Have you been keeping up with Camp Woodward Season 7? Brighton Zeuner, Jack Zeuner, Zepp Heyes and Damonte Tillman are all in the show and every Monday Camp Woodward releases a new episode, so even if you haven't started watching the series, now is your chance to do some binge watching and catch up on what's been going on while you're hanging out on Easter Break.
Check out these two recent episodes and see which female pro skaters show up to skate with Brighton.
Creative direction & design by Elise Crigar / Photos Cole LoCurto
To see images full size click on one and scroll through!
We are so stoked to have partnered up with GN4LW ambassador Elise Crigar. We love Elise's rad esthetic so we gave her free reign (Ok we may have begged her) to take some of our new GN4LW apparel line out to the skatepark, have some fun, and then design a rad lookbook for us. She absolutely killed it!!
All the apparel you see here is available in our Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word online SHOP - and we are offering a secret code to give you 30% off your entire order to celebrate this new lookbook - just use the code ELISE at checkout
We are excited to say that we have more cool projects coming up with Elise in the very near future. So stay tuned.... In the meantime check out Elise's Instagram page where she gives you sneak peeks on what we are working on, her sources of inspiration, and of course skateboarding.
Inked Magazine has a profile and some pics of pro skateboarder Leticia Bufoni up on it's site this week. Read what Leticia has to say about the very first tattoo she got, which one is her favorite and what makes her keep adding more!
She also weighs in on fav place to skate, who in skateboarding inspires her, and how skateboarding is growing in Brazil.
In honor of their birthday Vans is offering FREE Shipping on orders that are $49+
Today marks 50 years that Vans has been in business - that's a long time in the footwear industry, which just proves that Vans have serious staying power. Back in the day, just about everyone skated in Vans at one point or another. They were THE shoe and still are to this day, that skaters love. On or off the board Vans just look rad. Doesn't matter if you're rocking solids, checkerboard, low tops, hightops or even slip-ons, they just scream California cool.
Pro skateboarder and Vans team rider Lizzie Armanto is taking over the Vans Snapchat today so jump on there and see what shes sharing - you know it's going to be good!
Wow! That was a huge surprise and so nice! Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word and its founder, former pro skateboarder Cindy Whitehead, were honored on International Women's Day last week by GrindTV along with Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn, Top ranked pro surfer Sally Fitzgibbons and Olympic snowboarder Hannah Teter, for the work they do as athletes in giving back to the community.
Leticia Bufoni is the new "it" girl on Canal Off's website. She's modeling more than skateboarding, but looks gorgeous just the same.
We often see fashion editorials with models posing with skateboards and we hear complaints that it's not "real" as the model most likely doesn't skate. Well, Leticia skates - that's for sure, and she holds her own here modeling like a pro.
You can see all of the photos of Leticia over at Canal Off
We are stoked to announce that we are now part of the She Shreds retail collective!
What does that mean? Well, it means that you can now shop us on SheShreds.co and get our rad skate related fashion products right alongside SheShreds snow and wake inspired apparel, as well as items from another one of our favorites female based companies, Pom Pom!
Plus you can check out bios on the SheShreds team riders, their rad ambassadors, and read all about founder Gina Duffy who started SheShreds and is a badass girl herself!
Support female based companies in action sports by checking out companies like the ones mentioned above before you buy! We thank you for your support!
It's almost that time again - Vert Attack is almost here! This is the 10th year of this awesome event which takes place March 31- April 3rd. It will all be happening at the Bryggeriet Skatepark in Malmo, Sweden and from what we hear, the girls will be arriving in droves.
We've seen some great posters already out on social media about our team riders Poppy Starr Olsen, & Sky Brown, as well as Lizzie Armanto coming to compete - we have also heard that Julz Lynn, Jean Rusen, Allysha Bergado, Brighton Zeuner & Jordyn Barratt will be there, and we are hearing about more girls confirming each day!
Here are the details:
VERT ATTACK X 31 MARCH – 2 APRIL 2016 BRYGGERIET MALMÖ SKATEPARK
We will have a LIVE feed here on the Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word site so stay tuned for times and details!
We are stoked to have 2 of our Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word team riders, surfer Kyra Williams, and pro skateboarder Poppy Starr Olsen featured on espnW today in an article about photographer Christin Rose's project #Sheplayswewin.
You can check out the entire article on espnW and see rad girls between the ages of 7 and 15 who skate, surf, drive race cars, rodeo, and more right HERE
Throw all of your preconceived notions out the window - this is a glimpse of what girls skateboarding really looks like. These pics were taken by photographer Joanne Barratt at a comp in Newcastle, Australia a few weeks ago.
We think the future of the sport looks pretty rad, to say the least.
We first heard about skater Christiana Smith when her video "Skating in a Dress" came out a few years back. We were intrigued by this girl who ripped and also had a point of view on the female gender that she was willing to share so publicly. We finally met up with her in person at contests here in Southern California and knew she needed to have a "Who's Rad" on the GN4LW site, so the rest of the world could learn about all she is doing in skateboarding and the positivity she spreads, not just in skating, but in life. Read on and prepare to be inspired by this awesome skateboarder! xx
Who's Rad? Christiana Smith
Age: 19
Home is? Detroit, MI, living in Los Angeles, CA
How long have you been Skating? 8 years
Type of skateboarding you do?
Street, but I like skating everything. Grew up skating a lot of mini ramp and halfpipes.
Photo Savannah Miller
What got you into skateboarding?
I think I was always interested in it but a couple of my friends from school started doing it and that’s when I got a board and did it with them, ever since then I was hooked. What made you decide to keep skateboarding?
It just became something I fell in love with and became passionate about. My friends used to say I was “obsessed” with skateboarding haha. I just love everything about it, the culture, friends from all over, landing tricks, and overcoming battles.
Christaina's Video - "Skating in a Dress?"
You did a film a few years ago called “Skating in a Dress?” – can you tell us about what made you decide to do this film?
We had to do a mini documentary project for my college video class and this idea came to me one day, I knew I wanted to do it, I wrote down all my ideas and planned it out then got to filming. I felt that it was the perfect way to present a message that I wanted to be shared and could affect others. I felt like it would show who I really am cause not everyone in my class knew I skated and of course get some skate tricks in.
What was the response like after the video came out?
Unreal, it was honestly the best thing ever. I got responses from people all over the world about how inspiring it was and how that was what they went through as a girl skater and great to know they’re not alone. People would send me long messages, it meant and still does mean so much to me. It inspired me on many levels to continue to spread messages of positivity because you never know who you can affect.
We know you speak out on gender issues and you do so in a very calm & respectful way – have you always felt it was important to speak up for women & girls?
I’ve always believed that any type of discrimination should be brought to light and addressed so we can move forward. I was lucky enough to have found a good way to share that message in a video like “skating in a dress” where everyone, guys and girls, can enjoy and learn something .
Can you tell us a bit about your new organization, “A Positive Seed” and what your goals are with that project?
Honestly after the the responses from skating in a dress I was super inspired to continue spreading positive messages and inspiring others to do the same. It’s a company I wanted to start to represent planting seeds of positivity in every aspect of life. Whether it be helping out a kid who looks lost at a skatepark, sitting with someone who’s alone at lunch, or just complimenting a friend. Kind acts like that can go a long way and I call them seeds of positive change. For example some of the responses I got from skating in a dress where people said they were inspired. Plant positive seeds and watch them spread and inspire many to do the same.
How can people get involved if they would like to be on board?
Anything you do that is positive and moving the world forward in a positive direction is really being A Positive Seed. You can log onto Apositiveseedco.com and send a message or tell us about seeds you spread. We also have beanies and stickers to represent.
Photo Hannah Smith
You attended (or are attending?) Otis College of Art & Design – was it/is it hard, juggling school, work and skateboarding?
I actually took the year off and started working this year but will be attending Otis in the fall. But even work and skating can suck sometimes when all the homies are out skating and I can’t skate that day.
What are you studying and where would you like to go with your career?
Photography and Digital Media. I would just like to be doing things I love and am happy with. Taking photos, traveling, skateboarding, making videos, etc.
Do you see yourself merging your loves – skateboarding and art/design?
Totally, I already do, and skateboarding is the perfect thing to be able to do that with because it’s such an art itself.
Skateboarding is changing rapidly for girls - what positive changes have you seen for girls in the sport out there?
I see a good amount of changes out there. It’s sick that there are more amateur contest out there and cash prizes being awarded. It’s honestly the best just to see more girls out there doing it. I see more girl skaters then there ever was before and such a wide age range as well.
Photo Hannah Smith
What advice can you give to girls who may be starting out skateboarding and also those who are competing at the amateur level?
Just to have fun and make sure you’re always having fun. Don’t get frustrated and don’t give up.
You are an extremely positive role model for girls out there, and in addition to that you have been filming and competing more and more lately so we’d like to talk to you about all that.
You have been filing recently for “Quit Your Day Job” – can you share what the experience has been like for you?
It’s been sick getting to be out street skating in LA and take little skate trips like to SF and stuff. Such a fun and sick experience, some of the best times in my life, super grateful.
We saw you at Exposure and Poseiden’s Ladies Day at the Berrics this summer – do you enjoy the contest scene?
Yeah it was such a fun day! So hype to have all those girls out there even the pros.
Photo Don Sheffler
You are always on the go – traveling, skating, learning new tricks – how do you keep in shape & what is your healthy secret for food choices?
I just skate a lot and work out sometimes to stay up to beat and rehab my ankle I’ve injured in the past. I honestly have no healthy food choices, I wish I did I wanna start eating healthier.
You have traveled quite a bit now for skateboarding, can you tell us some of your favorite places you’ve gotten to skate?
Camp Woodward in Pennsylvania is pretty perfect probably the best place I’ve ever skated. But I love anywhere new I get to skate and experience like Seattle, San Fransisco, and even here in LA.
What are your plans for competing in the upcoming year – any contests or filming or photo shoots you are looking forward to?
Looking forward to finishing a street part and Wheels of Fortune in May!
Favorite place to skate? Modern Skate Park in Royal Oak Michigan
Photo Dontae Rockymore
Favorite Trick? Front Shuv, Nose Grind, Combo tricks ( sorry that was a couple haha)
Sponsors? Modern Skate and Surf
Can you tell us about the setup you ride and why it works for you?
I’m not the pickiest person about my setup but I ride a size 8 board I think that's a pretty good size. I just got these Tensor mag light trucks and I love them. It makes my setup super lightweight which is really good for me.
Any thoughts on the possibility of skateboarding being added to the 2020 Olympic Games?
I think that’s amazing. A super great opportunity for women’s skateboarding as well.
What are your favorite things to do when you are not skating?
Take photos, travel, explore, be with family and friends. Favorite book? Night by Elie Wiesel.
Favorite music?
I have a super wide range I can like anything from electronic music to 70s to hip hop to alternative to almost anything but country music really.
Photo Dontae Rockymore
Three Things You Don't Know About Me:
1. I used to play basketball on teams and in tournaments before I started skating. I stopped for skateboarding, I still like basketball.
2. I grew up with a full sized trampoline in my living room.
3. I was voted “Class clown” in middle school haha
What’s Next?
Planning a couple of events in the future at Modern Skatepark in Royal Oak, Michigan. I wanna do a girls contest there. It’s a huge indoor park with something for everyone. It would be such a sick event and opportunity for girls on the East coast and Midwest to come out to.
Make sure you follow Christina on: Instagram/ Twitter/ Facebook: @ChristianaSmith @Apositiveseedco
Nine year old Minna Stess has been riding for Silly Girl Skateboards for the past three years and has now announced her move to Santa Cruz Skateboards as their newest rider. Legendary 70's pro skater Judi Oyama, a Santa Cruz girl herself, was one of the key people behind the scenes of this awesome transition.
Minna has been on a serious roll recently - she was featured in the NY Times Magazine, Girls Who Ride Magazine, and she can currently be seen in the new Disney Princess "Be a Champion" commercial. At the recent Vans Girls Combi Contest she threw down back to back tricks earning her cheers from fellow skaters and the crowd. Minna has also been traveling & filming recently with the "Quit Your Day Job" film crew. All this and she's only NINE.
Stoked to hear that both Lizzie Armanto and Poppy Starr Olsen will be competing in (what used to be), the guys only comp at Manly's Australian Open of Surfing this weekend! Should be an awesome event, and we know these two girls will be bringing their A game.
Both Lizzie and Poppy competed in the men's division at the Australian Bowl Riding Championships last week and both girls made the semi finals, which is a huge deal.
We love that these girls are breaking down barriers and skating & competing with the guys and holding their own!
If you haven't seen Pro skater Poppy Starr Olsen's sister Kip, interviewing people as her alter ego "Patricia" on The Patricia Show, you have been missing out.
Here's a great clip from this past weekends Australian Bowl Riding Championships where "Patricia" caught up with Pro skateboarder Lizzie Armanto to talk to her about that "medusa" hair of hers and how her new sponsor Monster, keeps the snakes hydrated. Yep - you gotta watch it to get it - it's too fun.
We vote for The Patricia Show to be on TV regularly!
There was a seriously great turn out of girls for the 2016 Australian Bowl Riding Championships in Newcastle, AU this past weekend. All the girls skated hard, dominating the huge bowl, with most of the skaters using the shallow and the deep, to show off numerous tricks.
The live feed that Grundy's ABC let us host here on our site was great for those of us who couldn't be there in person, so we could see girls we know personally from comps here in California, like Poppy, Jordyn, Izy, and Ruby, and finally watch the other rad girls we know via instagram compete as well.
There were a lot of great runs from all the girls and it was exciting to watch Poppy and Jordyn who were skating hard and throwing down trick after trick. Jordyn was leading going into the finals but Poppy then took the lead and edged Jordyn out for the win. Sari Simpson charged hard and came in 3rd and Jade Perry, who was also a blast to watch skate, came in 4th.
RESULTS:
Poppy Starr Olsen - 1st place
Jordyn Barratt - 2nd place
Sari Simpson - 3rd place
Jade Perry - 4th place
Thanks to Joanne Barratt for taking all the great photos for us, and a BIG thanks to Grundy's Australian Bowl Championships and their PR teams for accommodating all our requests and allowing us to host the live feed on our site this past weekend!
Now you can check out pro skater Leticia Bufoni in Old Dominion's video for their new song "Snapback". Shot at various skate spots in LA, including the famous Pink Motel pool, Leticia skates, hangs out and even sings with the band. Great job Leticia!
Big Congrats to our team rider Poppy Starr Olsen (AU) for winning the Australian Bowl Riding Championships this past weekend! So many great girls were skating, and Jordyn Barratt (USA) was keeping the contest tight and was leading in semi's before the girls hit the finals. At the end Poppy took the lead in points, by blasting some massive airs, throwing down a fast plant, inverts, and back to back tricks, to secure the win.
Congrats to ALL the girls - it was a great event to watch here in the USA on the live feed - exciting every step of the way.
We will have pics by Joanne Barratt of all the girls skating in the ABC comp up soon - so stay tuned!
Pro skaters Lizzie Armanto (USA) and Poppy Starr Olsen (AU), were invited to compete in the men's pro division at the Australian Bowl Riding Championships this past weekend and they both killed it! Both girls flew through the prelims and onto the next days semi-finals and their runs were amazing - back to back tricks, amazing height, and flawless style. They didn't make the finals on Sunday afternoon but they did come in 15th (Lizzie) & 16th (Poppy) out of 32 skaters competing, and this once again proves to the world that that female skaters can compete with the guys and hold their own.
Thanks to Joanne Barratt for taking all the great photos for us, and a BIG thanks to Grundy's Australian Bowl Championships and their PR teams for accommodating all our requests and allowing us to host the live feed on our site yesterday!
Watch the Grundy Australian Bowl Riding Championships right here LIVE! The girls will be competing today and you won't want to miss it, this is a major comp and it will be going off!
All the action starts Saturday at 7 PM PST / 10 PM EST - Stay Tuned!!
Skaters:
Poppy Starr Olsen
Jordyn Barratt
Gracie Earl
Sari Simpson
Ruby Trew
Gemma Balkin
Ava Godfrey
Charotte Heath
Jade Perry
Elle Player
Lizzie Armanto / Photo Ian Logan at Vans US Open 2015
Poppy Starr Olsen / Photo Ian Logan at Vans US Open 2015
Yep, that's right Pro skaters Lizzie Armanto and Poppy Starr Olsen compete today in Australia (it is now Saturday in AU) in the men's pro division at the Grundy Australian Bowl-Riding Championships! They will be taking on Australia's best male skaters in a Pro/Am that promises to be insane!
If they make the semi finals we can see them tomorrow on the LIVE feed that will be showing right here on our site.
We will be keeping you updated via our instagram and our Facebook page in the meantime!
Watch these girls compete LIVE at ABC tomorrow / Joanne Barratt
You can also see the awesome girls comp LIVE tomorrow as well so stay tuned here on Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word as we will have the LIVE feed for you!
Girls slated to compete are:
Gemma Balkin
Sari Simpson
Charlotte Heath
Ava Godfrey
Gracie Earl
Jordyn Barratt
Ruby Trew
PoppyStarr Olsen
The action starts SATURDAY at 7 PM PST / 10 PM EST Right here on Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word.
