Al Partanen

Al Partanen, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a true veteran pro renowned for his raw, hesh-style approach that blends street, vert, and pool skating with unapologetic grit. Cutting his teeth in the '80s at local spots like The Turf Skatepark, he honed his skills amid the era's NHS heyday, drawing inspiration from punk ethos and DIY rebellion. Partanen joined Creature Skateboards for the brands rebirth in the early 2000s, becoming a cornerstone "Fiend" alongside the likes of Darren Navarrette and Jason Adams, embodying the brand's anti-corporate, monster and metal irreverence. Beyond ripping, Partanen is a tireless advocate for global skate access, co-founding DIY builds through initiatives like Levi's Skateboarding's Zweir Project and Builder's Jams. From pouring concrete in Bolivia, to constructing ramps in India and beyond, his hands-on philanthropy has empowered underserved communities since the early 2010s. Partanen remains an active elder stateman, mentoring the next wave while proving that true hesh never rusts.

Birthday: March 22, 1973
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Stance: Regular
Turned Pro: 1992
Highlights: 50 Years of Hesh, Building ramps and pouring concrete all around the world
Sponsors: Creature, Independent, Bones Bearings