Chris Peterson and Elijah Akerley are two of the most progressive skaters Maine has seen in some time. It just so happens they ride for the same board company, Bump, out of New Jersey. But, they’re not your average skate homies. Chris has a good 4 or 5 years on Elijah, but Elijah skates like an adult, so it all works out. Check these to out, I’m sure you’ll see both of them in the future.- Travis
How long have you guys known each other and how did you meet?
EA: I’ve known Chris for about four years. We became really good friends when he opened up a skate shop in Augusta called Capital City Skate, and I started riding for them.
Did you guys hit it off right off the bat? Chris is a few years older than you, but skating can bring anyone together right?
EA: Chris and I clicked right off. He was older than me and really pushed me in skating. At first he was really intimidating. Hanging out with “Peterson” was an honor, then I kinda grew up ha.
CP: I feel like age in skating does not matter, because no matter what you’re having fun.
How did you get connected with Bump Skateboards, and where are they out of?
CP: I won a contest “Schooled Series” in New Jersey and after that they offered to put me on the team. They are located right out of Newark, New Jersey.
Did Chris help get you on Bump, or did you already know some of the other riders?
EA: I’m not gonna lie, if it wasn’t for Chris I would not have gotten on Bump. Chris and I went out to some contest in New Jersey and the whole Bump team was there, I already knew two of the riders. Afterwards, they hooked me up with a board and a shirt, and told me to film a “Welcome to the Team” clip in the park. Looking back, I hate that video.
CP: I introduced him to them, but his skills really put him on.
Must be pretty cool to have the kid you skate with the most be on the same board company. Does that motivate you?
EA: Hell yeah! Whenever we went on trips to New York or Philly, I wasn’t just some scared kid in the back of the bus or waiting at a spot for someone to get a trick. Chris would encourage me to try this or go for that. It’s sick and he still does that in Maine too.
CP: It’s awesome, most of my skate homies are on the team or just hang out with the team.
