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TEST PILOT SPOTLIGHT: ARTO SAARI

Arto Saari - Florence Test Pilot
In the world of skateboarding, few names elicit a reaction like Arto Saari. An icon of street skating and one of the most influential skaters of the 90s/00s, many of Arto’s parts in Flip films remain the gold standard of what’s possible on four wheels. Today, you can find Arto on the North Shore of Oahu, documenting the happenings of the 7-Mile-Miracle in black and white film and carving out a niche for himself as one of the most unique editorial photographers. Learn more about Florence Photography Fellow & Test Pilot, Arto Saari.
Arto Saari - Florence Test Pilot

GIVE US A BRIEF RUNDOWN OF WHO YOU ARE, AND WHAT YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT.
Aloha, my name is Arto Saari I’m a Finnish skateboarder turned photographer transplant on North Shore of Oahu. I am passionate about making pictures on the bike path. Oh and I am getting old but I rather not think about that too much.
Arto Saari - Photographer, Bike Path Photographer
WHAT’S YOUR DISCIPLINE?
My discipline used to be skateboarding, which turned into photography. Since I moved to Hawaii, I’ve been obsessed with surfing and diving.

Arto divingWHAT’S THE NEXT CHALLENGE FOR YOU IN THE OUTDOORS?
My next challenge outdoors is to be able to hold my breath half as long as Mark Healey.
Arto Saari - Surfer's Journal Cover Photo of John John Florence
WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
I think my proudest moment in photography recently is Surfer's Journal John John cover that ran about a year ago.
Arto Saari
WHAT PIECE OF FLORENCE GEAR DO YOU TEST THE MOST?
I basically live my day-to-day life 365 days a year in the Florence board shorts, whether I’m shooting, surfing, diving, or keeping the jungle at bay on my property.
Arto Saari Photograph of John John Florence
ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
Catch the wave and enjoy the ride!

Follow Arto on Instagram here. 

5 comments

  • Craig Yester

    Arlo is the Man. Humble ripper, creative photographer, cool Dude!!

  • Tim

    Where to I sign up to buy a copy of the pathNS book when it comes out? Mahalo

  • Chris Smith

    Wow! I checked out his Instagram. Great body of work! Epic waves to candid shots that capture and reveal the people in them. All in black and white. My mind is blown.

  • Terry

    The ultimate test pilot, I fly Air Saari & Florence wherever I travel

  • Don

    Just so amazing to see Arto repping Florence Marine! I’ve been following and looking up to Arto since the nineties. Not surprised to see how special his photography is, just naturally gifted — a true ripper 👊🏼

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