Arto Saari #3.

Battles.

Arto is one of the few established pros who switched to the Alien Workshop from a previous sponsor. He had been riding for Flip until the change in 2008. I assume it was in part caused by his riding for Gravis Footwear and Analog Clothing, two companies under the Burton Snowboards umbrella. Burton was assisting Alien at the time as well. He went back to Flip in 2011.

Mildly useful skateboard trivia out of the way, Arto put together a whopper of a part given that he only had about a year to film for Mind Field. There was probably some stuff that was filmed for Gravis prior to the switch that went to the video. I was never a big fan, but I've come to respect his skateboarding more now. I like that he has branched out into photography in the last few years. It makes for a more well rounded person, instead of only being a skateboard wonder kid. The 2001 SOTY did some big frontside boardslides and backside lipslides down double kinked rails. He also put together some long ledge combos and flipped into or out of a few tricks. It's a very strong effort.

I tried, but Battles never clicked with me. However, the song used for Arto's segment is a good choice. It fits well with his skating and with the overall Alien Workshop vibe. It's funny how going back over old videos reminds you of the music of the day and other little things you forgot about.

The photo is by Jeff Landi.

Thrasher - June 2009 Volume 29 Number 6