Badass Elise Crigar designed our "It's Not About Pretty" book and we love seeing the positive press she is getting this week along with her new project SHE IS MORE.

First up, Elise has an awesome interview on San Diego Voyager that is a must read. The girl always tells it like it is - balls to the walls honesty.

"I am writing this now from my couch in a little beach abode in Dana Point, California. I bet you’re expecting me to tell you that I’ve made it. Tell you that it all fell magically into place, that all my work got noticed and had paid off. Well… it hasn’t. The constant hustle continues, the same pattern. No excuses. Ever. Working after work, before work and filing my weekends. But now I am just a little closer to my goal. Seven whole states to be exact."

Read the entire interview with Elise on San Diego Voyager  HERE  

Elise is also featured on the well-known podcast,  "Adventures in Design" with Mark Brickey talking about her career and the reality of designing the "It's Not About Prety" book, skateboarding and how difficult it can be to be in the "boys club" when you first start skating, what to do when doubt creeps into your mind, and moving from Florida to California to follow her dream.

Download the podcast, grab an acai bowl and your morning latte, and be ready to feel inspired to do epic shit by the time it's over, because it's AMAZING!!

Listen to "Why Girls Don't Skateboard" with Elise Crigar on Adventures in Design

“She is More” is a portrait series of influential women that are more than pretty faces and video views. Behind their media following are women that are just as real as the tricks they are landing. These ladies are making a positive impact by not living for attention and popularity but letting their passion drive them, and sharing their experiences with others. When it comes to image likes and followers their purpose runs deeper—they are more.

Who is it?

Anyone that stands above the influence of current media trends. She speaks for herself and is not swayed or caught up in the voices of others. She does not live for attention, but to impact and make a difference.

Project Purpose

The goal of this project is to celebrate women that are using their media influence for positive, impactful purposes. I want to share their story in hopes to inspire and empower others. 

Project background

Social media is a powerhouse. The opportunity for anyone to become anything is more available than ever. Everyone deals with the power of media differently, it can bring out the best, worst or a whole new version of someone. Before starting this project, I found myself feeling exhausted from media, finding it hard to see the reality behind individuals, their content, and voice. Instead of letting this negative energy affect me and my work, I set out to highlight women that are using their media for a positive influence.

You can read about pro skateboarder Jordyn Barratt, surfer Izzy Gomez - more women will be added soon!

Check out Elise's new project SHE IS MORE on her website HERE

   

Relive Exposure Skate via the Transworld video recap!  So much went down last weeknd - if you were there you'll be stoked to see it again, if you didn't make it to the event in person you'll wish you had!

On the eve of the mid-term election here in the USA, Joan Jett released the video to her newest song, FRESH START. The video wasn't Joan and her band the Blackhearts rocking out,  it was filled with images of female leaders and trailblazers that have the power to change this country and inspire girls and women to do the same.

Grab your daughters, sons and your girl gang and watch - you will be glad you did. Together we can change the world.

We have this one on repeat today.

Thank you Joan!!

A funny video from Vice x Vans by director  Krizia Victoria that satires how women are often seen in skateboarding and asks the question; why do all these "JOIN US!!" girl groups keep popping up?

Much love to core groups that are all about just finding one another and skating hard (Las Chicaz, Lady Lurkers, She Skates Here, Salty Bitches, etc.) because we all know it's way more fun to skate with friends. But when it becomes all about "joining" and an outreach to get you to do so, it does start feeling like a "sorority" (aka a cult) and most of us chose to skate to get away from precisely that. 

Big congrats to Krizia for ticking all the gender stereotype boxes and hitting back with what girls skateboarding is not. Well done and funny!


Watch until the end - you'll be happy you did!

Lilly Stoephasius

London Meza

Indiana Barnard

Carlin Makibbin

Jessie Frietze

Michelle Yoon

Tuli Lam

Jordyn Barratt

Sarah Thompson

Arianna Carmona

Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins Pastrana

Allysha Le

Lizzie Armanto

Nicole Hause

Lizzie Armanto

Bryce Wettstein

Sarah Thompson

Jordyn Barratt

Nicole Hause

Spencer Breaux

Allysha Le

Bryce Wettstein

Kody Tamanaha

Minna Stess

Christian Hosoi, Bucky Lasek, Amelia Brodka, Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Jordyn Barratt

Photos @ianloganphoto for @girlisnota4letterword - please credit on social media 

If we didn't post your name under your picture  - please DM us on Instagram @girlisnota4letterword and we will add your name ASAP - thanks!


Day two was just as exciting as day one at Exposure Skate, with the morning starting off with the vert ramp comps for all ages, and later moving into women's pro street and the women's pro bowl events. The pro women were no doubt tired as they only had one day rest after returning from the World Championships and VPS in China, but they rallied and pro bowl was something to watch - one of the most fun and fast-paced jams at a contest we have seen in years! Another standout moment from the  the weekend was watching Lilly Stoephasius who flew in from Germany, and was just killing it on everything she skated - keep your eye on this little shredder!

And that's a wrap on the 7th annual Exposure Skate!


RESULTS BELOW

Vert 14 and under podium

1st  Lilly Stoephasius
2nd  Carlin Makibbin
3rd  Indiana Barnard

 Vert 15 and over podium

1st   Susie Heath
2nd  Michelle Yoon
3rd   Tuli Lam

Pro Women Vert Podium

1st    Lizzie Armanto
2nd  Arianna Carmona
3rd   Allysha Le

Pro Women Street Podium

1st    Margielyn Arda Didal
2nd  Poe Pinson
3rd   Kaya  Isa

Pro Women Bowl

1st    Jordyn Barratt
2nd  Bryce Wettstein
3rd   Kody Tamanaha

Lilly Stoephasius

Jordan Santana

Quinne Daniels

Karen Muto

London Meza

Bella Kenworthy

Briel Weingartner

Carlin Makibbin

Lola Tambling

Lola Tambling

Indiana Barnard

Stella Reynolds

Michelle Yoon

Leah Ho

Raina Saenz

Ava Godfrey

Tuli Lam

Emma Houle

Zoe Herishen

Photos @ianloganphoto for @girlisnota4letterword - please credit on social media 

Day one of Exposure Skate was off the charts! So many awesome girls from all over the world came out to skate, see friends and shred the bowl & street course for the AM competition. The under 14 year old group is one to watch, these girls were pushing HARD. The 15 and over girls were working the entire bowl with back to back tricks, so it's a sure bet that some of them have their sights on going pro in the very near future! The best part about the day was seeing so many girl skating together and having FUN.

If we didn't post your name under your picture  - please DM us on Instagram @girlisnota4letterword and we will add your name ASAP


PODIUM RESULTS

Bowl 14 and Under

1st  Bella Kenworthy
2nd  Karen Muto
3rd  Carlin Makibbin

Bowl 15 and Over

1st  Susie Heath
2nd  Michelle Yoon
3rd  Tuli Lam

Street 14 and Under

1st  Oda Yumeka
2nd  Sora Yamasaki
3rd  Paige Heyn

Street 15 and Over

1st  Brooke Whipp
2nd  Carly Vnderkarr
3rd  Hannah Tallman

Allysha Le

Jordyn Barratt

 Photos Joanne Barratt from the 2017 Exposure Skate Event

This weekend is Exposure Skate - the largest, all female skateboarding event in the world. There will be over 150 female skaters from all over the world competing in vert, park and street in both pro and AM divisions.  You will see the top skaters in the world compete and there will be autograph signings, yoga clinics and more.

 It's a 2-day event so get on down to Encinitas Community Park and cheer on the girls!!

More info on Exposure Skate!

Sakura

Poppy

 Images via World Skate

 It was a long night here in the USA watching 30 women compete in the semi-finals, with only 8 moving on to the finals, but when all was said and done, Sakura Yosozumi took the lead with a pretty perfect run, with Kisa Nakamura hot on her tail and Poppy Starr Olsen bettering her score with each run she did to take a well deserved third!

One to watch - actually two!  Keep your eye on Misugu Okamoto and Kokoana Hiraki - these two youngsters from Japan are killing it and bringing some rad runs to the field.

Congrats to all the women for a great final!


RESULTS WOMEN'S PARK FINALS

1st Sakura Yosozumi. (JAPAN)  59.00
2nd  Kisa Nakamura     (JAPAN)   52.04
3rd Poppy Starr Olsen   (AU)     50.88


4th Jordyn Barratt        (USA)   49.00
5th Misugu Okamoto. (JAPAN)  48.84
6th Bryce Wettstein (USA)    45.11
7th Kokoana Hiraki    (JAPAN)  43.17
8th Isadora Pacheco (BRAZIL)   42.87

Yndiara Asp

Maite Steenhoudt

Nicole hause

Bryce Wettstein

Kokoana Hiraki

Hunter Long

 Photos via World Skate / Bryce Kanights

Last nights Park Skateboarding Championships Qualifiers in Nanjing, China  was insane - so many girls in one place skating hard - 35 women from 18 countries! They came from all over the world and the camaraderie was awesome.

Only 23 move on to today's semi-finals were they will meet up with the top 7 skaters from Vans Park Series. Then we will watch the comp go directly to women's finals - so buckle up, because it's going to be a long night here in the USA watching it all go down!

This competition is new for all the ladies - they now have the exact same scoring system as the mens comps - so when you see lower than normal scores than you are used to on the screen, don't freak out - the skater you are watching may actually be in the top 5! The ladies will also receive the same prize money as the men - $30,000 to the winner

Equality is HUGE in this comp!

These are the 7 women from VPS that go straight to the semi-finals tonight:

Yndiara Asp        (BRAZIL)  
Jordyn Barratt        (USA)
Sakura Yosozumi. (JAPAN)
Poppy Olsen         (AU)     
Kisa Nakamura     (JAPAN)
Kokoana Hiraki    (JAPAN)    
Nicole Hause        (USA)  


These are the 23 skaters moving on to the semi-finals tonight from yesterday's qualifiers:

Bryce Wettstein (USA)
Minna Stess. (USA)
Shanae Collins. (AU)
Misugu Okamoto  (JAPAN)
Isadora  Pacheco (BRAZIL)
Emily Antunes (BRAZIL)
Shani Bru (FRANCE)
Dora Varella (BRAZIL)
Kihana Ogawa  (JAPAN)
Hunter Long (USA)
Taniah Meyers (AU)
Maite Steenhoudt  (BELGIUM)
Xin Zhang (CHINA)
Grace Cochrane (AU)
Nicole Means (PHILIPPINES)
Amar Hadid (AU)
Camilla  Borges (BRAZIL)
Mami Tezuka (JAPAN)
Daniela Terol (SPAIN)
Valeria Bertaccini (ITALY)
Jiayi  Lou (CHINA)
Julia Benedetti (SPAIN)
Leticia Goncalves (BRAZIL)

WATCH IT LIVE!!!  ----->   TONIGHT HERE IN USA!!

Thursday, November 1

11AM - Women’s Semi-Finals live on www.worldskate.tv
2:30PM Women’s Finals live on www.worldskate.tv

Here in the USA You can watch:

Women's Semi-Finals TONIGHT (Wednesday, 10/31) Live at 8 PM PST 

Women's Finals tonight at 11:30 PM  PST

Brand new skatepark in Nanjing

The top 8 women from VPS advance to the World Championship semi-finals / Skater Jordyn Barratt / Photo Joanne Barratt

All info via World Skate

The 2018 World Skate Park Skateboarding World Championships are underway with the first practice sessions under beautiful blue skies at the brand-new Olympic-certified park terrain skatepark in Nanjing, China.

126 Skaters - 48 Women (including our Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word team riders Minna Stess (USA) and Grace Cochrane (AU) and 78 Men from 27 countries on five continents will contest the first World Skate-sanctioned Park Skateboarding World Championships this week at the Fish-mouth Wetlands, home of the 2014 Youth Olympic Games SportsLab and the 2017 World Skate Vert World Championships.

The top qualifiers in the women’s event will meet the finalists from the Vans Park Series Finals last week in Suzhou, China in the semi-finals of the World Championships beginning on Wednesday, October 31.

Skateboarding has grown steadily in this city of over 8 million since its inclusion as a demonstration sport at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games SportsLab, reaching a new peak with the 2018 Park World Championships this week.

The entire Park Skateboarding World Championships will be live webcast on worldskate.tv starting with women’s qualifying on Wednesday, October 31.

PARK SKATEBOARDING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE

Nanjing Local Time (GMT/UTC +8).  See notes in RED for PST

Wednesday, October 31

Local Nanjing Times
9:30AM – Opening Ceremony
12 NOON – Women’s Qualifiers - live on www.worldskate.tv

You can watch the Women's Qualifiers at 9 PM PST on Tuesday October 30

Thursday, November 1

11AM - Women’s Semi-Finals live on www.worldskate.tv
2:30PM Women’s Finals live on www.worldskate.tv

You can watch the Women's Semi-Finals Live at 9 PM PST and the Women's Finals at 11:30 PM on Wednesday, October 31

WATCH LIVE WEBCAST BEGINNING ON OCTOBER 31 AT WORLDSKATE.TV

Brighton Zeuner

Yndiara Asp

Jordyn Barratt

 Photos Acosta  / Vans Park Series

Taihu Lake, Suzhou, CHINA (October 27, 2018) – That’s a wrap! The 2018 Vans Park Series Pro Tour closes out an incredible season of premier park terrain skateboarding in the historic city of Suzhou, China, crowning Brighton Zeuner the new 2018 Vans Park Series Women's Champion. Zeuner celebrates her second VPS champion title, since claiming victory at the inaugural VPS Championships in 2016.

Zeuner stunned the crowds with her effortless style, landing her signature backside 360 in every run and topping it off with a kickflip indy, one of the few flip tricks of the women’s event. Earning a place on the podium at every stop this season, Zeuner took her first 2018 event victory in China today, to secure the 2018 VPS Women’s Champion title. Joining Zeuner on the podium in 2nd place, Brazil’s Yndiara Asp graces the podium yet again, demonstrating a fierce last run in the finals, as she attacked every wall with an aggressive style, and charging every second with high speed. In third, Jordyn Barratt’s powerful command of the massive VPS course proved effective, producing clean lines, big tricks and high scores overall

Looking ahead to the inaugural World Skate Park Skateboarding World Championships to be held in Nanjing, China next week, the top 8 men and women finalists from the VPS Pro Finals will be pre-seeded into the semi-finals for the first-ever Olympic-sanctioned event in skateboarding history. Congratulations to everyone!


 Podium Results:

1. Brighton Zeuner         89.67
3. Yndiara Asp               88.13
3. Jordyn Barratt            84.33


4. Sakura Yosozumi.       84.07
5. Poppy Olsen               82.97
6. Kisa Nakamura.          81.17
7. Kokoana Hiraki          77.43
8. Nicole Hause              59.07

Yndiara Asp

Nicole Hause

Poppy Starr Olsen

Kokoana Hiraki

Jordyn Barratt

Sakura Yosozum

Video recap of the 2018 Women's Pro Tour - video by Vans

All photos by Joanne Barratt

Some rad skating went down in Suzhou, China today. But at the end of it all only 8 girls will advance to the finals, which we will be able to watch LIVE here in the USA tonight!

It's anyone's guess who will end up on podium as this is a tough field, but we do need to mention that 10 year old newcomer, Kokoana Hiraki from Japan, is one who could throw an upset into the event - word coming from China practice and prelims is that she is an amazing skater with a huge bag of tricks!

In the finals we have 3 skaters from the USA, 3 from Japan, 1 from Brazil and 1 from Australia. The youngest is age 10 - Kohoana and the oldest are, Nicole and Yndiara both age 21.

WOMEN'S COMPETING IN TODAY'S PRO PARK FINALS


1. Sakura Yosozumi
2. Brighton Zeuner
3. Yndiara Asp
4. Jordyn Barratt
5. Poppy Olsen
6. Kisa Nakamura
7. Kokoana Hiraki
8. Nicole Hause


Saturday, October 27

11AM - Women’s Finals (local time)

** Please Note:  Webcast of women's finals here in USA will be on FRIDAY, October 26  8 PM PDT / 11 PM EST  

Catch it all live at VansParkSeries.com

MORE TIMES BELOW!

 

Lizzie Armanto

Yndiara Asp

Jordyn Barratt

Poppy Starr Olsen

Dora Varella

Nicole Hause

Kisa and Mami

 All photos by Joanne Barratt

Some awesome photos just in, from photographer Joanne Barratt ,  from today's practice session at the Vans Park Series Pro Finals in China!

The VPS Pro Finals will pit the top-ranking 2018 Pro Tour athletes against select VPS Continental Champions to present an extraordinary exhibition of men’s and women’s park terrain skateboarding in a custom-designed and purpose-built, VPS-certified park terrain competition course, built by California Skateparks.


Vans Park Series Pro Finals – Competitor Field


VPS Continental Champions


Americas
Dora Varella (BRA)

Africa
Mellisa Williams (ZAF)

Asia
Kokona Hiraki (JPN)

Europa
Amelia Brodka (POL)

Oceania
Poppy Starr Olsen (AUS)


Select Pros - Women

Nora Vasconcellos (USA)
Brighton Zeuner (USA)
Kisa Nakamura (JPN)
Lizzie Armanto (USA)
Grace Marhoefer (USA)
Jordyn Barratt (USA)
Kihana Ogawa (JPN)
Yndiara Asp (BRA)



VPS Top-Ranked Tour Challengers - Women

*Earned their way through Pro Tour circuit to secure coveted invites to VPS Pro Finals


Sakura Yosozumi (JPN)
Bryce Wettstein (USA)
Nicole Hause (USA)
Arianna Carmona (USA)
Hunter Long (USA)




 VANS PARK SERIES PRO FINALS SCHEDULE

Friday, October 26

1PM - Women’s Semi-Finals - No webcast

2PM - Official VPS Press Conference*

4PM – Women’s Skateboarding Media Panel



Saturday, October 27

11AM - Women’s Finals (local time)

** Please Note:  Webcast of women's finals here in USA will be on FRIDAY, October 26  8 PM PDT / 11 PM EST  

Catch it all live at VansParkSeries.com

Poseiden Foundation is having their 10th annual Ladies Day at the Berrics and you don't want to miss it. Make sure you RSVP ---> HERE

$5.00 suggested donation, canned food and used skate gear all welcomed!

Cash for best trick + prizes and MORE!!

Saturday, October 27, 2018
10 AM - 6 PM
(Address will be provided upon RSVP-ing to Poseiden)

Get Ready Utah because our rad friends at Salty Bitches are having another ladies skate day!  This one happens this Saturday at South Jordan Skatepark from 12 noon - 4 PM - all levels are welcome - so come on out and meet some other girls who love to skate, just like you!

There will be prizes for best trick, costume and bowl jam!!

Kisa Nakamura / Photo via Vans Park Series

Costa Mesa, CALIF. (October 22, 2018) – Vans Park Series, the premier league for professional park terrain skateboarding since 2016, is slated for an incredible finals showcase on October 26-27 in a brand new destination—the historical city of Suzhou, China.

Vans Park Series Final Showcase Reveals New Venue in Historic City of Suzhou, China

Official Venue for VPS Pro Finals: Suzhou Taihu international Conference Center in Taihu Lake

WATCH LIVE BROADCAST ON OCTOBER 27 at VANSPARKSERIES.COM

The new VPS Pro Finals event will take place at the Suzhou Taihu International Conference Center. Situated alongside the elegant Taihu Lake, the Suzhou Taihu International Conference Center is one of the first independent operated venues of its kind in China. The architectural style of the venue reflects the classical Chinese theme resembling Mount Gusu in Suzhou. With the surrounding landscape of modernity and classic design, Vans Park Series will transform the atmosphere into an exciting festival experience, showcasing the elite athleticism of the world’s best park terrain skateboarders, and welcoming locals and spectators from the city and abroad.

The VPS Pro Finals will pit the top-ranking 2018 Pro Tour athletes against select VPS Continental Champions to present an extraordinary exhibition of men’s and women’s park terrain skateboarding in a custom-designed and purpose-built, VPS-certified park terrain competition course, built by California Skateparks. For more information on the venue, final competitors field, and to watch the official Vans Park Series Rider Profiles, visit vansparkseries.com.


VANS PARK SERIES PRO FINALS SCHEDULE

Friday, October 26

1PM - Women’s Semi-Finals - No webcast

2PM - Official VPS Press Conference*

4PM – Women’s Skateboarding Media Panel



Saturday, October 27

11AM - Women’s Finals (local time)

** Please Note:  Webcast of womemn's finals here in USA will be on FRIDAY, October 26  8 PM PDT / 11 PM EST  

Catch it all live at VansParkSeries.com




ABOUT VANS PARK SERIES

The 2018 Vans Park Series Pro Tour is the premier series for professional park terrain skateboarders consisting of four men’s global qualifiers and three women’s global qualifiers spanning five countries over six months and culminating with the official Vans Park Series Pro Finals. Showcasing an international roster of skateboarding’s elite pros and a total series purse in excess of $700,000(USD), the Vans Park Series uniquely defines the park terrain format with its exclusive points system, judging guidelines and qualifying park terrain course criteria.

 Photos of Quinne by Julie Daniels / Featured in That Kinder Magazine

We can't get enough of this retro skate shoot featuring Quinne in the premiere issue of That Kinder Magazine. Riding a retro Black Knight board with clay wheels, Quinne shows off her 60's skate style expertise in the photo spread, hanging five, doing a handstand (a'la Pattie McGee) and more!

We're not going to show you all of it because we want to support new mags like this, so please support by jumping over HERE to buy either a downloadable version of the mag or a print edition!

Congrats to Quinne - we love this shoot!

  Photo of Kala by Ian Logan

Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word will be taking over Flower Child Restaurant's Instagram Stories today (Saturday!) between 2 PM - 5 PM PST - ask the GN4LW crew of skaters anything you want, but the best question will win this new GN4LW x Dusters California Street Angel cruiser board with artwork by Jim Rugg!

Get your questions ready because Kala, Briel, Amanda P., Elise, Kyra, Stephanie, Amanda C. and Cindy will be answering YOUR questions about what it's like to shred the patriarchy and what our fave foods are at Flower Child!

If you want more details on the board you can win check it out HERE!

Mariah Duran takes Gold!  Photo Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images

A repeat of the X Games Minneapolis podium, Mariah Duran, Leticia Bufoni and Aori Nishimura all earned back-to-back medals in the Women’s Skateboard Street competition. The reigning gold medalist took the top spot early, with a first run score of 89.00 that held for the rest of the competition. Bufoni narrowly missed the gold, landing a solid final run, but her 88.00 score wasn’t enough. Australia's  Hayley Wilson took sixth.


Next up - Vans Park Series! Stay tuned for news on how to watch the women's park championships LIVE!

New Rider Profile from Vans Park Series on 2017 Women's Park Champion, Nora Vasconcellos.

 Long before turning pro in 2017 Nora Vasconcellos had become an inspiration to an entire generation of girl skaters as well as a leader and mentor to all of the younger women skaters on the VPS Pro Tour. In this Rider Profile we visit the 2017 Vans Park Series World Champion’s house and tag along on a skate session with her roommate/fellow professional Nicole Hause to learn more about Nora and gain some insight into her unique personality off the board.


Stay tuned for more info on the upcoming VPS Championships from China happening on 10/27!