Backdropped by what we can only describe as breakbeat elevator music, this quick hit of a video marks an embrace of adulthood, something I’ll let Shag tell you more about in our short Q&A, which is down below by the way.

Being from Omaha, Nebraska, what’s the most Midwest thing about you?
Gotta be putting ketchup and mayonnaise on everything, that or striking up a conversation by talking about the weather.

I was surprised to learn you are 30. What’s the key to staying young?
I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, and get plenty of sunshine. My mom has good genes too!

Saturn Return is an astrological reference, yeah? What does the title of the video mean to you?
Yes it is! I’m curious how many skaters will see the reference too. In astrological context, the “Saturn Return” is the time between 28-30 years of age when Saturn returns to the same positioning as the time you were born. It’s a period of turbulence and change, and meant to signify reaching full-adulthood. I filmed this part during my return, so it felt like the right title to remember this chapter of my skateboarding career.

photo by: Norma Ibarra

“Shag’s Avenue” and “Shag’s Party” are the songs in this video part. What’s going on there?
My friend Ru Storey, also the co-editor of the part, makes really good ambient music. I sent him a few jazzy, dancy tracks to catch a general vibe and he produced the two songs featured in the part. The main song was actually inspired by the song “Blue Avenue” by Jazz Liberatorz.

You made the painted graphics for the end credits of the video and you’ve done board graphics in the past. How did you get into art and who are some of your inspirations?
I got more into graphic art after high school. The weather can be so unpredictable in Omaha, I really needed something to do besides skateboarding. I was really inspired by The Gonz and Evan Hecox back then, nowadays, my friends inspire me the most.

Varial flip 50-50. Some sticklers would call it illegal, but I thought it was one of the sickest tricks in the part. What’s the story behind that clip and your love of varial flips?
V flip was a trick that I learned to do very consistently to play games of S.K.A.T.E. I could always give someone a letter with a varial flip. Then it became my go-to flip trick because I didn’t have 360 flips consistently, and when I’d need to do something clutch that wasn’t a kickflip, I could always do it.

They became so fun, and I think they look sick! The varial flip 50-50 was inspired by an old hometown hero that used to do inward heel 50-50, and to be honest, I don’t have that many ledge tricks so I just tried to work with what I had. I’m definitely gonna chill a bit more on them for future projects but when I need the crowd pleaser, the varial flip always pulls through for me.

If you were stuck on a desert island with no survival tools, which two of your There teammates would you take with you to help you survive?
I’d have to take Marbie Princess and Kien [Caples]. Marbie would be able to cook us up some delicious island fish dinners and Kien would be able to make cute island foliage fits for us to sport.

photo by: Abi Teixeira

Your ender was filmed in Barcelona, but what is your dream skate travel destination? And why?
Right now, I am super keen to head to South Thailand and the Bangkok area. I have a good friend who films out that way and the spots look like paradise, shaded by palm trees and fresh fruit stands.

Who in your life has made the biggest impact on the way you skate?
A lot of my friends here in Omaha. It’s easier to relate to skaters out here vs. East/West coast skaters. We have a pretty tight scene here, and good comradery. When someone learns a trick, we try to keep up with one another. A hometown hero and friend of mine, Conny Franko, told me once, “Everyday, try something that scares you.” and that has stuck with me for years. Also, skating with Chandler Burton; he pushes me to new levels.

Here’s a scenario. It’s 2AM, and you’re drunk in a bar. What’s the topic you would nerd out/ramble about the hardest?
I am a nerd about language learning. If we get drunk enough, I’ll start talking to you in Mandarin and mixing languages no doubt.

As you grow older with skateboarding, what’s something that it has taught you?
Be very grateful, have pride in my craft and endure those tough battles for greater wins down the road.

Interview and Intro by: Ben Komins
Photos by: Norma Ibarra and Abi Teixeira
Rant and rave on Facebook
Scroll to the bone on Instagram and Twitter