Hey Jani, what’s crackin’ ? Please give us a little introduction. Where you from, where ya at now, and which sponsors are taking care of you?
Hi, everything is going good with me. I’m from Helsinki, Finland and right now I’m skateboarding in Sao Paulo, Brazil. My sponsors are DC shoes, Spitfire wheels, Oakley and Happyskateboarding.com (Ronnie Creagers online skate shop). I don’t have a board sponsor right now!

What happened to the Blind deal? Any Background Information?
Yeah, the whole team worked super hard for 2 years on the Blind video. We didn’t get any video bonus and instead we all got pay cuts! I was over with it. That was the thanks I got for 2 years of good work and winning the Vans Downtown Showdown as a top pro 2 years in a row! Thank you Blind–that’s a good way to keep the team happy. The skate business is a tough game.

You traded Finish clouds for San Diego/Sao Paulo sunshine. What do you miss the most?
Nothing. There is nothing in Finland for me.

How did you land in Sao Paulo? What are your favourite things to do/eat in Sao Paulo?
I came for to the DC King of Sao Paulo for the first time. DC got my ticket from Barcelona, Spain to Sao Paulo Brazil. Thanks DC! I fall in love with Sao Paulo. The weather is perfect the entire year, hot for Europeans but I love it. No more cold in my life, please. The food is super good and natural (best in the whole world) And people are super nice, beautiful and have a lot of LOVE. The Best thing to do in Brazil is to go to the beach and eat the fruits.

It seems like you a very positive guy. What’s your secret to wake up with a smile?
Thank God, Lord, Jah Jah and Jesus Christ. I only do things I love and want to do! Don’t let anyone change your head because only you know what’s good for you. Don’t let anyone tell you what to do! If you only do things that you love how can you end up in misery?

What gets you sparked up and hyped?
Warm sunny days, a cup of coffee and good crew! Yes, good friends who you can trust and share everything with out fear.

credits: backside kickflip
+ Fakie Cab Fs Nose Slide - These shots where taking in Brazil DC King of Sao Paulo - good session with all the DC dudes

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Favourite quote.
No problem!

How was it to ride for Lance Mountain/The Firm? Any funny stories with Lance?
Yeah it was good times with Lance. He helped me with the filming of The Firm. You have got to hear Lance laugh! You can’t stop laughing with him he’s really funny.

Who is the next upcoming Ripper from Finland (like Simo Makela)?
I don’t know there are so many great skateboarders in Finland, but they are all kind of stuck in Finland. I’ve told Simo that he should move to Barcelona for his skate future. This kid is a great skateboarder. The thing is, I think the Finnish people love the cold and dark. We have the best 2-4months summer which about 20 degrees Celsius normally and the other 8 months suck for skating. The choice is personal for everybody. All these kids would have a great future in the USA or Spain in becoming a pro-skateboarder. You should follow your dreams, and don’t follow other people.

Is the Finnish sauna a spiritual state of mind? Do you jump in the snow or in the frozen lake afterwards?
I think, that a sauna should make you relax and feeling good. Not to shock you to death.

What was the most challenging piece of urban architecture you skated so far?
The entire city of Barcelona :D.

Which music keeps you amped and inspired?
Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Gang Starr, Notorious BIG, Natty Roots (Brazilian music - check it on Youtube), Garnett Silk, Airlindo Cruz (Brazilian Samba), Raappana (Fnnish artist), Rick Ross, King Dubby!

What did you wanted to change, but didn’t in 2009? What’s in the pipeline for Jani in 2010?
I took all my chances for 2009, so i can start fresh 2010 and make 2010 the best skate year of my life. I want to take care of myself, and all of the people who love me and need my help. Trust in faith is most important! Let my skateboarding do the talking for 2010. Everybody should travel the world, so you can free your mind and live in a nice and warm place all your life! South America is like a paradise and the people are nice, no matter what race you are! Go to Israel! Super good for skateboarding and life. Thanks to Lodown for making this interview happen. Thank all my skateboarding fans in Europe! Keep skateboarding. Thank God, lord Jah Jah and follow your dreams. Only you can make your dreams happen!

credits: Heelflip to fakie: I love this shot. It was a super good skate session with the DC Boys in Tokyo on the PJ Ladd Asia Tour.
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Fakie inside heel sw nose manual fakie flip off: these pics were taken in LA, California at the same time as King of LA was happening.

Itv: JK
Photos: Mike Blabac, Captions by Jani
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