almost 30 years. He’s dedicated his life to skateboarding here in Asheville. Eric managed PUSH Skateshop for nearly 14 years before moving on from that position in 2020. He is the owner and art director of BRAINSTORM Skateboards and a founding member of the Asheville Skate Foundation nonprofit. Eric is someone who wholeheartedly loves and appreciates the beauty in the art of skateboarding and all it has to offer individuals in the community. His genuine connection to skateboarding and others has helped him make countless friends in the skate community by helping bring lots of folks together through their collective love of skateboarding.

Photo by: Matt Miller

Emerick has been skateboarding since he saw Tony Hawk on the sports center top 10 when he was 8 years old. He’s played every sport and tried every hobby known to man; mountain biking, snowboarding, surfing, blading, dirt bikes, but there was something about skateboarding that always brought him back. Emerick plans on skating for the rest of his life and genuinely enjoys sharing his knowledge with the next generation of shredders. Formerly a high school teacher but fell in love with the area working as an instructor with Outward Bound and other summer camps like Kolo bike camp. Emerick has a one-of-a-kind personality and passion for working with kids. His love for skating and the outdoors is inspiring.

Photo by: Zach Parks

Carolyn picked up rollerskating to skate the greenways of Asheville, but that quickly changed the first time she visited the skatepark. She fell in love with the challenge of falling down, the victory of landing new tricks, and the community of support that surrounded it all. Now, two years later, she is passionate about bringing beginner skaters into the mix and helping them out of their comfort zone. She spent years working as an instructor with NC Outward Bound. It was there that she honed in her teaching skills... especially patience. At skate camp, she shares her calm but encouraging energy with her students. Her favorite part of camp is that kids not only learn cool tricks, but they learn to believe they can do hard things. And even better if they have a ton of fun along the way! When she’s not skating, you can find her working behind the scenes or instructing a mountaintop yoga class with Asheville Wellness Tours.

Photo by: Mark Thalman

Lu has been skateboarding for around 20 years, ever since their sibling got them into it at age 6. They work at PUSH, as well as various schools, teaching percussion. Lu also teaches private skate lessons from time-to-time. Lu skates because of the freedom and peace of mind it gives them! “It’s a great way to forget about your troubles, even if it’s just for a moment.” Skateboarding has always been a special and positive outlet for Lu since a young age themselves that they hope to help children find that same creative self expressive path in life as well.

Photo by: Zach Parks

Luke has been skating for over 30 years and grew up in Eastern North Carolina. He’s skated all over the country and has resided in Western North Carolina for the past 18 years. He has been a PUSH Skateshop team rider since 2008 and even worked at the shop. Luke enjoys skating and filming with friends. He also enjoys editing skateboarding videos on his computer. When Luke isn’t skating, he’s spending time with his wife and daughter. They appreciate the natural surroundings that the mountains offer here in Western NC. Lots of family hikes, seeking out swimming holes, and mini golf from time to time. Skateboarding is an essential part of Luke’s life, continuing to bring meaning and joy.

Photo by: Kerry Webb

Clint has been teaching elementary art for over 15 years. Inspired by Bart Simpson and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, he has been skateboarding since the age of 10. Most people start skateboarding young, but unlike many sports, it’s something that can stay with you in a meaningful way for many years. He believes that, like making art, skateboarding is an outward expression of the self that evolves and grows with you. It is always challenging but always rewarding. While skateboarding is not a team sport, it naturally fosters connection and community. He loves that skateboarding requires bravery, determination, creativity, and presence in the very moment. 

Photo by: Abel Blanco