Jari Pirinen
WHO
Jari Pirinen, 48 years old. I was born in Rovaniemi and nowadays I live in Espoo. I first started skating from -85 to -89 and again also from 2017. Bands: Beherit, Thrashcan Dance. I work at the airport in the cargo department.
MEMORY LANE
How and when did you get involved with skateboarding?
It all started -85/86 in Rovaniemi if I remember correctly and that's where the interest towards skateboarding awoke. We did the skateboards ourselves and trucks/wheels we took from rollerskates. It was around -87 when we got the first real boards, trucks and wheels.
First trick you learned or struggled with the most?
I have been learning kickflip this spring yet not successing with it.
Best/worst memory in your skateboarding history?
I guess the best was -89 in Helsinki when Ken Park and Gator had a vert demo. And of course when we had our own boards for our band from SkullSkates and Seven Inch companies! That SkullSkates board was a big thing for me! Worst was when I slammed in pool 2017.
Ever been in a skategang? What is/was it called?
I think we had some ”gang” back in -87, but can't remember if we had name for it.
STYLE
How would you describe your skating?
-89 was the last summer when I skated vert. From -90 and forward went mostly with bands and other stuff. Now after a 25 year break it's pretty easy riding. I have learned again streetskating almost from the beginning. Old school is the way!
What kind of spots do you prefer?
I dig miniramps the most.
What kind of a skateboard setup do you have?
– Skullskates Beherit deck. Iron trucks, oj 87A wheels. That's my cruiser.
– Seven Inch Beherit deck, Indy hollow trucks and Ricta clouds 92A wheels
– Crusade skateboard deck, Gullwing pro 3 trucks and SkullSkates 97A 58mm wheels.
– For spare use Not deck, Thunder trucks and Spitfire wheels.
Favorite trick?
Rock'n'rolls with old school style in miniramps.
PHILOSOPHY
How has skateboarding changed the way you perceive the world?
I have always been kinda unsocial so skateboarding fits me perfectly. The freedom in doing anything you like.
Has skateboarding affected the way you make music or other things?
It has not.
How do you see skateboarding as a culture now or compared to when you started skating?
The scene has grown into a big business. With board re-issues they took the money from the old folks like myself :D
ART
What music have you discovered through skateboarding?
I have found couple of bands from skatemovies during the 80s. For example Pailhead. I listened to music way before I started skating.
Favorite song to skate to?
Suicidal Tendencies: Possessed To Skate and Eight Days: What's So Strange About Me?
We had usually Suicidal Tendencies or Cryptic Slaughter playing in miniramp sessions during the 80s. Usually all Hardcore/Punk/Speed- or Trash Metal fits with skating.
Who are the skaters/musicians you look up to?
Cristian Hosoi was my favourite. He did it with style. Tony Hawk as well.
Barrier Kult – guys are tough, Black Metal and concrete barriers.
From musicians Dave Lombardo.
Favorite skateboard graphics of all time?
Most of the graphics from the boards of 88- 89. Nowadays they do some cool graphics, but they just were cooler around the 80s!
Favorite skate video or part of all time?
HEALTH
Have you had any bad injuries?
2017 I broke my shoulder in the pool of Eltsu in Helsinki. It had to be operated and fixed. Luckily it's working now and in good condition.
Beverage of choice when skating?
Water. Beer when I get home :D
How do you take care of your body before and after skating if you do that at all?
Some streching and a little exercise to keep the muscles functioning.
Final words of wisdom or motivation for the young ones?
Skateboarding is the best medicine for your head!