Photo of Leticia for GQ by  Matheus Coutinho

 

While there may be a lot of talk about Nyjah's nude shot in the USA GQ "Body Issue" we think that Leticia gracing the cover of GQ Brazil is the absolute best!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Leticia Bufoni (@leticiabufoni)

Swipe through Leticia's Instagram post to see another awesome image of her from the issue!

In addition to the cover, Leticia has an article and more photos inside the just released magazine. 

Don't live in Brazil and want to check it out? Don't despair, you can read it HERE

"It All Starts With a Push"a new video from the Olympic Channel is worth a watch - featuring Tony Hawk and Nyjah Huston it's really well done. 

We just wish that at least one female skateboarder had been prominently featured. 

Keep pushing ladies!

The X-Games are BACK!

X Games 2021 Returns to Action Sports’ Roots with California Event July 14-18

• Skateboard, BMX and Moto X Disciplines and Event Locations Announced
• Sky Brown, Paul Rodriguez, Leticia Bufoni, Dennis Enarson and Jackson Strong Among Invited Athletes
• 15.5 Hours of Competition on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and the ESPN App
• All Competitions will Stream Live on @XGames Digital and Social Media Platforms
• Event Will be Closed to the Public with No Spectators in Attendance

ESPN X Games announced today that X Games 2021 will return to the roots of action sports – hosting BMX, Skateboard and Moto X competitions from three unique athlete training facilities around Southern California from July 14 – 18. Following the cancellation of the final host city year of X Games Minneapolis 2020 due to the pandemic, X Games 2021 will uniquely embrace the grassroots nature of summer action sports and bring world-class competition straight to the athletes’ facilities, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at these athlete playgrounds.

X Games 2021 will be the final competition before many Skateboard and BMX athletes head to Tokyo for their Olympic debuts. Some of the biggest names including Sky Brown, Leticia Bufoni and Poppy Olsen will look to win X Games gold before heading to Tokyo.  

 For the full list of invited athletes, please visit XGames.com. 

“I’m very excited to be hosting X Games at my house this year! It will allow me to share my ramps and dirt jumps with other amazing athletes and bring back BMX for our first major contest since COVID-19,” said two-time X Games BMX medalist Pat Casey. “I’m extremely humbled and thankful for this opportunity that ESPN and Monster Energy has given me, and can’t wait for the event!”

Seven-time X Games Moto X medalist Axell Hodges added: “Hosting X Games at my Slayground is a huge opportunity for the entire sport. From day one, Slayground was all about pushing the progression of freestyle motocross. I know everyone is ready to come back after an entire year without contests ready to send it and we’ll push the progression to the next level. Thanks to ESPN, Monster Energy and all my sponsors for making this happen. Let’s go!”

“We are thrilled to produce an X Games this summer and once again showcase the premier athletes in the world across the ESPN and ABC networks,” said Tim Reed, vice president, programming and acquisitions. “This year will be different – we’re excited about the unique opportunity to partner with our athletes to showcase some incredible facilities.  We have no doubt that the Dreamyard, Slayground and CATF will put us in a great position to create memorable moments.”

X Games 2021 Venues

 

“Dreamyard”

What began in 2013 as a basic backyard ramp when X Games BMX medalist Pat Casey purchased his first house at 18 years old has now become a private, full-scale technical dirt and park course. At nearly 10,000 square feet, Casey’s “Dreamyard” has been the stage for four epic video parts. BMX Park, Dave Mirra’s Park Best Trick and BMX Dirt competitions will take place at Dreamyard.

“Slayground”

Growing up just outside the surf and skate mecca of Encinitas, California, X Games Moto X medalist Axell Hodges’ “Slayground” originated at his childhood home. Though the property has always included a racetrack, Hodges’ Slayground is now a full compound complete with steep turns, quarterpipes, kicker ramps, wallrides, manual pads and massive dirt jumps. The third and latest installment of Hodges’ Slayground video part series was filmed entirely at the compound. Slayground will play host to Moto X Best Trick, Best Whip, Freestyle, QuarterPipe High Air and a new 110s racing discipline.

CATF

The CA Training Facility is the first and only high-performance training center developed for skateboarding. CATF features both a full-sized concrete Street and Park courses created by the designers of X Games Street and Park courses. The CATF will be home to the BMX Street and Skateboard Street, Park, Vert, Vert Best Trick and Street Best Trick competitions. 

Virtual X Fest

New to the summer event will be a virtual experience, bringing the excitement of X Games to fans at home. The virtual X Fest experience is back and moving to the beach. The immersive, interactive environment that brings the fun and excitement of being at the X Games into homes of fans around the globe launches July 14. Fans will have the opportunity to customize their own avatar, explore the boardwalk filled with virtual experiences, watch live X Games competitions, and best of all win valuable prizes. Experiences inside the virtual X Fest will include a custom X Games shop, interactive skate and BMX course, and an all-new ‘Story Mode’ where fans will have a chance to complete a mission to get the X Games medals to the stage on time! Go to XGames.com/XFest to pre-register and enter for the chance to win an X Games skate deck signed by X Games athletes.

Real Series

Following the blowout success of Real Mountain Bike, Real BMX and Real Street return to the Real Series lineup for 2021. On July 5, eight skateboard and six BMX athletes drop never-before-seen video parts on XGames.com, which will air during the X Games 2021 telecasts on ABC. The Real BMX athletes are: Chad Kerley, Julian Molina, Broc Raiford, Jake Seeley, Courage Adams and Felix Prangenberg. The Real Street athletes are: Axel Cruysberghs, Ducky Kovacs, Matt Berger, Frankie Spears, Milton Martinez, Chris Colbourn, Alexis Ramirez and Jake Anderson.

X Games 2021 Sport Disciplines

SKATEBOARD	BMX	MOTO X
Park (M & W)	Dirt	Best Trick
Street (M & W)	Dirt Best Trick	Best Whip
Street Best Trick	Park	Freestyle
Vert	Dave Mirra’s Park Best Trick	QuarterPipe High Air
Vert Best Trick	Street	110s

More than 15 hours of the best X Games 2021 competitions will air July 14 – 18 on ESPN, ABC and ESPN2, as well as the ESPN App. All competitions will stream live on @XGames digital and social media platforms, in addition to behind-the-scenes, athlete-curated and complementary content. X Games content will also be presented across the globe through international syndication partners.  

** Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, X Games 2021 will be closed to the public and produced with comprehensive COVID-19 risk mitigation protocols in place for participants and staff.

"My hope is that girls of many backgrounds see their potential in whatever or wherever their interests lie.  I want little girls of all shapes, colors and sizes to feel confident in pursuing their dreams.  Whether it be ripping it up with boys, quietly being creative or outlandishly aggressive.  Girls need to know it's ALL okay! "

~ Author, Julie Goforth

OG skateboarder and elementary school teacher Julie Goforth fulfilled a long time dream during the pandemic by writing a children's book, something she had always wanted to do. Working with her  pal and illustrator (and surfer/skater!), Kristi Sanders. the book is aptly titled, "Girls Just Rip". The story is positive and motivating, the illustrations are beautiful and many of the inspiring characters are loosely based on people Julie skates with weekly. How rad is that?

This is a young girls empowerment book. (Includes some boys too!) Full of strong young girls of many backgrounds and cultures doing the wonderful things girls are capable of doing. From engaging in dare devil extreme sports to simply spending time in the park writing. And to the artistic and creative ventures that ALL girls can participate in and everything in between. This is a book that rhymes and has a reading pattern that is helpful when learning how to read. The phonemic awareness in this story is key for beginning readers. Young readers will find themselves admiring the wonderful art and paintings. Chanting out and chorally reading the words that rhyme as they explore their own talents and strengths from within. ~ Author, Julie Goforth

 We decided an interview with these two amazing ladies was in order.

GN4LW:  What made you two decide to put together a super fun and motivating children's book?

Julie:  Writing a children's read aloud has always been one of those bucket list things for me.  As an elementary school teacher for several years my favorite part of the school day has always been storytelling or read alouds, especially the ones that engage the class.  During the pandemic shut down I spent a lot of time playing guitar.  Originally I thought I was just writing some silly little girl power song, but quickly realized it would make a much better kid's story.  It was a perfect time to do something fun and creative.  Not to mention extremely relevant at this time.

Kristi Sanders ripping on a ramp ~ Photo Tim Hardy

Kristi: I enjoy all three; skate, surf and design.  The day I stepped foot on a skateboard in the late 90’s I never stopped. Until recently (I’m currently recovering from a broken leg), I was rolling several times a week. In some respects skating has been a North Star for me. Some of my closest friendships were founded from a shared love of skating and this shared love of skating has afforded some incredible travel opportunities and life experiences including the unique experience of volunteering with the organization SkatePAL in Palestine. Of course I don’t have to tell YOU how skating leaves an imprint on life.  

While surfing hasn’t been my North Star the way skating has been, it isn’t any less enjoyable. I started surfing when I moved to Dana Point in 2008. Doheny State Beach is only two blocks from my house, and it felt like an incredible waste of an opportunity (and proximity) not to give surfing a try. Surfing proved to be the perfect Yin to the skate Yang. I loved it!

As for design, its newer to me. I’ve always painted, but illustration is something I’m learning more about and really excited to experiment with. When Julie asked if I would be interested in illustrating the book, I was not only honored, but was excited to play with illustration.  

 

 

Julie Goforth ~ ripping a backyard pool

 

GN4LW: Julie, you are an avid skater - how did that figure into the characters you developed - are some based on skate friends?

Julie: Girls/women skaters are so brave, creative, strong and supportive of one another.  I have met so many amazing skaters, young and old who  definitely influenced my vision for almost each piece of art created by Kristi.  I really wanted to include all kinds of girls, not just the "Rippers" but a representation of many girls with many interests.

GN4LW: Kristi, You already had a background in surf and skate - did that make it easier to interpret Julie's vision? 

Kristi: Yes, I think the background in surf and skate among other (sub) cultural interests like music and art helped in interpreting Julie’s vision. 

 

GN4LW: Julie, what is the message you'd like girls to get from this book?

Julie:  My hope is that girls of many backgrounds see their potential in whatever or wherever their interests lie.  I want little girls of all shapes, colors and sizes to feel confident in pursuing their dreams.  Whether it be ripping it up with boys, quietly being creative or outlandishly aggressive.  Girls need to know it's ALL okay!

 

 

 

GN4LW: Kristi, The colors and designs are amazing and jump off the page -was there a lot of discussion with Julie)beforehand about that or do you get the story line and just go for it?

 

Kristi: Thank you Cindy for the compliment on the colors and design! Julie had some great visual ideas in mind for some of the storyline and I had a blast creating what she envisioned for those pages.  On the other hand she trusted me with creating most of the illustrations from her storyline, which is what made this project so enjoyable. Thank you, Julie! Her inspiring words and story prompted so many colorful visuals.

 

Author Julie Goforth with her new children's' book

 

 

GN4LW: Julie, can you talk about your background as a skateboarder and also a teacher?

Julie:  I started skating on my knee when I was about 3 or 4.  I had a Black Knight with clay wheels.  Put it up for a while and I started surfing.  Eventually skateboarding came back on the scene and was an extension of  surfing.  I grew up in Naples, Long Beach, Ca and carved down bridges, hit the bank on Bayshore and spent many hours working on 360's, hippie jumps, nose wheelies etc... out in front of the house.  I started teaching when I was 22.  I have spent most of my time with the primary grade levels as well as working with spec. ed. students.  And yes, I often run into students or ex-students at the skatepark!!  

GN4LW: Kristi, I understand that the  artwork is all paintings rather than doing page illustrations - how did you decide on working in that medium?

Kristi: I adore painting. It brings me a sort of peace and has become a daily ritual practice similar to meditation.  Since I’m new to illustration and more seasoned in painting, I felt confident that painting the pages would produce the most vivid colors for the book.  

 

 

 

GN4LW: Kristi, will those pieces of artwork be for sale at some point? 

Kristi: Yes Cindy, all the paintings created for the book will be released for purchase on my website (kristisanders.com) once "Girls Just Rip” has been published.

 

 

 GN4LW:  Julie, how did you meet and decide to work with your illustrator, Kristi Sanders?

Julie: I met Kristi through a mutual ripper friend, Amy Bradshaw.  We had skated and chatted it up a few different times.  I knew she painted and I asked if she would be interested in doing this project.  She liked the topic and idea and said she would be willing to give it a shot.  She showed me a sample and it was beautiful and exactly what I was wanting in terms of color and action.  After 28 years of reading to kids, I know what kind of pictures, or illustrations that the kids are mesmerized by.  The books with pictures that the kids say "wait,wait!! Go back, what was that? I didn't see......When I saw her sample it brought tears to my eyes.  One of those "meant to be" moments.  I knew this was going to have to happen!!

 

 

 

GN4LW: How did you decide on the (rad!) title for the book?

Julie:  The title came from what I thought was the chorus to a song.  The title is sort of like an answer to the question Why? .....Why? Because......Girls Just Rip!!  Duh!! haha

GN4LW: Kristi, What was your favorite part of this collaboration?

Kristi: My favorite part was working with Julie, a like-minded creative who allowed complete artistic freedom with her inspiring book of encouragement to young Girls. Also, our creative meet-ups were at skateparks. How great is it to discuss  "Girls Just Rip”  creative concepts between skate-runs through the park?? 

 

Quinne Daniels with the new book ~ Photo Julie Daniels

 

GN4LW: Kristi, what do you hope girls get out of reading this book?

 

Julie: I really think any age will enjoy the rhyme scheme and all but I would say ages 4-7 is a good age.  Rhyming is a foundational reading skill.  Repetition and rhyme are great ways of engaging kids in reading.  They know what makes sense, they begin to hear the rhyme and use pictures for context clues and join in on the reading.  This is also where they can learn expression and intonation while reading.  Fun read alouds are great ways to supplement learning to read!!  As a teacher this was important to me.  Not only is the book inspirational but a tool for learning to read.

Kristi: Girls Just Rip is an empowering book, not only from the point that Girls can do anything, but because the book is about being you’re authentic self. That is the empowerment. Every page of Girls Just Rip showcases talents and interests of various girls. To me, one of the most powerful phrases in the book is; There are Girls of all kinds…Not just one...but of many kinds…of Girls who all SHINE. There are two messages here. Girls can do anything and it starts with having self assurance that they can. The “shine” comes from trusting in your unique self and your endless potential.  The second message is about appreciating the talents and uniqueness  of others.  I think the message of Girls Just Rip applies to girls and boys, children and adults alike. 

 

GN4LW:  Any thoughts on making this a series of children's books?
 

Julie:  I am thinking about a series.  I would love to do one that focuses on Boys doing whatever they want, such as fashion design, make up, hair, etc...amongst other rad things boys can do!

 

GN4LW: Last thoughts?

 

Kristi: I just wanted to add that working with Julie on this book has been a delightful experience. Our mutual friend Amy (a skate legend) introduced Julie and I  at one of our group skate sessions. Julie’s empowering words in Girls Just Rip inspired the visuals that made this project easy and fun.

 

 Julie:  I feel blessed and grateful to be given this opportunity at such a hard and trying time for most Americans.  I just wanted to do something positive!!

 

 

 

GN4LW:  When and where can people find GIRLS JUST RIP?

"Girls Just Rip" is  available now through Amazon  (paperback is $12.95 and Kindle version is $4.61)

We are all about shining a light on girls skateboarding all over the world and are thrilled that an article that Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word founder, Cindy Whitehead, wrote for Vogue India is now on their site! 

Skateboarding in India is empowering women in so many ways - read the article HERE to see just how important skateboarding is to these girls!

Image via Penguin Books  ~ Illustration by Ashley Lukashevsky

 

"Your authenticity is your superpower." 

~ Leo Baker

 We ordered Leo's new book before it was even released and we're thrilled to be able to read it immediately when it arrived. Leo's clarity and honesty in discussing what it has really been like navigating sponsorships as well as people's perceptions in skateboarding is refreshingly candid. We can't recommend it highly enough!

Via Penguin/ Random House Books:

In this moving, personal story, professional skateboarder Leo Baker shares their journey within the sport and the importance of authenticity and allyship as a non-binary athlete.

"Your authenticity is your superpower." That's the motto that professional skateboarder Leo Baker lives by and champions. But like any hero's journey, learning about their power didn't come easy. In this installment of the Pocket Change Collective, Baker takes the reader on a complicated, powerful journey through the world of skate and competitive sport as a non-binary athlete.

Pocket Change Collective is a series of small books with big ideas from today's leading activists and artists.

You can order Leo's book or audio book, SKATE FOR YOUR LIFE via any of the links below

Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KVR…dohouseinc7911-20

Barnes & Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/?ean=9780593223505

Books A Million: www.tkqlhce.com/click-8373827-107…m/p/9780593223505

Bookshop.org: bookshop.org/a/2186/97805932234…prhc=PRHD39095A662

Hudson Booksellers: www.hudsonbooksellers.com/book/9780593…780593223475

IndieBound: www.indiebound.org/book/9780593223…f=penguinrandom

Powell's: www.powells.com/book/-97805932234…62--9780593223475

Target: goto.target.com/c/128773/81938/20…m%3D9780593223475

Walmart: goto.walmart.com/c/128773/565706/…%3D9780593223475

Apple Books: books.apple.com/us/book/id1534972…62--9780593223505

Google Play Store - Audiobook (Downloadable format): google.prf.hn/click/camref:1011l…0593411407&c=books

Kobo - Audiobook (Downloadable format): click.linksynergy.com/link?id=VD9*lk…D9780593411407

audiobooks.com - Audiobook (Downloadable format): www.anrdoezrs.net/click-8373827-11…ok/9780593411407

Vans Skater Lizzie Armanto Designing her Vans Skate Customs shoes

  

Vans will donate up to US$200K to Tides Foundation in support of Skateistan to help youth around the world experience the power of skateboarding 

 Vans.com/skateistan

COSTA MESA, CALIF. (June 21, 2021) In celebration of Go Skateboarding Day, Vans, the global leader in skateboarding for over 50 years, proudly announces a new partnership with Skateistan, the award-winning international non-profit organization which empowers youth through skateboarding and education in Afghanistan, Cambodia, South Africa and supports other social skate projects around the world.

With this campaign, Vans reminds fans that skateboarding would not be where it is today without the strength of community. In a new video campaign titled “Where It Starts”, Vans and Skateistan zero in on what makes skateboarding so special—the streets, skateparks, backyard pools and communities that built skateboarding from the ground up. Fans will hear from skateboarding’s most talented stars including skateboarding legend, Vans athlete, and Skateistan board member, Tony Hawk, Vans skaters Lizzie Armanto and Pedro Barros, and Skateistan ambassador Yann Horowitz.

“As skateboarding prepares to see its largest media attention in history, the focus will mainly be on competition – but Vans and Skateistan want to raise awareness on the importance of supporting skateboarding’s development at the community level,” said Vans Global Sr. Director of Action Sports, Bobby Gascon. “Unlike traditional sports where athletes are aided with scholarships and various government programs, skateboarding requires support at ground zero – within its communities. We are excited to continue being that foundation for skaters all around the world and advocating Skateistan’s mission to do so as well.”

Skateistan dedicates resources to groups often excluded from sports and educational opportunities, especially girls, children living with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds. With support from their global network, The Goodpush Alliance, the non-profit supports growth and development of the skateboard community all over the world, celebrating the unique culture of skateboarders and their creative self-expression.

 

Now through September, Vans will donate $10 USD from every pair of Vans Custom Skate Classics purchased from Vans on Vans.com/customs from June 21 to August 30  – up to US$200k – to Tides Foundation in support of Skateistan. Consumers will be able to create their own unique pair of Vans Skate Classics and in doing so, can give back to an incredibly worthy cause in honor of Go Skateboarding Day.

Huge thanks to Vans for the awesome package - we can't wait to make our custom Vans!

Vans fans can visit Vans.com/skateistan to watch the new video spots of the “Where It Starts” campaign beginning July 6. Fans can now create their own Custom Skate Classics with select recipes from Vans ambassadors and athletes to donate directly to Skateistan’s programming. Share your custom designs and where skateboarding started for you by tagging @vansskate on social media today!

Photo Deon Hinton for Vogue

 

Nice to see Briana King featured on Vogue.com!  We've always loved her style, on and off the board so being a muse fro Dior fits her perfectly!

Read the article HERE to see what else this talented young woman has been up to!

Jordyn Barratt and Nyjah Huston

 

First-Ever Olympic Skateboarding Team Announcement 

Presented by Toyota Celebrates 12 Skaters Named to Represent the United States

 

Alexis Sablone, Brighton Zeuner

Bryce Wettstein, Brighton Zeuner

 

We were so excited to be present today when USA Skateboarding made history on Go Skateboarding Day by announcing the Olympic Skateboarding Team for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020! 

Watching the 12 member team cruise into the press conference in downtown Los Angeles on their skateboards was a perfect way to kick things off - especially on Go Skateboarding Day.

Twelve-member Olympic Skateboard Team includes: Cory Juneau (Park), Zion Wright (Park), Nyjah Huston (Street), Mariah Duran (Street), Jake Ilardi (Street), Brighton  Zeuner (Park), Jagger Eaton (Street), Alexis Sablone (Street), Heimana Reynolds (Park), Alana Smith (Street),  Bryce Wettstein (Park), Jordyn Barrat (Park)

Together with Toyota and sponsors Nike SB, Tech Deck, Jessup Griptape and ProTec Helmets, USA Skateboarding—the U.S. governing body for skateboarding—announced the 12 members who will represent Team USA for the inaugural Olympic Skateboarding team. This historic event was announced today in downtown Los Angeles, California - home to many on the Olympic team and the birthplace of skateboarding. 

“I’m honored to introduce the first-ever American Olympic Skateboarding team today on Go Skateboarding Day,” said Josh Friedberg, CEO USA Skateboarding. “Skateboarders know what makes our culture special, and we couldn’t ask for a better group of talented athletes to share that with the world during skateboarding’s Olympic debut this summer in Tokyo.”

Brighton Zeuner, Jordyn Barratt

Dedra DeLilli, group manager, sponsorship, integration, & auto shows, Toyota Motor North America said: “In what is truly a historic moment for the Olympic Games, we are excited to support the naming of the first-ever U.S. Olympic Skateboarding team. Congratulations to all of the athletes, including Team Toyota’s Jordyn Barratt, who have been named to the inaugural Olympic Skateboarding team as they go for the gold. It’s an honor for Toyota to be a partner of USA Skateboarding on the sport’s road to Tokyo ahead of its Olympic debut.”

 

 

Mariah Duran, Brighton Zeuner, Bryce Wettstein, Jordyn Barratt

Alana Smith, Mariah Duran, Alexis Sablone, Bryce Wettstein, Brighton Zeuner

 

The female skaters named to the 2020 Olympic Team include:

 

Brighton Zeuner, Bryce Wettstein, Jordyn Barratt

 

Women’s Park

Brighton Zeuner (Encinitas, CA)

Brighton Zeuner was put on this Earth to ride a skateboard. She started at age four, was competing by eight, and in 2016, at twelve, she was crowned the inaugural Vans Park Series World Champion. Add in back-to-back X Games Gold medals in 2017 and 2018, and consistent top-five finishes through 2019, and what you get is a young skater with a one-way ticket to greatness.

Bryce Wettstein (Encinitas, CA)

Bryce Wettstein describes herself as a skateboarder and high school student. She was also the 2019 USA Skateboarding Women's Park National Champion. That was the first year the Park National Championships were held, and Bryce has been a member of the National Team ever since. In 2021, she will also represent the USA at the Tokyo Olympics. Bryce credits skateboarding for bringing out the best in herself. She’s also a great skater, as evidenced by her results, and with a backyard array of ramps and several world-class skateparks all around her, she’s sure to keep progressing. With so much traveling for skateboarding, it’s been tough for Bryce to keep up with school, but she still has ambitions to balance her skating career with her education. 

Jordyn Barratt  (Haleiwa, HI)

Born and raised in Haleiwa, Hawaii, and a Team Toyota athlete, Jordyn Barratt is a trailblazer in action sports. She competed in the 2016 US Open of Surfing, making her the first female to compete as a pro in both US Open skate and surf events in the same year. Jordyn was also the first female to qualify for the Dew Tour Park Am contest, skating alongside the men. That same year, she turned pro after winning a Bronze medal in her debut X Games. Jordyn was an inaugural member of the USA Skateboarding Women’s Park National Team in 2019, and has earned her place every year since. Her stylish and powerful skating has taken her far, but as a member of Team USA and focused on the Tokyo Olympics, the ambitious girl from Haleiwa is just getting started.

Alexis Sablone, Mariah Duran, Alana Smith

Women’s Street  

Alana Smith   (Mesa, AZ)

Ever since Alana Smith stormed onto the X Games scene in 2013 with a Women’s Park Silver medal in Barcelona, it’s been clear that she’s a force to be reckoned with. Alana is among a select group of skateboarders who push limits and boundaries, regardless of the terrain. Her transition skills are very impressive, and at times can even threaten to overshadow her considerable street prowess. Alana was the first female to do a backflip on a skateboard, and in 2015 Alana took first at Vert Attack in Sweden, as well as both Vans Girls Combi Pool Classic events that year. Switching athletic gears, she also landed on the podium that year in Chicago at Street League, taking home the third-place trophy.

Alexis Sablone  (Old Saybrook, CT)

Alexis Sablone is amongst the most respected female street skateboarders in the world. Since capturing the attention of the skateboard world back in 2002, as the only girl to have a part in the ever-memorable PJ Ladd’s Wonderful Horrible Life video, she went on to claim three X Games Gold, two Silver, and two Bronze medals, and is currently the only pro female on several all-male teams, including Converse and Alltimers Skateboards. Not only is Alexis a fierce competitor, but a true street skateboarder, through and through. Alongside her skateboarding career, Alexis has managed to balance her other occupations as an artist and architect, as well—something fairly uncommon amongst her skateboarding peers. She holds an undergraduate degree from Barnard College, Columbia University, as well as a Masters in Architecture from the prestigious MIT. With that kind of drive, you can bet we’ll be hearing a lot more from Alexis.

Mariah Duran  (Albuquerque, NM)

Mariah is one of the most technical and talented skaters today, taking on big stair sets and rails with finesse and ease. She’s been a member of the USA Skateboarding Women’s Street National Team since it started in 2019, is the reigning National Champion for women’s street, and is one of the top women skaters heading into skateboarding’s inaugural debut at the Tokyo Olympic Games. 2016 was a breakout year for Mariah, clinching the Silver medal at X Games and releasing two full video parts before turning pro for Meow Skateboards. She won her first SLS podium spot at the Super Crown World Championship in 2017. It’s easy to see why Duran then became a back-to-back X Games Gold medalist in 2018.

All Photos ~  Ian Logan for Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word

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This one will be a great one to be at for sure - lots of female, queer and non-binary skaters - great spot to make some new skate friends! Plus Briana is super welcoming!!

We don't know all that much about this get together and while we are not religious in the traditional sense, our friends at Skate Bud and Stoke Much Magazine will be there so it's bound to be a good time!

Wherever you end up skating on Go Skateboarding Day - have a great time!!

Amelia will be heading off to Tokyo in July to compete in the Olympics for Team Poland, in the meantime check out this sick video of Amelia from her sponsor, Arbor Skateboards!

Drawing energy from the Slavic Boogeyman, Baba Yaga, Amelia Brodka releases a new video part along with a well-deserved pro deck. Arbor builds on her legacy of radiant positivity, community leadership, and raw passion for skateboarding. Her shape blends modern street and classic pool shapes, while the graphic draws on her Polish roots with an homage to the legend of Baba Yaga. 

Amelia's skateboarding journey started with the simple act of rolling down the driveway with her brother. Now she is getting ready to head to Tokyo, Japan, to represent Poland as skateboarding makes its Olympic debut. Her passion and leadership continues off the board, as she co-founded the non-profit, Exposure Skate, to empower women through skateboarding. 

Video: Brent Hyden | Edit: Nate Shute

 Additional Filming: Nate Shute, Alec Beck, Alim Khan, Ross Druckrey 

 Music: Justice “Waters of Nazareth” 

Written by Gaspard Michel Andre Auge and Xavier De Rosnay ) 

Headbangers Publishing / Because Editions By arrangement with Concord

 

Come celebrate Pride + Juneteenth with an awesome skate celebration brought to you by Quell Skateboarding, Pansy and TheySkate. 

As per the flyer, this event is specifically for people who are Black, POC, and of marginalized genders + sexualities. 

Please bring clothing and skate donations.

There will be lessons from 1-2 PM and all levels are welcome!!

Saturday June 19th 

At Golconda Playground /  Fat Kid 

Downtown Brooklyn, NY

1-5 PM

Jordyn is on The Olympic Channel this week - RAD!

Growing up in Hawaii, it’s not surprising that Jordyn was a surfer long before she stepped on a skateboard. But her life changed when she entered a skatepark for the first time. She finally felt at home and was able to express herself through her movements on the board. 

Now that skateboarding is an Olympic sport, she’s ready to represent her community on the biggest stage of all.

 Images via Vogue Australia ~ Shot by Jesse Lizotte

In anticipation of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics (yes, she made the AU team!) Women's Park skater, Poppy Starr Olsen has been extremely busy! 

From practice sessions back in AU and in California, to flying out to Des Moines to compete in the Olympic Qualifiers at The Dew Tour (the AU team didn't get to compete unfortunately, as several team members contracted COVID - Poppy did NOT!), to her, years-in-the-making, documentary TALL POPPY being released in AU theaters this month (June 27th), to landing a 10 page spread in Vogue AU on her 21st birthday - whew!

Poppy also just announced that she joined the Worble Skate Crew - big congrats!!

How she found time to film and edit a new episode of Dear Diary with girlfriend, Una Farrar can only mean that the girl does not sleep!

 Dear Diary is raw and candid - like watching home movies of you and your friends skating - only these girls rip! 

Poppy's work ethic has always been second to none and she leaves no down time wasted. At age 13 Poppy was doing amazing illustrations and making jewelry to help fund her travels to the USA to compete, now her projects keep her soaring even higher.

Watch for Poppy competing at the Tokyo Olympics this July!

 If you want to smile, watch Manramp "Return of the Ramp" Episode 1. Mainly guys skating but small parts by Alana Smith and Fabiana Delfino as well. 

The entire video is awesome and so funny - a must see!

We don't normally post about girls in BMX too much, because the awesome Women's site "The Bloom BMX" has that covered, but our friend Angie Marino's video just dropped for her new shoe with Vans and it's a MUST see! 

 And BTW, her new shoe is super cute!

Vans BMX Presents Angie Marino’s Enjoy The Ride, to serve as an inspiration for BMXers everywhere with it powerful message: Ride because you love it, no matter who you are. 

Getting creative while parks were closed due to COVID, Angie took to the street to explore a different side of BMX, strengthening her skillset as a more well-rounded rider and further establishing herself as a BMX powerhouse. The part is meant to inspire others, and particularly up and coming BMXers, to get out in the streets and push their own riding. 

To see more of Angie’s Vans collection, visit https://Vans.com/BMX 

Angie's new shoe with Vans

Video By: Richard “Veesh” Krumm 

Additional filming: Cody Long 

Photography: Jeff Zielinski 

Music Credits: “Sun Down” by Veesh

Roxy is redefining the word "CUTE" and we love it! The new video features Roxy athletes, Chloe Kim, Torah Bright, Stephanie Gilmore, Lisa Anderson, and more.

You’ve called us cute. And sure, that’s fair. We are cute. Cute is sweet, kind, shy. But also, strong, brave...gnarly. Our idea of cute is a little upside down. Cute is saying, “I can do this… I got this.” Cute is just going for it. And, it’s ok if you fall. Cute is winning a world title. Actually, scratch that. SEVEN world titles. Cute is more than one thing, because we are more than one thing… Here’s to the next chapter of CUTE. 

 #RedefineCUTE

 

This is the official list from WORLD SKATE of the ladies who will be competing at the Olympics in Women's Park and Street!

Dates to know - skateboarding - for Tokyo Olympics:

July 23 - Opening ceremonies: July 23, 6:55 a.m. ET

July 25 - Day 2     skateboarding makes Olympics debut

We can't wait to watch!!

Image provided by Netflix

Netflix's New Film Skater Girl is truly a visually stunning movie, and while it may take place in rural India, it serves to reminds us that skateboarding is the same "language" all over the world. 

We are so thrilled that we were able to screen the new Netflix movie, Skater Girl, before its release on June 11th! Read on for our take on the film.

SKATER GIRL director Manjari Makijany was able to do something quite rare in capturing the true essence of what every skater, no matter where they are in the world, feels when they get on a board. 

 To have the films lead, Prerna, (played by Rachel Saanchita Gupta) be a female skater who is quietly fighting a patriarchal structure, as well as India's caste system is just what we needed to see. We love the representation in the film of women coming together when the men with control and money, said "no" to the idea of building a skatepark. Jessica (played by Amy Maghera), who is in the village visiting from London, uses her resources and connections abroad (and the Queens donated land) to build a skatepark that rivals those in the USA. 

That the 14,500 square foot  Desert Dolphin Skatepark was left intact after filming, for the children in India to skate forever and ever, is just beyond!   

 

When Prerna skateboards, every emotion she goes through, is exactly what girls that skate anywhere experience - the fear, being different, falling, the excitement, learning new things, and most of all, the feeling of being free.

Image provided by Netflix

 

 Watch Skater Girl on Netflix starting June 11th!

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Here it is, the final results from today's Women's World Championship Street Finals from Rome!

 Japan and Brazil swept the podium - the Olympics will be interesting to say the least!

Congrats to all the ladies competing in Rome this past week!