On April 4th, 2021, I pulled up to Orewa Skatepark to hit the mini. Standing on the platform was a little dude with no shoes, some tiny shorts and a tie-dye shirt. His board was the worst I’ve ever seen; it had a one-inch tail. He dropped into a big frontside five-0 followed by a frontside lipslide. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. A shoeless 9-year-old tearing up the ramp.
We went over to the concrete spine ledge and did a doubles run together. I said to Ari and his family, “Come join me next week at Valonia, I’ll give you a board and some blunt lessons.” That was the beginning of our friendship.
He was there early Saturday morning in tiny yellow shorts, a little shirt, and his long, wild fringe popping through his helmet. Without much drama, he was rolling out of ollie blunts in no time. Then feebles, then back disasters.
Week after week, Ari would drain me of my small portfolio of tricks until, one weekend, I said, “It’s frontside tailslide lessons.” Which, of course, he did perfectly. The next weekend, he was up in Mangawhai for the bowl jam and was doing front tails in the deep. I knew it right there: 1. My work here is done, and 2. This kid is insane.
Ari is truly outstanding. It’s a pleasure to watch this young man grow up, dominate quite literally every terrain, and become the very polite, powerful, talented athlete he is.
You’re just back from Brazil. 44th place is nuts; I’m so proud of you. I saw you were ahead of Felipe Gustavo and Matt Berger. How was Sao Paulo?
It was insane — so big, busy and overwhelming — but cool at the same time and an amazing experience.
And while you’re at it, how was Japan?
Also overwhelming, but the food and people were amazing, and the city [Kitakyushu] was incredible.
I think Rome is next. We have to get you there, too.
I would love to get to Rome, but I don’t think that’s on the cards for me, unfortunately. Hopefully, I’ll get to Paraguay.
I know you skated at X-Air in 2025. That was so awesome to watch. You and Jess are absolutely locked in, skating against fully grown adults, and so focused. Do you enjoy all that? It sounds terribly stressful to me.
I loved it; I love everything that comes with skateboarding. When I’m skating, I feel calmer than anything else.
I know you want to be home-schooled. I think this is a great idea, and now that it’s printed and in the zeitgeist, perhaps it will manifest.
The application has been sent, so fingers crossed they approve it soon so I can get started. I can’t wait to skate every day!
Who are you loving to skate with right now?
Scout, Ibuki, Lenny, Steven, Aidan, Ollie, Jess, Te, Mata, Kaden, Isaac, Billy, Dante, Gabz, Zuma, Rico, Kobe, Simon, Leighton, Rio, Monty, Zay, Kapi, Tyler, Sam, Yamato, Will, Lakai, Nick, Millie, and everyone at Vic.
What’s next for you, Ari? You’ve achieved so much this year already.
Just hoping to get to as many overseas competitions as I can, and possibly pick up a sponsor who can help me get there.
I reached out to a few people Ari skates with, spends time with and chills with for a few questions.
Nick Wall: Your level of cool when competing is mind-blowing to me. I remember at X-air last year, you were competing with people from overseas and the best of New Zealand, and somehow you weren’t fazed at all; it was just like you were having a roll at a local park. What goes through your head (or doesn’t) when competing to keep you so calm and chill?
I’m always a bit nervous, but I try to block it out, just enjoy the moment, and have fun.
NW: I remember from one of the first out-of-town trips we did. You wanted (and got) burgers for breakfast. Is it still a thing? And do you still have to have all your food not touching each other on your plate?
Definitely! Burgers for breakfast are always a good idea. I still like my eggs on the side, not touching the toast.
Simon Thorp: What’s your favourite Young Guns Skate Tour memory?
This is a good one, although I loved all of them. My favourite was probably when I kickflipped over the BSP gap – and always running to the front of the line at Wendy’s.
Morri: Who came up with the nickname, “Ari Sapphire”?
That would be you!
With Irrom, After Hours, Boardertown, New Balance and Vic, you’re getting looked after pretty damn well. Thank goodness, as you go through product like it’s going out of fashion. Do you want to thank those amazing sponsors?
Yes, 100%. I’m grateful to all of my sponsors. Without them, I’d be shoeless and riding a broken board.
First published in Manual Magazine, Issue 75.
Leighton caught up with Ari again after his Welcome to the Volcom Team video dropped.
Stoked you just got on Volcom — so well deserved.
Thanks, man. I’m so hyped to be skating on the same team as Theo!
That video part was ridiculous. Ollie, Jonny, and you did an amazing job.
Thanks. I can’t wait to film more. Hopefully Johnny Agnew (who edited the video) is coming out of retirement too!
