Vans Skateboarding Presents Something Else Entirely With Latest Iteration of The Lizzie and New Apparel Collection Designed by Lizzie Armanto, for the skater who doesn’t fit any mold

Vans Skateboarding is proud to announce the latest collection with progressive and influential skater Lizzie Armanto. Designed in close partnership with Lizzie and leading with Vans Skateboarding’s The Lizzie silhouette, the Lizzie Armanto collection was made to represent something else entirely for a new generation of skateboarders.

 This season, Vans and Lizzie set out to build a collection that mixes her personal style with functional skate details for a combination of everyday footwear and apparel meant for everyone. The Lizzie, which represents Vans’ first signature skate shoe designed by a woman in 20 years, gets an update in a Quilted Grape Leaf colorway and materialization. The hero of the collection is supported by a head-to-toe line up of apparel and accessories, all boasting Vans’ VR3 designation: strict materials guidelines for products made with one or a combination of at least 30% regenerative, responsibly sourced renewable and recycled materials. Inspired by organic tree patterns and her journey toward living a more sustainable life, Lizzie and Vans created a collection utilizing a mix of organic and recycled elements while incorporating a woodgrain pattern throughout the styles, infusing the apparel and footwear with the uniqueness that defines Lizzie on and off the board.

 Created with inclusivity in mind, The Lizzie is built around improved fit and durability — the shoe features a new vulcanized construction, with a higher outsole cup and rounded edges for a stable, broken-in feel. The Lizzie’s standout features include:

  • New micro-waffle tread design and SickStick™ Rubber for maximum grip, flex grooves, and a waffle lug perimeter for durability

  • Universal fit featuring EcoCush™ foam, a 70% biobased PU foam (Fates) partially sourced from plants, to increase boardfeel

  • 100% organic cotton textiles for the quarter-panel, tongue, and lining material

  • Stretch tongue straps for added lockdown and tongue stabilization

  • Floating heel mustache pull for ease of entry

  • 3D molded DURACAP™ toe for durability in high-wear areas

The collection also includes the Armanto jumpsuit, an easy to wear, all-gender apparel option made with 98% organic cotton stretch twill sewn into a relaxed, everyday fit. After debuting a similar look on the world stage in Tokyo, Lizzie partnered with the Vans team to create a jumpsuit like the one that she wore during the event and was excited to include this iconic silhouette in her collection. The Armanto jumpsuit features a button front placket, adjustable waist, straight leg, and novelty tonal woodgrain embroidery at the front and back yoke and patch pockets. Alongside the jumpsuit, the apparel collection includes the Armanto Skate Tote made with 100% recycled PET and a 40% organic cotton Armanto Ticker Sock. The collection is rounded out with a short sleeve ringer tee, LS tee, skate hoodie, skate dress, and skate legging short.

 

A true embodiment of Vans’ DNA, Lizzie Armanto is an icon of originality and positivity. With her down-to-earth, fashion-forward, barrier-breaking approach, it’s no wonder Lizzie has become a role model to skateboarders around the world. Moving to Santa Monica at age 14, Lizzie quickly became a fixture at local skate park The Cove. While she spent every day refining her skateboarding skills, she never imagined it as a career for herself. It is perhaps this humble attitude along with her unrelenting drive that has paved the way for the iconic milestones she’s achieved today. From being the first female to complete Tony Hawk’s 360 Loop, to gracing the covers of TransWorld Skateboarding and Thrasher, and competing on the world stage in Tokyo, Lizzie is inspiring the next generation of skateboarders to be their most authentic selves.

 

The Lizzie in Quilted Grape Leaf and Lizzie Armanto Collection are available now at Vans Skateboarding retail locations and at Vans.com/Skateboarding.

2022 USA Skateboarding National Championships Results.

(left to right) Grace Marhoefer, Bruce Wettstein, Ruby Lilley ~ Photo via USA Skateboarding

This weekend was nerve wracking for so many people in skateboarding. It was the weekend of the semi- finals and finals for the 2022 USA National Skateboarding Championships, presented by Toyota, that took place at CATF in Vista, CA. This event determines who will now be on the 2023 USA National Skateboarding Team. (This does NOT determine who will compete in Paris in 2024)


There was a huge new crop of female skaters trying out for the Women’s Street Division and an even larger group trying out for the Women’s Park Team. It was nice to see Jordyn Barratt, Minna Stess, Jordan Santana, Bryce Wettstein and Arianna Carmona still in the mix and competing at high levels. Twelve year old GN4LW team rider, Katelyn West, made the finals and was simply stoked to be skating with women she has looked up to since she started skating.


Rumor has it that the top TWO in each discipline will make the USA National Team and the other TWO spots (there are 4 spots total in each discipline) will be filled by the discretion of USA Skateboarding. We are eagerly waiting for the official announcement. We are also hoping they will share the criteria of how the selections are made for the 2 other spots. Points from previous year? Potential gauged at event? Or?

Stay Tuned!!!

Congrats to all the skaters this weekend!

(left to right) Christine Cottam, Paige Heyn, Secret Lynn - Photo via USA Skateboarding

Women’s Street Podium

  1. Paige Heyn

  2. Secret Lynn

  3. Christine Cottam

Women’s Park Podium

  1. Bryce Wettstein

  2. Ruby Lilley

  3. Grace Marhoefer

You Need to be at Bigfoot Magazine's DIY Series of Events!

Bigfoot Magazine’s Try DIY Event Series - Team Rider Katelyn West featured ~ Photo Ian Logan

This is so BRILLIANT! Bigfoot Magazine is doing exactly what we wish we’d see non-traditional skaters do more of - get out of the man-made (perfect) skateparks and skate DIY! Back in the day, we skated ditches, full pipes, abandoned pools and more - this is where you really learn to “figure it out”. Which makes you a better skater overall.

Migz - the brainchild behind Bigfoot Magazine has started a series of events with skate session meet-ups at super cool DIY spots. One of our favorites spots that just re-opened is San Pedro’s Channel Street - which just happens to be the second one on the “Try DIY” list.

To get more info on all the events Bigfoot Magazine has planned head on over to their site HERE

Our New GN4LW x S1 Collab Helmet Has Dropped - Just in Time For Holiday Shopping!

Klara in the new S1 x GN4LW Collab Helmet ~ Photo Ian Logan

Klara with a Smith Grind in the S1 x GN4LW Collab Helmet ~ Photo Ian Logan

Briel and Evette in the new GN4LW x S1 Collab Helmet ~ Photo Ian Logan

We can’t even begin to tell you just how excited we are about our newest collab helmet with S1 Helmets! From the beautiful watercolor purple and pink graphic to the baby blue straps and GN4LW logo - it’s all perfection!

Not too mention the safety rating - The S1 x GN4LW Lifer Helmet is fully certified to help protect against multiple low impacts and single high impacts. The helmet has specially formulated EPS Fusion Foam, it’s Certified for Multi-Impact (ASTM) as well as Certified High Impact (CPSC) and it’s 5x More Protective than Regular Skate Helmets on the market!

We are proud to be partners with S1 on our helmets for all these reasons and more.

Get one in time for the holiday’s HERE!

Klara showing off the baby blue GN4LW logo and straps on the new helmet ~ Photo Ian Logan

** This GN4LW x S1 Collab Helmet helmet gives proceeds back to the Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word Movement - a fiscally sponsored non-profit.



Ricci Tres in a Beautiful New Nike SB "Be True" Video.

We are big fans of Ricci Tres, so when Nike SB offered to let us drop this cool video of Ricci promoting the new Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Be True, we were all in! Watch Ricci skate the streets of Los Angeles and hear what it’s like to Be True, every single day.

Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Be True


Via Nike SB - We see you always, in all ways. Celebrating Trans joy, the timeless skate shoe delivers a fresh look that honors living genuinely and authentically. The eye-catching design uses the artwork of trans man and artist Xavier Schipani to illustrate the euphoric feeling and joy of being free to express who you are. His figurative graphics bring trans athletes to the playing field, highlighting how sport has the ability to unify. And radiant colors showcase the power of pride. Take a closer look, the chain link graphic inside represents the bonds within the Trans community worldwide. Lace up and let yourself shine—we're listening.

 

2022 Venice Ladies & LGBTQ+ Jam - Photos

All Photos Chris Hooten

We are so honored to be a co-sponsor of this fantastic event!

The 6th annual Venice Ladies and LGBTQ+ Jam went off under beautiful sunny skies - we couldn’t have asked for a better day! The skaters were encouraging each other, and the crowd was cheering for each and every one of them! Skaters spanned from as young as four years old all the way up to our master’s division, where 50+ was the norm!

Scroll on for so much goodness from the day!

Mazel air over the channel

Mother and daughter duo - Julie and Quinne

The woman who makes all of this happen Heidi Lemmon, and SHOF Inductee Gale Webb

Anna with a nice BS air over the hip

Evette awarding Kateyln her 1st place medal

Katelyn with an invert - showing the style that earned her 1st place

Legendary Venice skater, Pauline Branom watching the action

Girls Play LA was in the house!!

A podium full of smiling faces and lots of swag!

DJ VRSA

Cheryl with a rock and roll on the hip in the snake run

Penny attacking the snake run

Julie winning a bag of swag and looking pretty stoked about it!

Quinne BS grind in the bowl

Our amazing announcer/MC Bart Saric

Maya handing out prizes to the competitors

Brooke, Penny and Nona competed in Pup Cup and took home tons of prizes!

Pauline flowing through the snake run

Nona has a little asist from dad during the pup cup

Tracie G - WCMX off the stairs!

The 25+ division ruled!! Such a great turn out!!

Nia thinking about her next run for pup-cup.

Mac Attac - total Venice style!

Mayziewith a stylish FS grind

Alex taking home the spoils

So many happy faces!

Sydney having a blast in the snake run

This about sums it up - what a GREAT day!!

We have to thank all the support this event was given this year, not only by our amazing sponsors but also Girls Play LA,  LA Parks and Rec, and the City of Los Angeles.

We say this every year, but it is so true... The best part of this event is seeing so many girls come out and skate, meet one another, and form friendships, and they now have a group of girls to continue skating with throughout the year. That's what keeps these girls progressing.

Huge thanks to the City of Los Angeles, LA Recreation and Parks, Venice Recreation Center, Venice Art Walls, DJ VRSA, Skate Park Association International, Heidi Lemmon, Lance Lemond, Kimi Kallman, Bart Saric our fabulous announcer, Lonnie Hiramoto, all the judges and volunteers, the photographers - Lauren Muller, Gale Webb, and Chris Hooten, who covered the event, as well as the numerous sponsors who sent so much product that the girls went home with a big bags of swag.

Hope to see everyone again next year!

Thanks to Chris Hooten for the use of all his images!

** Please check out our instagram for additional coverage of the event!

Semi-Finalists Announced For 2022 USA Skateboarding National Championship

The 2022 USA Skateboarding National Championships (presented by Toyota) semifinalists have been revealed. Watch today's video to get familiar with who's moving on to the next phase in Men's & Women's Park and Street disciplines.

The Semis will be held at CA Skateparks training facility on December 3, and the Finals will happen on the 4th. Visit USASkateboarding.com for more information!

Congrats to our team riders Minna Stess, Klara Kermoade, Katelyn West, and Maya Kenny for making the semi-finals!

The Yndiara Asp Story - Don't Miss This!

We love Yndiara Asp, so we couldn’t wait to watch this new video about her from Santa Cruz Skateboards.

Life comes at all of us differently. Some people use their situation as an excuse and others use it to fuel their fire. Yndiara grew up in Florianópolis, Brazil and still resides in the Magic Islands to this day. From growing up surfing the Magic Islands to skating the biggest contests in the world, Yndiara stays centered with her loving family and passion for skateboarding.

Produced by Joe Perrin & Trevar Cushing.

Edited by Eric Danescu

This Ad From UK Department Store, John Lewis, Gives Us All The Feels...

This advert from UK high-end department store, John Lewis, gives us all the feels. Watch it and be prepared to shed a tear (or three).

It’s the things we do that mean the most. 🛹

“This Christmas it’s about what we do that matters most. That’s why we used our advert this Christmas to highlight an issue close to hearts, so that together, we can be a force for positive change for a generation of young people growing up in care or who have experienced being in care. We want every young person to feel valued and seen and have the same opportunity for a happier Christmas and a happier future. Find out more about what we’re doing and how you can help too though our website”

Our Very First Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word Collab Deck Has Launched!

It took nine years of people asking us to do this, but it's finally here! 👏 Today we are proud to announce the launch of our FIRST Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word skate deck. 🛹

We found the perfect collab partner in Pom Pom Skateboards to create a deck that is not only high quality, a great size, and shape but also has sick colors and a mix of our original, well-loved graphics. 💗+☠️

Deck Specs:

Hot pink stain, teal graphic bottom

8.5" wide, 7 Ply Canadian Maple, 14 1/4 Wheelbase, 7" nose, 6 3/4" tail

** Each of these collab decks comes with stickers from GN4LW & POM POM **

This is a LIMITED-EDITION deck - so get yours while you can! 🏁

All proceeds go back to the Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word Movement - a fiscally sponsored non-profit. 🙏

Get out and SKATE! ✔️

Join Us At The Venice Ladies and LGBTQ Jam - November 19th!

The new stickers for the Venice Ladies and LGBTQ Jam! ~ Designed by Heidi Lemmon

This is one of our favorite events of the year! Not only because Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word is a co-host of the event, but because this is the day that non-traditional skaters take over Venice Skatepark for a fun day of skating and competing. From the youngest skaters in the “Pup Cup” to 25+ skaters, this event has something for everyone! We hand out medals and so many prizes from our awesome sponsors - it really is the best! In past years, we have seen over 100 non-traditional skaters show up and compete - skaters from all over the world to skate the legendary Venice Skatepark with us!

Save the Date, and we can’t wait to see you there!!

We also now have an early sign-up form link (this is a FREE event!) HERE

Exposure Skate - Day 2 - Vert Photos

Amelia Brodka / Co-Founder of Exposure Skate ~ Photo @ianloganphoto x @girlisnota4letterword

Day two of exposure was just as jam-packed and exciting as day one! We hung out at the vert ramp and watched practice unfold. From the smallest girls to the adult skaters - all were ripping and having fun.

Scroll down for more images - and if we didn’t have a name or get it correct please let us know via a DM on Instagram (we are only human)

Thanks so much to Exposure Skate for having us!

Enjoy!!

Arianna Carmona ~ Photo @ianloganphoto x @girlisnota4letterword

Joey Yarbrough ~ Photo @ianloganphoto x @girlisnota4letterword

Klara Kermoade ~ Photo @ianloganphoto x @girlisnota4letterword

We've Been Waiting For Reese Nelson's Video Part To Drop! And It's Here!

We’ve been eagerly waiting for this video part from 10-year-old Reese Nelson to drop. Tony Hawk and Birdhouse have been dropping hints for a while now, but today it was finally released - along with the news that Reese is now a full-fledged member of the Birdhouse team Huge news when you just turned 10 a day ago! Congrats Reese!

BTW - if you haven’t seen this mini shredder skate, you are in for a treat!

Watch The Women Compete Live At The SLS Super Crown Championship!

Image of Rayssa Leal via Street League

Well, it’s finally here - the SLS Super Crown Championship, and you can watch the women compete LIVE from Rio de Janeiro… Nov. 5-6th.

Rayssa Leal is hoping to take it after winning the last three SLS contests - Jacksonville, Seattle, and Las Vegas. But as we know, anything can happen at an SLS event. Tune in because so many women want that trophy, and Rayssa will be battling Pamela Rosa, Yumeka Oda, Momiji Nishiya, and four other skaters that make it through the “last chance qualifier” to compete in the finals.

P.S. we have our eye on the young newcomers Chloe Covell and Poe Pinson, to make it through to the finals. Fingers crossed!

It’s going to be something you don’t want to miss!!

WATCH THE WOMEN COMPETE LIVE!

Saturday, November 5th - Women’s Last Chance Qualifier

7:30 AM PT / 10:30 AM ET - Live on ESPN+

Sunday, November 6th - Women’s Finals

5:30 AM PT / 8:30 AM ET - Live on ESPN+

**You can also catch the women’s finals on ESPN

12 PM PT and 3 PM ET

Exposure 2022 - Bowl Photos Part 2

Harlow Johnsey ~ Photo @ianloganphoto x @girlisnota4letterword

Exposure Skate 2022 was so good we can’t stop posting photos! This is part 2 of women’s bowl. Next up is vert! Stay tuned!

Thanks to Amelia Brodka and Lesli Cohen for this amazing event, year after year. And a big shout out to all the volunteers that keep things running so smoothly!

New Skateboard History Book "Four Wheels and a Board" Releases Today

Leo Baker’s essay in Four Wheels and a Board

A new coffee table book about the history of skateboarding, the skaters, board graphics, and pivotal moments in skateboarding drops today.

Four Wheels and a Board, edited by Jane Rogers and Betsy Gordon, designed by Elise Crigar and Alex Barnes, and published by Smithsonian Books, chronicles skateboarding from its early surf roots to the recent 2020 Olympics.

Judi Oyama’s interview for Four Wheels and a Board

With essays and interviews from well know female and LGBTQ skaters throughout history, this is a book that every non-traditional skater should buy and read. Never before have these stories been told all in one place by the girls, women, and LGBTQ community that lived them.

At times the stories are very direct, and all are inspiring, coming from a marginalized group who forged their own way in a male-dominated industry. The essays and interviews are a factual look at the evolution of these non-traditional skateboarders. The book is filled with visual examples of these skaters’ history, and the layouts are stunning.

The cover of Four Wheels and a Board published by Smithsonian Books

You can order a copy of Four Wheels and a Board HERE

The GN4LW Team At Exposure Skate!

Maya Kenny ~ Photo Ian Logan

Our Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word AM team riders had such a great time at Exposure Skate! All six girls (Maya, Klara, Katelyn, Elle, Mazel, and Mayzie) skated in the bowl contest - four in the advanced division and 2 in Intermediate. Elle is a past Exposure competitor, but for the other girls, this was their first time competing at this fantastic contest that skaters from all over the world come to, and they handled it well!

Pro team rider Minna Stess (fresh off her 3rd place podium finish in Rio) opted to compete in the “longest Grind” event at Exposure, and it was so much fun to watch these skaters push it for so many coping blocks!

Mayzie Feher ~ Photo Ian Logan

Mazel Alegado ~ Photo Ian Logan

Elle Warne ~ Photo Ian Logan

Katelyn West ~ Photo Ian Logan

Klara Kermoade ~ Photo Ian Logan

Pro Team Rider Minna Stess competed in “Longest Grind” ~ Photo Ian Logan

Thanks to Amelia Brodka and Lesli Cohen for putting on this event year after year, and huge props to all the volunteers as well - this event would not happen without all of YOU!

Exposure 2022 - Bowl Photos Part 1

Aaliyah Wilson ~ Photo @ianloganphoto x @girlisnota4letterword

We are so thankful that this Pandemic is coming to an end and that Exposure Skate is back to being an in-person event! We love that Exposure did virtual contests for the past two years to keep the stoke going, but there is nothing better than seeing these non-traditional skaters shred in person!

We have so many great images from Day 1 that we will be running some here and some on our Instagram. There was so much talent at this contest you could not look away or even take a quick bathroom break, or you’d miss a spectacular run! There were skaters from China, a whole team from Australia, Japan was there, and a whole new crop of Americans showed up to show what’s been happening these past two years - and believe us when we tell you that the level of skating has risen substantially! And we are talking about every age group!

Cona Suganami - Photos @ianloganphoto x @girlisnota4letterword

Thanks to Amelia Brodka, Lesli Cohen, and all the volunteers that make this event happen, it would not happen each year without your hard work and tireless efforts. We appreciate you all so very much!

Lilly Erickson ~ Photo @ianloganphoto x @girlisnota4letterword

Nico Suganami ~ Photos @ianloganphoto x @girlisnota4letterword

Stay tuned for more Exposure photos this coming week!