Saul Ojeda isn’t your typical skater. In a world where many try to appear “artsy” or “weird,” Saul is a genuine original. This military man challenges skateboarding norms, from his unconventional style to his most notable quirk: hammering nails through his board. Far from your average skater, Saul’s unique approach has caught the attention of the skateboarding world.
Saul’s distinctive videos, showcasing everything from skating in army boots to flirting with robots, have made their way online, revealing a personality as eccentric as his skateboarding. This blend of humor, creativity, and a touch of recklessness intrigued us, leading to a deeper look into the mind of this one-of-a-kind skater.
What inspired you to put nails through your skateboard?
While in the military, isolated from my family, it seemed like a fun way to pass the time. I wanted to create a “shock” factor, where people would see me try a kickflip and get “punished” if I didn’t land it. I used to be very careful with my boards, but now that I can afford new decks, I’ve been experimenting. I even shot a board with a .357 once, just to see if it could be used for self-defense. It can’t.
Close up of a skateboard with nails hammered through it
Who is your biggest skateboarding inspiration?
Jaws is my biggest inspiration. I love his style – simple tricks, but with massive impact. Like ollieing down a 25-stair set, or kickflipping off a roof. Insane landings. I’ve always wanted to skate like that.
Have you considered attempting boardslides or Casper stalls with your nail board?
I’d definitely try a Casper stall, but a boardslide wouldn’t work because the nails would get pushed out. I’d love to see a darkslide on this board, it would be epic. Unfortunately, I haven’t learned to darkslide yet.
Have you ever tried skating with the nails facing upwards?
I’ve landed on them, and they don’t actually stab you. Your shoe protects you. It’s surprisingly safe. It’s something you’ve gotta do on your own, at your own risk, for the extra thrill.
Do you think this nail-board trend will catch on?
I highly doubt it. Nobody wants to be responsible for kids getting hurt. It’s something you’ve gotta do on your own, at your own risk, for that extra fun.
Do you customize anything else with nails?
My Harley is still pretty new, but once it gets a little older, I’ll definitely add some nail customization.
What kind of Harley do you ride?
I have a Softail Slim, the classic look. Getting a Harley was the next logical step after skateboarding. Naturally, the first thing I did was ollie over it.
Saul Ojeda performing a kickflip with a nail-studded skateboard
Are you a masochist?
I stopped feeling pain after my college crush started dating someone else.
What kind of music do you listen to while filming tricks?
Definitely metal. I blast As I Lay Dying, Slipknot, Killswitch Engage, or Attila when I skate. The music helps to upset bystanders. I once got punched in the face by someone, and I still don’t know what I did wrong.
What was your childhood skating scene like?
I couldn’t afford a skateboard as a kid. I got my first one as a Christmas gift from my aunt when I was a teenager. I started too late to develop technical skills, but skateboarding changed my life. San Diego has great weather year-round, so I rode it to school daily. I mainly skated with my cousins. They got better than me, doing laser flips and hitting rails, leaving me behind.
Saul Ojeda skating with nails in his board
As a military member, what do you think about skaters wearing camo pants?
I don’t mind it. I feel respected when people imitate the military. It’s not my style, though. I’m always in black pants and shirtless to even out my tan.
Are army boots your go-to skate shoes?
I skate in comfortable, flexible Oakley military boots. I also wear them when I ride my motorcycle. I had an accident on my motorcycle and made a hole through them. Instead of throwing them out, I started using them for skating since I had plenty. I wouldn’t mind a sponsorship from Oakley.
Would you accept a challenge to wear Vans Slip-Ons for your next video?
Yeah, I could definitely do it with Slip-Ons. The nails aren’t as dangerous as they look. They didn’t go through my boots, even when I landed on them.
Is it difficult to skate while in the army?
On base, I skated on the tank roads because they were empty on weekends. I’m not supposed to be shirtless or skateboard without a helmet, but there was nobody to enforce the rules. Unfortunately, I can’t take my board with me on deployments. Many times I’d miss my bus home from the base, so I’d cruise on my board for 15 miles at night, sometimes until sunrise. I had fun ollieing and primo flipping around the city.
Saul Ojeda with a robot
Did you see any good skate spots on deployment?
Unfortunately, there’s nothing but sand out there.
Where were you deployed?
I wasn’t deployed to the actual Middle East. I was in a replica built in the US with real Middle Eastern buildings and actors. It was more stressful than real deployments. I’ve heard they have good food in Kuwait, though.
Have you ever tried kickflipping over a landmine?
No, but I’ve ollied down a stair set next to a US flag and military tanks. It was pretty scary. I didn’t want to find out what would happen if my bosses caught me. I did it on Sunday mornings when nobody was around.
I heard you have a robot that helps you with girls, is that true?
I have an engineering degree, and I joined the military to get rid of my student loans. When I was alone in the desert, building a girl seemed like the sane thing to do. I ordered a bunch of metal pieces, motors, and sensors and started putting them together until it looked like a human. Then I realized it needed a wig.
When you get a girlfriend, will she be jealous of the robot?
If she’s short, maybe. The robot is a decent height.
Do you want robots to rule the world?
No, I wouldn’t want my dad replaced by a robot. But, I’d enjoy building more for my home. My next project is a remote controlled Roomba that shoots my revolver.
Has anyone told you that skating with nails is a bad idea?
All the time. Don’t expect support from a single person.
Saul Ojeda is a true original, blending military discipline with skateboarding rebellion. His unconventional approach and unique personality make him a standout in the skateboarding world. While his nail-studded boards might not become a trend, they certainly cement his place as a true skateboarding oddity.
Interview by: Justin Saltiel
Photos courtesy of Saul Ojeda
