Skateboarding has become a powerful way for girls to feel strong and included, especially now with COVID-19. It breaks gender stereotypes, giving girls a chance to show who they are freely. Aimee Massie, a pro skateboarder with lots of followers online, shows how skateboarding can make you feel better and bring people together.
Aimee’s story tells us that skateboarding can be a safe space and a way to deal with life’s challenges. It creates a sense of togetherness and toughness among girls. Ever since the Just Another Female Skate Comp started in 2011, more girls have gotten into skateboarding. This makes it one of the top sports that help girls feel powerful today.
Key Takeaways
- Skateboarding fosters self-expression and freedom for girls.
- Professional skateboarder Aimee Massie is a role model, promoting girls in skateboarding.
- Skateboarding benefits mental health and builds community.
- The sport encourages breaking gender stereotypes.
- The Just Another Female Skate Comp highlights the increasing female participation in skateboarding.
The Benefits of Skateboarding for Girls
Skateboarding brings many perks for girls, from better health to more confidence and friends. It increases fitness, balance, and stamina. For instance, Ethiopian Girl Skaters (EGS) has given free skate lessons to over 150 girls since 2020. Each session at Addis Skatepark handles about 35 students, showing the sport’s growing popularity.
When girls skate, they get better at new tricks, boosting their confidence. This new confidence spills over into other parts of their lives. Organizations like EGS and Skate Like a Girl help create a welcoming space. For example, Skate Like a Girl provides camps for those 5 and up, helping young girls succeed in skateboarding.
Skateboarding also brings girls together, creating a strong community. They share stories and support one another. EGS even helps with school fees and mental health, showing skateboarding’s role in community and personal growth.
Groups providing skate gear make starting the sport easy for girls. Events like Winter Break Camp and Sk8 School are geared towards younger skateboarders. They promote a friendly setting. The rise of skateboarding, especially in places like Ethiopia, marks its growing influence on young girls. It encourages them to join a sport mainly played by boys, pushing for equality.
| Program | Dates | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Break Camp | December 18–22 | 5 and older |
| Three-day Camp | December 25–27 | 5 and older |
| Mid-winter Break Camp | February 19–23 | 5 and older |
| Sk8 School | January 27, March 2 | 5–13 |
Programs like these play a key role in empowering girls through skateboarding. They offer not just physical and mental health benefits but also a chance to make friends for life.
How Skateboarding Promotes Inclusivity
The skateboarding world is becoming more welcoming, especially for women. “Skate Like a Girl” is a key group in this change. For over 20 years, they’ve worked hard to include women and trans people through chapters and programs.
They host queer and trans skate camps, creating a friendly space for everyone.
Women-only skate meetups and special competitions build community. Having female skateboarders in the Olympics and on social media also boosts gender equality in the sport. It inspires young people too.
But, more progress is needed. For example, Thrasher Magazine rarely features women on its cover. Also, big brands like Nike Skateboarding and Adidas need more women and non-binary people on their teams.
Yet, the skateboarding scene is changing for the better. Groups like “Skate Like a Girl” champion inclusive language and support for newcomers. They encourage everyone to start slow and help each other out. This approach helps make skateboarding more accessible and equal.
The Vancouver Queer Skate group, started in 2019, proves the need for queer-friendly spaces. Surveys show women skaters feel out of place in male-heavy areas. Lucky, events with panels, workshops, and contests are making spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Safety Tips for Girls in Skateboarding
Skateboarding is fun, but staying safe should come first. Make sure you have the right skateboarding safety gear. This includes helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads to keep you safe. Many skaters get hurt because they skip these safety items. Wearing a helmet is crucial. It can greatly lower the risk of serious head injuries or even save your life.
Young skaters need extra attention to stay safe. Kids under five years old shouldn’t skateboard. Children aged 6–10 need to be watched by an adult while skating. Gear like wrist guards can help prevent broken wrists, a common injury.
Choosing where to skate is key for safety. Pick places to skate that are smooth and free from things like cracks and debris. Avoid busy spots to reduce the risk of crashes and getting hurt.
Learning how to skate well is important. Start with the basics, like how to stop and turn, before trying complicated tricks. Practicing how to fall on grass can teach you how to land more safely. Also, only one person should use a skateboard at a time. This helps avoid accidents.
What you wear while skating matters too. Don’t skate in flip-flops or sandals. Wear sneakers or skate shoes for a better grip on your board. If you skate when it’s dark, wear bright or reflective clothes to make sure others can see you.
- Make sure your helmet fits right and doesn’t move around.
- Try skating in safe spots like skateparks designed for skating.
- Don’t skate on wet surfaces or when the weather is bad.
- Avoid skating if you’ve been drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Following these safety tips for beginners helps you avoid getting hurt. With the right prep and equipment, you can have a great time skating safely for many years. Always put your safety first and wear the right gear while enjoying skateboarding.
Finding the Right Skateboard for You
Finding the right skateboard is key to being safe and having fun. You should think about the type of skateboard and what you like. The deck width is the first thing to look at. It should fit your shoe size. Kids need a narrower deck to help them stay balanced and control the board. Adults should choose a 7-ply maple deck for its strength and support. Stay away from Chinese maple decks; they don’t last as long.
The hardness of the wheels is also important. It affects how smooth your ride is. Beginners should pick wheels that are not harder than 92A to avoid rough stops. Adults might prefer wheels softer than 97A for a good mix of control and comfort. For children under 65 kg, choose bushings softer than 90A. Adults over 80 kg should look for bushings of 91A or more for better stability.
For girls setting up their skateboards, the right setup is crucial. Beginners and street skaters do well with wheels sized between 52-54 mm. Small wheels are lighter, which helps in doing tricks. Larger wheels, over 60mm, are for longboards or cruisers. They are stable but tougher to maneuver.
Bearings are crucial for a smooth skate. The ABEC rating tells you about the bearing’s smoothness. Beginners should go for ABEC 5 bearings for a good balance of quality and price. The trucks of the skateboard should match the deck width. They range from 7.5” to over 9”. Adding riser pads can stop wheel bite, especially with wheels larger than 54mm or 55mm.
Grip tape is a must for keeping control of your board. It stops your feet from slipping while you do tricks or turns. You can easily find grip tape that fits your deck. Also, make sure the hardware, which is 8 bolts and 8 nuts, is secure to avoid mishaps.
Considering all these aspects will make skating stable and fun. Getting advice from experienced skaters like Aimee Massie can also help you find a skateboard that’s just right for you.
Popular Skateboarding Destinations for Girls
Skateboarding is a thrilling journey, especially for girls. The top spots are unique and welcoming to all. They cater to both beginners and pros, making them must-visit places.
The Moorpark Skate Park in Ventura County is perfect for starters. It has a beginner area and an advanced pool replica by Lance Mountain. The Garvanza Skate Park in Southern California draws top talent, including Olympians Tristan Rennie and Nicole Hause.
History buffs will love Venice Beach Skate Park. It has different bowls and street features. Skaters in costumes and wheelchair users add to its inclusive vibe. Similarly, Stoner Skate Plaza echoes the banned skate scene of the West L.A. Courthouse, welcoming everyone since 2010.
| Skatepark | Location | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Moorpark Skate Park | Ventura County, CA | Beginner area, advanced pool replica |
| Garvanza Skate Park | Los Angeles, CA | Popular among Olympic hopefuls |
| Venice Beach Skate Park | Los Angeles, CA | Diverse skater demographic |
| Stoner Skate Plaza | Los Angeles, CA | Inspired by the illegal skate scene |
| Vans Off the Wall Skatepark | Huntington Beach, CA | Flow area meeting pro tour standards |
The Vans Off the Wall Skatepark in Huntington Beach is another highlight. Its flow area meets Vans Park Series pro tour standards. It’s ideal for girls looking to up their game.
Looking abroad, Barcelona and Berlin are skate havens too. Barcelona is famous for its skate culture and spots like MACBA. Berlin offers unique areas shaped by the city’s history since 1989.
These skateboarding destinations are perfect for girls. They mix beginner-friendly parks with top-tier spots. Each place supports the skateboarding spirit by being inclusive and fostering growth and enjoyment.
Inspiring Female Skateboarders to Follow
Women have made big steps forward in skateboarding. Influential skateboarders like Leticia Bufoni and Aimee Massie lead the way. They inspire future generations. Here are some amazing skateboarding role models to follow.
Arisa Trew stands out among female skateboarders. In 2023, she was the first woman to land a 720 on a skateboard. She did this during a competition run and won gold at the X Games California. At 13, Arisa was the youngest to win double gold medals at the X Games.
Patti McGee was a trailblazer for women in skateboarding. She was the first woman to enter the Skateboard Hall of Fame. In 1965, McGee was featured on the covers of Life Magazine and Skateboarder Magazine.
Women’s skateboarding has a global impact. In India, Atita Verghese started Girl Skate India in 2014. This encouraged Indian women to skate. Zhang Xin has inspired future skaters with her performances, including at the Tokyo Olympics.
Chloe Covell broke records as the youngest women’s street gold medalist at the X Games. She’s also the youngest to have two podium finishes. Chloe’s success shows the increasing support for female skateboarders.
Projects like “Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word,” backed by The Gap, help promote women in skateboarding. Zoe Herishen’s Chica de Mayo event, running for eight years, provides opportunities for young girls. These efforts support female skateboarders.
All-female skate events, like the All Girl Skate Jam started in 1997, show women’s growing presence in skateboarding. For more, the documentary Skate Dreams by Jessica Edwards gives an in-depth look at female skateboarders’ lives. It premiered at the Exposure festival.
From legends like Patti McGee to stars like Chloe Covell, these women’s stories go beyond skateboarding. They break barriers and inspire others. To learn the best age to start skateboarding, check out this article. Their tales might motivate you to begin your skateboarding journey.
Getting Started: Tips for New Girl Skateboarders
Starting out in skateboarding might feel hard, but the right tips can make it easier. Focus first on learning to balance and push. Wondering how to begin? Choose a skateboard that fits you well. For young female riders, a width of 7″ to 7.75″ and a length of 28″ to 30″ work best. They help with control and stability.
Picking the right gear is key. You might be tempted to buy a cheap board from places like Amazon or Argos. However, these often don’t meet the needs of beginners. A good beginner board starts at about £30. Look for decks made of a strong 7-ply mix of bamboo and maple. For new riders, a deck width of 7.75″ to 8.0″ is ideal. Also, choose polyurethane wheels with a 90a to 100a durometer rating and ABEC 7 bearings for less friction.
After getting the right gear, find a good place to practice. Smooth concrete areas or local skateparks with zones for beginners are ideal. It’s also great to join the skateboarding community, either online or in real life. Getting inspired by female skateboarders like Emily Tarnacki or joining groups like The Skate Kitchen and Brujas can boost your motivation. Remember, gaining confidence takes time. See each day as a chance to learn and love the thrill of skateboarding.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!