Interview with Anton Milioti of TuTone Skateboards
Anton Milioti is the man behind Tutone skateboards, a new company coming out of Jersey/Philly area. I’ve known him for years now, since the days of Munnsville, and he’s always been a cool guy. Although he could easily be younger than you there is no denying his involvement with the longboard community for the past few years with the slide jams he’s put on and the stoke he brings to sessions. I thought this would be a great interview to do not only to help out a friend but show what stoke and a passion for skating really looks like.
You’ve been a part of the east coast scene for a long time now even though you’re younger than most of the other OG’s how’d you get involved in skating?
I have been skateboarding for close to 6 years now, its always been the top priority in my life. I was a street skater at first, then my dad got himself a longboard to simulate surfing when the waves were bunk. I gave it a push around the neighborhood, and from that point on I was hooked. I remember going to my first event, Broadway Bomb 2006. Seeing 200 other gnarly boarders charging and creating a street riot is what got me really wanting to go to as many events as i could. Also a lot of the locals (Nick Harris, Mason Holden, Matt Milazo) showed me the sliding and downhill aspect of skateboarding. those old Valley Forge sessions are still the most fun i had on a board ever, my first true speed sessions!
So how did Tutone come about?
TuTone is my way of doing what I love for a living. I knew there would be no way I could ever be a slave to the cubicle lifestyle, plus I was always told to do what I love. Also I never really had a board made by someone else that I enjoyed, so I originally set out to make a board that fit my style. With senior year upon me, pretty much flunking high school, I knew no school would take me. So TuTone is my way to get a career I love without having to attend school.
What separates Tutone from all the other companies?
All of our boards are made in the USA and are priced at under 100 dollars. It’s really hard to find a SOLID speedboard for under 100 bucks, and man this board is solid. Our quality for price is whats going to separate TuTone from the rest.
You just came out with your topmount, what other shapes are you coming out with?
The Megalodon is our first deck to be released, a 9 ply maple topmount speedboard with wheelwells that can accomodate 75mm wheels. Its really a classic Surfy shape that can grip and rip or slash and thrash. Next on my list is The Butterface, 32 inch cruiser that can take on all modern street tricks, as well as The FunkyZeit, a symetrical semi dropped freeride deck. Right now all thats holding me back is money, once I sell more boards I’ll be able to make more! Eventually I want to be able to offer a deck for every style and discipline of skateboarding.
You’ve thrown down for the TMMR race, you put on your own series of slide jams and I’ve seen you at so many other events, do you think that with Tutone you can help the east coast continue to grow?
I like to think I have done my small part in helping out the Beast Coast community, although I can always do more! Throwing events and giving schwag to stoked people is whats gonna grow the scene, be cool and spread the stoke! don’t be a debby downer!
Where do you want to see skateboarding go and is Tutone helping that happen?
I’d like to see street skating become less of a fashion statement as well as seeing speedboarding in the public eye. I’d love for it to get to a point where we can actually have professional riders that can live off their sponsor’s checks and their winnings from races. But I think we are a little ways away for that. I’m going to do everything in my power to show speedboarding to the public in a positive light, starting from the east coast. In august, myself and a few other Beast Coasters will be moving to Asheville, NC where we will be starting a new website similar to SkateHouseMedia, showing boarders around the world the gnar that exists out east! Hopefully that will help grow the scene!
What’s your favorite terrain to skate?
I love skating all terrain! But there’s always a special place in my heart for going fast!
Who’s your all time favorite skater?
ADAM DABONKA for sure! I’m also a big fan of Noah and Pat from Berkely, their style has always gotten me stoked.
Anything else you want to add?
I’d like to thank you Anthony for giving me this space on Beast Coast. I’d also like to thank my parents, my girlfriend, Nick Harris, and everyone cool I have met in my skate journeys! Now go grab your helmet and enjoy the fresh spring air!
