Santana Saldana

What makes for good style in your opinion?

I think hands play a big role. They definitely show comfortability and overall composure on board.

Favorite thing to skate Bellflower park?

The curved C-rail in the bowl. A little difficult at first but super satisfying understanding the motion.

Name an album that’s perfect top to bottom.

‘The Medicine’ by Jazz June. Been on that album for months now. It's so good riding around listening to ‘The Scars to Prove It.’ It’s gold.

Hardest trick from your ‘Mahogany’ part?

I wanna say the first trick: pop shuv 10 stair to ollie the 14. The whole thing was downhill so it was bugging me out landing so fast going towards a 14 stair.

Favorite type of spot to skate lately?

Manny pads! Shit’s been hella fun learning different manuals.

Best advice I've ever gotten?

My brother used to always say "1% better each day is how you become the best version of yourself.” It really stuck because I used to assume I had to make a big change, but now it's like I better myself a little more each day. It’s manageable now.

Frontside or Backside?

Both! I feel like not playing favorites here. There's tricks on both sides I prefer doing.

Last video that got me hyped to skate?

I don’t watch much Skating. I do get hyped watching old Dane Brady Instagram edits though. Also “JIT” by WKND had me stoked to ride.

Am who should be pro?

Had to look his name up before saying so I don’t butcher it but: Eetu Toropainen. Fantastic style; very calm skating.

What’s next for you in 2025?

Being healthy. I injured my ankle in January at Wallenberg, so just getting back to normal.

What does skateboarding mean to you?

Expression, therapy & fluidity.

Photos: Dillon Mentzer

Originally published in Issue 6 - July 2025