We love seeing skater girls we know pop up in rad projects like this one! 

The new music video for the Sia x David Guetta song, "Floating Through Space" dropped last night and it features badass Janthavy Norton!

** You may remember Janthavy from our Dusters x Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word video where she slayed at the famous OG location, Baldy Pipe.

OK back to this video..

Golden Globe nominee Best Picture - Musical or Comedy, "Music", the new film written & directed by Sia + starring Kate Hudson, Leslie Odom Jr. & Maddie Ziegler, will be out in select IMAX theaters for one-night only on February 10th and available in the US everywhere on demand February 12th

Get more info, and find out where and when to watch in your country https://bit.ly/2YJD1ho​ 

Sia's album Music (songs from and inspired by the motion picture) is out February 12, 2021 and features "Hey Boy," "Together,” "Courage To Change," & more. 

Pre-order now: https://sia.lnk.to/MusicID​ 

Director -Lior Molcho 

Cinematographer - Danit Sigler 

Producer - Chen Biton 

Line Producer - Stephanie Sosa 

Stunt coordinator - Deven MacNair 

2nd Camera - Tali Litmanovitz 

Editor - Danit Sigler 

Luke Wrangler - Katie C S 

Featuring Janthavy Norton,  Cory Mcmillin,  Bryan McGowan

 

We saw an instagram reel of cinematographer GianCarlo Stigliano's new mini skate documentary featuring Allie Frank, Caroline Duerr, and Rachel Barnfield and knew we needed to find out more about this amazing project. After you watch the film, you'll understand why. The way GianCarlo captured the true essence of skateboarding, the friendship between the three girls, and tackled the age old question, "why do you skate?" is superb.

We had some questions of our own for the crew, and we are stoked that they were happy and willing to talk about how this all came about and more!

Love For Skating - Mini Documentary from GianCarlo Stigliano on Vimeo.

 

We thought we'd start off by speaking with cinematographer GianCarlo and getting his perspective.

 

 

May we ask what made you decide to do a short film with female skateboarders?

Something I am very passionate about is being able to find local people who have really awesome talents, a business, or have a really fascinating story and be able to create a short profile film to tell their story. For me, it's a way to share hidden gems within our community and allow people to express themselves on film. For this project, initially, what sparked my interest was seeing a few photos of Allie skating vert. I have never seen that before and was immediately interested in what it took to be able to do that. I reached out to Allie to see if she would be interested in doing a small profile film about her and her passion for skating. After a few discussions, she brought up Caroline & Rachel. Allie wanted to see if I had any interest in including them in this project. She continued to explain the relationship they all shared with each other and I was immediately enlightened to create a bigger story. I saw the friendship between them and how they empower each other, hype each other up, their passion for helping and teaching younger girls and knew that this is a story not only about them but a story to inspire other girls to get after it and not be afraid to try something, even if society or people tell you, you cant. 

People are sometimes under the assumption that short films come together in hours, can you share with us how many days of filming it took to create this beautiful story?

In total 5 shoot days over the course of a month. 

 

Your films all touch upon very different subject matters - how  did you originally meet the three girls?

So I originally met Allie in middle school I believe. Or kinda knew of her. All I know is that I knew who she was when I saw those initial photos. We also have a lot of mutual friends so it wasn't like reaching out to a complete stranger. Once I reconnected with Allie and started up the conversation she introduced me to Caroline and Rachel. The first time I met them was on the first day of shooting. By the end of the shooting, we were all so comfortable with each other and I am so grateful to have met them.

 

 

Giancarlo during the filming of "Love for Skating"

What did you learn about female skateboarders after spending time filming this project?

 

During the filming process and traveling with them to different skateparks I realized that the skate community really is such an amazing and welcoming place for every person. Wherever we were, they were treated as equals and I think with the growing girls skate scene it's starting to become normal to see more and more girls skating and joining the community. Whenever Allie, Caroline, or Rachel would land a trick or try something new they would get the same amount of hype and claps and praises as everyone else did. For me, being an outsider in the skate community, it doesn't matter if you're a girl or a guy, as long as you have a passion for skating, you're a kind and humble person, you're active in the skate community and you're willing to try new tricks at the risk of slamming, people respect that, and treat you as one of their own.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about the filming process and working with Allie, Rachel & Caroline?

This was my first time filming skate and boy is it different than anything else I have ever filmed. It's so quick and you can miss something in an instant. There were moments where I may have shot 20 or more different takes of this one specific scene when they were trying to land a specific trick. A small part of me was like, "hopefully they land this soon, so we can move on." And the other part of me was so invested in the process that I didn't care how many tries it took I wanted to see them land that trick. The way they kept getting up after falling time and time again was inspiring to me and really showed their passion and willingness to not give up on something they're striving for. Filming with them has been a true honor and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share their story and hopefully have created a film that inspires other girls to overcome their fears and get after it.

 

 

 

Allie, you seem to be the ringleader behind this project, from answering our DM's to pulling the girls together for filming, so we're going to start with you, and get your take on some things we know people will want to know after watching the documentary. Allie is a technical skater and we could see her competing out here in California at some point in the near future. (fingers crossed!)

 

How old were you when you started skateboarding?

 

I started skateboarding when I was 19 in Hawaii. My friends would bring me to Banzai and I couldn’t keep watching on the side lines, I wanted in on the action. I started by rolling down a bank barefoot on a cruiser. It was so thrilling and I was hooked.

 

We saw so many locations in the film - what is your favorite place to skate?

 

This is a hard one. There’s so many fun/different spots around. It depends on what type of skating I’m in the mood for. I love a good hype session at Wharton in Philly when I’m on it. It’s a pretty tight bowl so you can go super fast. Everyone is usually fired up there. My hometown park in Brick, NJ is always fun to try new things at with my friends. My favorite park I’ve ever skated has to be Linda Vista in California. There are a couple backyard ramps and bowls that have a special place in my heart. Those are always the best times, barbecuing and hanging out with your crew in between lines. 

 

 Do you have a favorite trick?

 

 Feeble grinds to fakie, fakie to board slides or half cabs are my favorite at the moment. Once I can do frontside smith grinds on extensions that will be my favorite. 

 

What was it like filming this mini doc with GianCarlo - any moments that stand out?

 

It was exhilarating filming this but also very challenging. I’m pretty new to filming, it puts the pressure on. You don’t want to take up the filmer’s entire day trying to land one trick. What usually comes natural all the sudden becomes more difficult. Carlo was really efficient in helping us feel comfortable on camera. He would remind us that it’s all good if we don’t land something, which I thought was cool of him. He was going to capture what he was meant to capture. The highlight of the project was taking him to Philly with us. He was kicking it with us in the insanity of FDR. He got to meet some of our friends and experience more reasons why we love this. He really got a feel for the raw culture surrounding skateboarding. From fellow skaters egging each other on, all the diverse styles to the upbeat music and energy of a skaters night life.. I think he got a taste for the whole scene. He took the time to get to know us on a personal level which is why I think he nailed the short film. 

 

 

What message do you have for girls who want to start skateboarding, but may be the only girl at the skate spot?

 

 "Instead of feeling like you don’t belong, know that everyone thinks it’s rad to see a girl going after it."

 

Be more curious than afraid. Let go of what you look like, accept that you are going to fall at times and focus on the feeling. It’s all about having fun. Remember why you wanted to start in the first place. Imagine if someone else started to skateboard because of you. You might just help someone find their purpose in this wild life and that’s amazing. 

 

Last words?

 

Follow your dreams. Even if it doesn’t feel like it’s happening for you right now, remember that hard work pays off. You’re on your way! Everyone grows and learns at a different pace on their own path. Take others accomplishments as inspiration that you can too, because we are all just human beings. And most importantly always get back up. Allow all the falls to redirect you to achieving what you set out for in the first place. 

Rachel is always smiling and going for it - it's no wonder that Allie and Caroline approached her at the skatepark and they all became fast friends.While she has only been skating since 2018 she has picked it up fast and has great style - and has a lot of wisdom to share, so read on!

What made you want to skateboard originally?

I started skating in October of 2018, when I was 15. My brother was pretty into skating at the time and really gave me that push to start going to the parks with him. After my first day at the park I had fallen in love. My dad, brother, and I then went ahead to build a mini ramp in our yard, which became my safe spot.

Any place that is your absolute favorite "go to" place to ride?

My all time favorite place to skate is Wharton’s warehouse in Philly. I also love my local park in brick. Both parks always have such a welcoming feel and atmosphere. All the locals for both parks make each sesh super fun and hype. 

How about your "go to" tricks?

My favorite tricks are sweepers and bonelesses/boneless disasters. I love the feeling of landing both tricks. 

 Can you share with us what this filming experience was like?

Filming with Carlo was awesome. He is such a positive and pure genuine guy to be around. Filming definitely was different to me. I am pretty camera shy to begin with, I'm not the biggest fan of having eyes on me but Carlo made me feel so comfortable. He is beyond patient and we all appreciated that so much when we took forever to land something. He pushed us to keep trying not only for his clip, but he knew when we could do something rather than giving up. 

What do you wish other girls getting started in skateboarding knew to make it easier when going to the park for the first time?

Skate with your body and your heart and not with your head. Of course it scary, trust me I know the worries, nerves, anxieties, thoughts, shaky legs, embarrassed red cheeks from just holding your board the first times at the parks let alone actually trying to drop in and learn tricks. It is beyond worth it. Push through the fear and the uncomfortableness for the first month or so and it will change your life forever. Everyone will be so stoked to see you start trying and everyone has been the beginner at the park so know how you feel. The skate community is so welcoming to beginners let alone any gnarly female trying to break the gender norms of this sport. 

Words of wisdom?

"Never limit yourself. Don’t hold back because you already think you can’t do something and never be afraid of falling."

 If you never fall you’ll never succeed in skating. Push yourself and enjoy the beauty of skateboarding.

 

In this film you get the sense that Caroline is a true soul skater - the OG kind, who would be right at home in Venice, CA back in the '70s slashing and grinding backyard pools, as she is now skating her heart out anywhere she goes. She brings that old school vibe to the group and it's seriously fun to watch her skate! Her answers below fall right in line with the OG vibe - we love it!

What made you pick up a skateboard?

 

I got on the skateboard for the first time when I was pretty little. Thanks to my Dad- an old skater and avid surfer- my garage was fully equipped with skateboards and surfboards growing up. He taught me how to surf and skate but I truly began pursuing skating over 3 years ago now.  

Where would you skate daily, if you could?

I have a lot of love for brick skate park in NJ. I spend much of my time in Philly and skate FDR, Wharton Street Warehouse, and Grays Ferry a bunch. 

That trick you just love to do?

frontside layback

 What was this filming experience like for you?

Carlo was very fun to film with. He’s a great communicator, talented filmmaker and all around genuine human being. His support behind the lens most definitely made a difference when filming. 

What do you want every girl starting out to know?

 

 

 "My advice for girls who want to start skating but feel outnumbered by the boys at the park is to believe in yourself and just be yourself."

 

 

 

Don’t let fear hold you back from making friends or making progress at the skatepark. 

Big thanks to GianCarlo, Allie, Caroline and Rachel for taking the time to do this interview!

                Samarria with a tre flip down the twelve  stair   ~  Photo Mark Kohlman ESPN

In honor of Black History Month we wanted to shout out a female skater who is currently paving the way in the skate industry for so many others. Twenty seven year old, Samarria Brevard, from Riverside, CA  has quietly had a lot of "firsts" in skateboarding - more than you may realize!

 In 2016 Samarria Brevard became the first Black woman to ever have a pro model board  - this one was with Hoopla, and after that things really took off...

2017 saw Samarria landing on the podium at the X-Games in Minneapolis and taking home the silver medal for women's street - no other Black woman in skate history had made podium at the X-Games, until now. With a tre flip down the 12 stair no less!

That same year, she was selected to be part of Thrasher's "King of the Road" tour as a guest of the Enjoi team - winning the mystery guest MVP!

Also in 2017 (yes, it was a hell of a great year for Samarria!)  she broke down barriers and became the first Black female to have a full part in a skate film - Quit Your Day Job (her part is amazing - if you have not seen this film yet, watch it HERE!)

Photo via Enjoi

Later in the year, Enjoi decided she should be a full fledged member of the team and surprised her with her own signature pro-model.

In April 2018 she became the first woman to compete against the guys in the X Games Real Street video contest.

In 2020 Skateism Magazine released issue 6 with Samarria and her beautiful smile plastered on its cover. You can get the issue HERE

 

In the September 2020 issue of Thrasher, Tre Williams did an interview with Samarria and it's pretty awesome - you can read it HERE 

Photo via USA Skateboarding

Last but not least - did you know that Samarria is on the USA National Team for Women's Street as we head toward to the 2021 Olympics?

Samarria currently rides for  Enjoi, New Balance, Ricta, Bronson, RSQ, Thunder Trucks & Mob

Follow Samarria on her instagram @samarriabrevard

We could all use some Nora inspiration right about now so roll up and rendezvous with Nora V as she hits epic spots from Maui to San Diego in her heavy NEW part. 

Come for Nora's stylish trick selection and stay for that Nicki track. Guaranteed... This part's going to require a rewatch... 

Filmed by: Lannie Rhoades (@justsomedude) & Myles Laurion (@myleslaurion) 

Edited by: Chris Varcadipane @chrivarcadipane

Click here to shop OJ Wheels: https://ojwheels.com/our-wheels​​

 Lizzie FS over the loveseat in the new Indy ad in Thrasher Magazine (2/21) Photo Rhino

Great to see these new Lizzie Armanto trucks from Independent! The girls breaks down barriers, has been skating hard forever and leading the charge for girls everywhere, so it is only fitting that Lizzie has the very first pro model truck from Independent! We love the blue color and the ice cream cone artwork!

The new Lizzie Armanto Pro Truck – Stage 11 Hollow is  available now in 129, 139, 144 and 149 sizes. These new trucks are a lightweight version of Stage XI with hollow axle & kingpin.

You can get them  HERE

Cost: $57.90 - 59.90 - per set

Brighton Zeuner's first Red Bull has dropped!

You've seen the two-time X Games gold medalist and Vans Park Series champ on top of podiums all over the world, but now here's a glimpse into the pool missions, park sessions and vert ramp action that shape her signature and timeless style. 

From Florida to Arizona to California, it's all sunshine and skateboarding with Brighton Zeuner in her first Red Bull Skateboarding part!

Congrats to Bryce Wettstein!

 Bryce Wettstein has been welcomed to the Stereo family with this "Stereophonic Debut"! Her positive energy and creativity on and off the board are truly inspirational. This is actually Bryce's music in the first part of this video! 

She not only dominated the Women's Park contest circuit last season, she's also managed to make create her own unique mark that exudes what Skateboarding is all about at it's very core...PURE FUN.

Filmed and edited by Josue Sanchez @ho_sway. 

Music: Bryce 🦋 Wettstein "Butterfly Epiphany" 

Lee Fields and the Expressions "Thinking About You", courtesy of @bigcrownrecords 👑. 

Animations by Bryce

Stereo was founded in 1992 by friends Jason Lee & Chris Pastras. Now with 2 decades of heritage, Stereo continues to be an influential skateboard brand

www.StereoSoundAgency.com

 

Sneak Peek!!  The new issue of STOKE MUCH magazine drops at the end of this month and our team rider Briel Weingartner made the COVER!  How rad is that? 

The shot was from a sequence photographer Ian Logan shot of Briel at Harbor Skatepark where she was landing her new trick, blunt to kick-flip to fakie. 

Sometimes we can't even believe Briel is just nine-years-old!

There are a few other surprises in this new issue - we can't tell you who else is featured just yet - but it's going to be good!  Order quick as it is sure to sell out fast!

Stoke Much Issue 6 is the photo issue, and the final issue. This issue has 54 pages printed in full color. This issue measures 8.5x11”. This issue is printed in the USA.

Photos from:

Josh Bowser (USA)

Sean Carabarin (USA)

James Coleman (USA)

Alex Crawford (USA)

Sergio Del Rey (SPAIN)

Samu Karvonen (FINLAND)

Ian Logan (USA)

Janchai Montrelerdrasme (THAILAND)

Gabe Renault (FRANCE)

Jon Spitzer (USA)

Seu Trinh (USA)

Costa Mesa, CALIF. (Jan. 11, 2021) – Vans re-imagines the AVE Pro, our most technically-advanced skate shoe to date, with help from skate team standout Beatrice Domond, who injects her personal style into the high-performance silhouette. 

 Growing up the only girl skater in small town Florida, Beatrice honed her skills watching ‘90s VHS tapes. Her progressive influence in skateboarding, combined with her unique style —which feels equal parts modern and throwback—have received accolades from the skate and fashion community alike. She brings these proclivities to her latest collaboration with Vans: a fresh take on the AVE Pro.

    

“Getting to do a colorway on the Ave Pro is pretty unreal. I mean, it's the most flattering compliment one can receive,” Beatrice said. “Anthony is a man of few words and high standards. He doesn't really settle, and it shows throughout his skating and in everything else he does. So, for him to want to do something with both our names on it is a lot of respect.” 

Designed by Vans athlete and skate legend Anthony Van Engelen, the AVE Pro performs at the highest standard—AVE wouldn’t have put his name on it otherwise— and looks damn good doing it. Features include DURACAP and Rapidweld no-sew technology for preserved longevity, LuxLiner for optimum fit, and UltimateWaffle construction for superior board control. Beatrice incorporates her style through custom floral print on the sockliner and an ornate paisley design on the shoe’s quarters, inspired by her favorite childhood bedroom set: “I would dream on it of one day getting to be a part of something of this caliber,” she explains. “Not to get too sentimental… a lot of time and thought went into this. I really, really wanted it to be something special.” Her hand-drawn signature shows through the translucent outsole, and much like Beatrice, the shoe’s marshmallow and jade colorway is cool yet understated.

Beatrice also recently curated her own Vans Spotify playlist. Similar to her design for the AVE Pro, the songs she included are from special times in her life that bring her back to the moment or day she experienced them. 

 

Beatrice Domond appreciates the classics—whether in skateboarding, fashion, or literature—making her a perfect fit for Vans. Growing up in a small town in West Palm Beach, Florida, she spent much of her time skating alone, turning inward and studying videos from decades past for inspiration. Today, that influence has landed her on the coveted rosters of brands like Supreme, as well as AVE and Jason Dill’s Fucking Awesome. Known for pushing the limits of what’s possible on a flatbar, Beatrice’s talents don’t end on the board. She’s received plenty of attention from the fashion world with an eponymous brand on the way, and her latest design for the AVE Pro further cements this influence.   

Vans AVE Pro by Beatrice Domond is available now at Vans Skate retailers and Vans.com/skate.

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Check us out! 

Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word founder, Cindy Whitehead, is interviewed on the new and badass Kimchi + Challah podcast by hosts Ashley Borden and Elaine Sir, and this rad episode dropped today!

You can listen to the Cindy's episode right HERE

Cindy Whitehead ~ Photo: Ian Logan from the book SKATE LIKE A GIRL

2020 has been quite a year, but despite a global pandemic, Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word and our team of skaters was able to accomplish quite a few things to help push girls in skateboarding forward. The challenges we faced from March until now, also reminded all of us why supporting one another is so important.

We are immensely proud to have worked on so many great projects this year and had some great partners to help us.

As we all look forward to 2021 and a fresh start, here are, some highlights from the last year that we'd like to share with you.

JANUARY

 

Team USA Skateboarding had its media day and it was great to see  Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word team rider, Minna Stess, announced as part of the USA Women's National Park Skateboarding Team and featured in this piece by the LA Times! 

Minna also took part in the launch of Santa Cruz Skateboards MINIONS video release and she held her own throughout each episode during the skate tour. 

 FEBRUARY

We're proud to say that we had a 6-page article in the new issue of STOKE MUCH Magazine talking about "Creating and Skating at Baldy Pipe" which discusses why GN4LW founder, Cindy Whitehead, feels that it's important for girls to skate outside the skatepark.  The images shot by Elise Crigar also capture our new Dusters x Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word board - ridden by Jantahvy Norton - in action.

AU Team rider, Grace Cochrane was celebrated and featured in an exhibit titled "The Change Room" at The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). The Change Room highlights the achievements and contribution of Tasmanian female athletes, and also brings to light lesser known stories of sporting excellence as well as the people behind the games.

The Smithsonian Museum's National Museum of American History in Washington D.C. announced the new exhibit GIRLHOOD (It's Complicated) and used our Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word x Dusters California prototype board as the lead image in their announcement. 

MARCH

In honor of Women's History Month  we announced that Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word was infusing $15,000 into women's skateboarding in 2020 because we still see that there is a need for more money to help these girls and women get where they need to go - even at the pro level. We chose to pledge funds and raise additional money to help USA National Team Women's Park skaters; Minna Stess, Arianna Carmona and Jordan Santana get to Olympic qualifiers, which take place all over the world.

 ** As the Olympics shift to 2021 that pledge is still intact for these girls to have our help financially as they continue their quest to compete at the Olympics.  

AU team rider Grace Cochrane was crowned  Queen of the Bowl at the West Hobart Bowl Jam in Tasmania and received some major praise from The Skateboarders Journal!

Minna Stess was featured on CBS showing how she trains at home to stay in peak condition for Olympic trials. 

APRIL

 

We covered the pandemic development of our beloved Venice Skatepark filled in with sand to keep skateboarders out while the mayors #StayAtHome orders were still in effect. The image was featured in a story we did for Los Angeles Magazine. Photo Ian Logan

MAY

 

Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word founder, Cindy Whitehead was featured in Los Angeles Magazine skateboarding with a mask on across a geometric street in Los Angeles, which was shot for a photo essay about empty spaces in LA due to Covid-19.

Pro team rider, Minna Stess, went head to head, competing virtually, against pro skater Andy Anderson during Braille Skateboarding's mini ramp challenge.   

Minna was also featured both in the Washington Post and Forbes Magazine about how she is still training at home and how she stays motivated as we head towards the (now 2021) Olympics. 

Team rider Zoe Herishen was featured in the opening credits of the new HBO show BETTY - dropping into a bowl and skating like a badass.

We had the opportunity to photograph and document for LOS ANGELENO Magazine what some Los Angeles skaters were doing while the skateparks were closed during this pandemic. Skaters were forced to take things back to DIY with ramps in their yards,  skating in closed parking garages, or even inside the house on hardwood floors. Team riders Briel Weingartner and Quinne Daniels were featured in this article. 

JUNE

 

We gathered on June 21, Go Skateboarding Day, to come together with other skateboarders in  downtown Los Angeles to show support for the BLM movement as well as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin and so many other Black lives that have been lost way too soon. 💔

A secret project for a comic book anthology, INSIDER ART, was released and featured a story written by Cindy Whitehead and illustrations by team rider Lola Glass - the female skater in the story was based on our team rider, Zoe Herishen. The book raised money for female and non-binary comic book shop owners during the pandemic. 

Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word was featured on an episode of L'ÉQUIPAGE.tv - "SKATE THE WORLD" - USA West Coast - where skateboarding was born. The show featured team riders  Quinne Dainels, Kala Baltasar, Kyra Williams, and Briel Weingartner. Host Mathieu Cyr learns what the Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word movement is really about and why it's so important for GN4LW founder Cindy Whitehead to encourage the next generation of skater girls. 

JULY

 

Tin Type photographer, Jenny Sampson, dropped her beautiful new book "Skater Girls" which features two of our team riders, Minna Stess and Briel Weingartner, as well as a forward by Cindy Whitehead.

AUGUST

Team rider, Elle Warne's new YouTube channel launches and she shows you how to set up a freshie, something every new skater should learn to do.

Team rider Minna Stess who is also on the USA National Skateboarding Team is featured in the video series "NO DAYS OFF" presented by Whistle Sports. A great look inside her day to day training and why she's so damn good!

Cindy Whitehead was featured on the Quell Party Podcast sharing stories of growing up as a pro skater in the mid '70s and where Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word is headed today.

SEPTEMBER

Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word founder, Cindy Whitehead, was featured in the new coffee table book, SKATE LIKE A GIRL, sharing her story about being a '70s pro skater to why starting up Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word was so important to her now. 

Team riders, Emma Houle, Amanda Caloia, Zoe Herishen, Kat Folsom, Minna Stess, Briel Weingartner Quinne Daniels, and Lola Glass were all invited to play and review the new Tony Hawk Pro Skater Game before it launched to the public.

Team rider Quinne Daniels kills it a new commercial for Target  - she skated that purple ramp like a boss! 

 OCTOBER

Our founder and pro skateboarder, Cindy Whitehead, has pieces of her '70s skate history on display in the new "GIRLHOOD (It's Complicated)" exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum and the prototype of the Dusters x Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word board is featured as well.

We acted as a support system and cheering squad for fellow skateboarder Molly-Anne as she tackled and completed her 800+ mile skate down the Eastern Seaboard - quite the feat! Team rider Zoe Herishen met her at the finish to congratulate her in person.

Rocker and activist, Joan Jett, featured the Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word logo in her call to get people out to VOTE! 

NOVEMBER

 

We formally welcomed soul skater, Elle Warne to the team - she's young, but old-school at heart, wanting to skate anything and everything she sees. We love that.

Minna Stess was featured in the new show "Pushing for Gold: Meet the USA National Women's Skateboard Team".

GN4LW founder, Cindy Whitehead, was asked to write the forward for the new pocket size book by Stoke Much, titled,  "Skate Bud",  which is an awesome book for every skater you know!

 DECEMBER

 

Pro team rider Minna Stess was featured in Sports Illustrated Kids Magazine in an athlete section called "The Grid". 

Quite a few of our younger team riders competed in Exposure Skate's "virtual competition" and did really well! Skating and creating a video submission takes more than badass skating. Big congrats to  team riders Briel Weingartner, and Elle Warne!

Amanda Caloia, our downhill team rider, was featured on the show "People are Awesome" and the show racked up  thousands of views immediately, as the public learned all about what it's like being a female downhill skater.

Our newest team rider, Elle Warne, was asked to help open the new KTR facility in Utah along with pro skater Jagger Eaton by doing a demo. Elle's photo now graces the entry way door at KTR, inspiring every skater girl who walks through it. 

We ended the year with a photo session at the now defunct Dolores Water Park, a three hour drive from Los Angeles - where Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word founder, Cindy Whitehead, got to skate all by herself for over 4 hours - social distancing at it's finest.

Happy New Year!!

 

Janthavy Norton ripping at Baldy ~ Photos Elise Crigar

May all your holiday wishes come true!

~ Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word

Unity Skateboarding, founded in 2016 by Jeffrey Cheung and his partner Gabriel Ramirez in Oakland, seeks to create a safe space and visibility for queer skateboarders within the hetero-masculine mainstream skateboarding culture. 

 Frameline Voices spotlights diverse LGBTQ+ storytellers, providing a platform to exhibit their work. For more info head to frameline.org/voices.

Guanabara Boards Longboard School is celebrating 10 years of theirskate longboard school and they created this amazing film, 'The Girls of Guanabara' with world renowned skateboard filmmaker, Brett Novak.  

This film features an all-female group of skateboarders and represents an important part of their purpose as a longboard school - to make skateboarding inclusive for all. We witness incredible longboard dancing maneuvers combined with a level of flow and style that few male or female skateboarders in the world can muster. 

Shot among the breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro, where their longboard school was born, the film immerses into the vibrancy of Brazilian carnival. This film is an ode to the liveliness and creativity that makes Rio de Janeiro one of the most unique places on the planet, and that they are all proud to call home.

 Starring: 

Ana Maria Suzano 

Sara Watanabe 

Teresa Madeline Beatriz Gavelak 

Directed by: 

Brett Novak

Meow made this super fun skate video and it's a great reminder to get out (especially during a pandemic) and create your own skate spots! Make sure you watch the behind the scenes video too - rad to see the spots being made - you may just learn a thing or two.

Vanessa Torres, Kristin Ebeling, Mariah Duran, Christiana Means, and Poe Pinson go on a quest to build and fix up as many spots as they can all at the direction of a helpful grandma that’s got all the DIY tools to make it happen.

Video: Shane Auckland

Made possible by Red Bull Skateboarding 

Julia Bruekler has an new awesome video out that teaches you FS Shove-its the easiest way possible. She's a great teacher, makes it easy to learn and we would also suggest subscribing to her YouTube Channel so when she launches more of these "how to" videos you can catch them and learn more tricks!

Get ready to watch THIS Sunday, and check out the preview above!!

Together with NBCSN and The Olympic Channel, the “USA Skateboarding Journey to Tokyo” documentary presented by Toyota will air on NBCSN on:

 Sunday, December 13 at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT.  

(The Olympic Channel will re-air the documentary (check local listing for date and time).

The film follows USA Skateboarding from the first National Team's announcement in March of 2019 through the present day.  Twenty-one months of training, travel, competitions, injuries, and uncertainty, all seen through the eyes of our Olympic hopefuls. Simultaneously, as the American athletes attempt to qualify for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the film showcases the complex journey of a culture-based sport as it makes its way to the Olympic stage.

“Watching our amazing team grind through qualification in the most unusual first Olympic Games experience any sport has ever seen has been a great reminder of the superpowers embodied in every skater by our culture,” said Josh Friedberg, CEO, USA Skateboarding. “Skateboarders possess an unrivaled ability to adapt and persevere, and it has served us well during the challenge that was 2020. We are incredibly thankful to Toyota for helping us tell this story as our National Team makes their way to the Olympic Games for the first time, and we hope you’ll take some time to join us on the Journey to Tokyo.” 

Produced in-house at USA Skateboarding, the documentary includes footage captured at 13 events in four countries during every stop of Olympic Skateboarding qualification. Profile features include current top-ranked women Bryce Wettstein (Park) and Mariah Duran (Street), along with Men’s World Champions Heimana Reynolds (Park) and Nyjah Huston (Street). The film documents the impact of the pandemic that canceled the entire 2020 Olympic Skateboarding qualification event schedule. It also explores skateboarding’s place in the protest of injustice and racism in the U.S. Coming from a culture centered on freedom of expression, skaters have been active and visible, showing up for social justice and equality. 

“We’ve been a proud supporter of USA Skateboarding since 2019, and it is especially exciting to work by their side as they gear up to compete on the Olympic stage for the first time in Tokyo next summer,” said Dedra DeLilli, group manager, Olympic and Paralympic Marketing, Toyota Motor North America. “Skateboarding is a dynamic, creative, and inclusive sport, and we hope that viewers enjoy this unique look at the National Team and the skateboarders in celebration of their abilities on and off the board.” 

We always say, "thank the women who came before you, because they paved the away". 

Surfing is no different than skateboarding with its past history of sexism, no or low prize money, and prioritizing girls in bikini contests over the women out there competing on the waves. Now the women of pro surfing back in the day are speaking out about how that felt and what they did to change the game.

We can't wait to see  "GIRLS CAN'T SURF"!

Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word Team rider, Elle Warne, was asked to be part of the amazing demo team for the opening of KTR's new facility in Salt Lake City, Utah this past weekend, where she skated and showed off her skills with pro skater Jagger Eaton.

Elle is also featured, larger than life, on the double doors as you walk into the new KTR facility - so keep your eye out for that, because it's pretty rad! 

Elle is helping pave the way for girls in Utah to be seen and heard in skateboarding and we love that!!

Way to go Elle!

Absolutely, Killing It!

The best video part from Alexis Sablone we have ever seen (and that is saying a lot, because she always brings it!) is here in the new Converse Cons' video "Seize the Seconds". 

Watch it on REPEAT!