Image via Palace Gap
Have you seen the new PALACE GAP ads and video featuring our team rider Anna Shea? Shot in and around iconic spots in San Francisco, these visuals are not just stunning; they're a testament to the growing influence of skateboarding culture. The video, filled with vibrant adventures, makes you feel like you're on an epic skate trip with these young skaters, including Anna, who plays a significant role in this campaign.
Image via Palace Gap
Anna makes her first appearance in this super cool video, which features many of your favorite legendary skaters: Elissa Steamer, Karl Watson, and Tommy Guerrero, and Palace skaters Kanin Garner, Jamal Smith, Heitor Da Silva, and Jahmir Brown.
We were honored when Gap came to us to help find the skater girl for this shoot. After quite a few remote auditions, Anna ended up getting the part, and we could not be happier for her. At just nine years old, she absolutely held her own throughout the two days of filming.
Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word team riders Maya and Anna celebrating the PALACE GAP launch
When the PALACE GAP collection was unveiled, it was a moment of celebration and unity. Anna, along with her PALACE GAP mates, rolled out to the original Gap store on Market Street in San Francisco. The surprise arrival of her Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word teammate, Maya Kenny, added to the joy and camaraderie of the event, showcasing the strong bonds within the skateboarding community.
Image via Palace Gap
Now we have some other great news!
Moving forward this year, Gap has provided a financial grant to Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word to help us do what we love: support girls and women in skateboarding!
Look out for more of our support for indie projects and special events that give back to the skate community.
First up is the annual Chica de Mayo all-girls skate event on May 18th in New Jersey; this event is put on by team rider sixteen-year-old Zoe Herishen, who has, for the past eight years, thrown a fantastic East Coast skate event to help teach and encourage girls to get out and skate together. We have sent some special Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word give-a-ways that will only be at this event, so you don't want to miss it!
Thanks to Gap for this fantastic opportunity and your belief in what we do! Stay tuned to see what we have planned next with Gap’s support!!
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
THESE SKATE ARCHIVES HAVE BEEN STOLEN.
I had all my Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word prototype cruisers and longboards stolen from my storage. There are more designs than pictured here, as we did numerous collaborations with Dusters California through the years.
None of these boards have been ridden - they are pristine. Some are still in their poly bags.
Also, stolen 8 Pom Pom x Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word decks - photo here as well.
If you come across any Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word Boards for sale in chats, online, or anywhere that seems suspicious, please, I implore you, contact me. These boards are not just products, they are the very essence of GN4LW, a unique and irreplaceable part of our history.
Also stolen are signed boards by everyone who attended Eddie Elguera's events in the 1970s and 1980s—keep a look out for those, too.
I am sincerely hoping we can get these back.
Most people in skateboarding are aware of this collab deck, but hearing Chloe talk about it on the Jimmy Fallon Show was the best! The “Chloe” board was designed by Jason Dill, who started the skateboard brand F---ing Awesome.
"They do these boards where they put all the pro skaters' school photos on them and he saw my high school portrait and he was like, 'Oh my God it's amazing, can we put it on a skateboard?' I was like, 'I'm not a pro skater but I'm pro skaters, so yes,' " laughed Sevigny, adding that she gave her "blessing" for her photo to be used.
This board sold out in minutes - so good luck getting your hands on one - your best bet is Ebay.!
Photo and info via MERGE4
We are so stoked about this new collab for our pro team rider and USA National Women’s Park Team Skater, Minna Stess!
MERGE4 socks is proud to announce a new partnership with skateboarder Minna Stess. This collaboration is a celebration of Minna’s awe-inspiring journey, as MERGE4 has closely followed her skateboarding evolution from a young age, and today, we stand excited to witness her flourishing into the world-class athlete she is and will undoubtedly continue to be.
As Minna Stess captivated the skateboarding scene with her raw talent and unwavering dedication, some of the MERGE4 team was there from the early days, rooting for her every achievement and progression. This collaboration signifies more than just a partnership; it symbolizes a heartfelt connection between a brand that values authentic self-expression and a skateboarder who embodies the spirit of fearlessness.
“We’ve had the privilege of watching Minna Stess grow and evolve into the incredible athlete she is today,” said Cindi Busenhart, founder and CEO at MERGE4. “Minna’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and her commitment to pushing her boundaries aligns seamlessly with MERGE4’s values. This collaboration allows us to honor her remarkable story while inspiring others. Minna kicks ass!”
The MERGE4 x Minna Stess collaboration will showcase art by Kayla Caballero, skateboard legend Steve Caballero’s daughter, designed exclusively for her. The design will feature bats and donuts on MERGE4’s performance socks. “I have always loved my MERGE4 fam, and they have always been so supportive of me since I was a little SF Bay Area skater. Having my own sock means a lot to me and I’m super stoked on it!“ Said Minna Stess.
The upcoming collaboration between MERGE4 and Minna Stess is eagerly anticipated by those who have followed her growth as a skateboarder. These performance socks will serve as a medium to convey Minna’s story and MERGE4’s commitment to producing socks that are as unique and exceptional as the individuals who wear them.
You can get a rad pair of the new Minna x MERGE4 socks HERE
Yumeka Oda and Momiji Nishiya at Sanrio headquarters (C) 2023 SANRIO CO., LTD.
Press Release: TOKYO, April 25, 2023 -- Sanrio Company, Ltd. headquartered in Tokyo, is pleased to announce that it has signed sponsorship agreements with Japanese female skateboarders Momiji Nishiya and Yumeka Oda, effective April 21, 2023. Through these agreements, Sanrio hopes to support young athletes in their challenges and strengthen its corporate brand in North America and other global markets.
As part of the agreements, both athletes will use decks with Hello Kitty and Sanrio logo stickers to compete in various tournaments and competitions, starting with one of the world's most prestigious, premier action sporting events, "X Games Chiba 2023" (May 12-14 in Chiba, Japan).
Momiji Nishiya - photo via Sanrio
Momiji Nishiya - Born on August 30, 2007, in Osaka, Japan. She is the first gold medalist in the TOKYO 2020 Skateboard Women's Street event. At the same time, she became the youngest Japanese skater ever to win a gold medal at the age of 13 years and 10 months. She started skateboarding at the age of 6, influenced by her older brother, and within 7 years of starting to compete, she joined the ranks of the world's top-class skaters. With the motto of "smile and have fun until the end," she has won the world's most prestigious contests such as X Games and Dew Tour, and is also eager to create video parts on street skating.
Yumeka Oda
Yumeka Oda - Born on October 30, 2006, in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, she started skateboarding at the age of 7. In 2022, she represented Japan at the Pro Tour organized by World Skate. She also won in Street League Skateboarding, the most prestigious competition in the world, and scored 9.4, that is the highest score for a single trick in women's history and the first time in women's skating history to score in the 9-point range. The disappointment of missing out on TOKYO 2020 has propelled her to be one of the leading candidates of the next generation who are expected to achieve great things at the next Games.
Bella Kenworthy skating in the new Vans x Alva Collection
We have love anything Tony Alva puts out, starting with his skate decks back in the day. Now Vans has dropped a new collection of Vans x Alva Skate and we are stoked to see that it features shredder, and Vans team rider, Bella Kenworthy! Celebrating four decades of skateboarding, the new collection drops January 12th - so get ready, because we are sure these pieces will sell out quickly.
Tony Alva back in the day
Vans is proud to announce the latest collection with historically influential skate brand Alva Skates and longtime Vans team rider Tony Alva. The collection draws inspiration from Tony’s imaginative world of creative exploration that spans art, music and beyond, and invites fans and newcomers alike into his creative journey, on and off the board, over the past 40 years.
Vans x Alva - our favorite pair!
The new Alva x Vans colection
Breaking the mold for what a skateboarding company could be, Tony Alva walked away from his board sponsor in 1977 to create one of the most influential skate brands of his time, Alva Skates, just after helping Vans develop the first-ever skateboarding shoe, the Era. Synonymous ever since, Vans and Tony teamed up to create a new collection that nods to both brands’ roots and looks ahead to future generations with help from artist DJ Javier, Vans team rider Bella Kenworthy, and musician KennyHoopla.
Available January 12 at Vans Stores and via the Vans Website
We love Adrianne Sloboh’s style, commitment when throwing down tricks and watching her always have the best time. This new Krux Trucks video part with the “Queen of Balance” is everything we love her for.
You can now hit the streets with Adrianne Sloboh and her new Krux K5 DLK Pro trucks with multi color grafitti art by Alex Solano and SLO BOH tag pad print on baseplate.
You can get Adrianne’s new Krux Truck HERE and at skate shops worldwide
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.
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.
We’re huge fans of P448 shoes so when we saw that GB’s Bombette Martin is now sponsored by them and this video dropped - we were stoked! Check out this new line of sneakers that are perfect for skateboarding and beyond.
To see more about P448 x Bombette check it out HERE
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. 💗+☠️
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! ✔️
We were super excited to hear that Nora Vasconcello’s new Pro Model Adidas shoe is dropping today. It’s being billed as Nora’s first pro model shoe. But what about those gorgeous lavender canvas Nora’s with her artwork on them that we wrote about (and bought) a few years back - were those not her first pro model shoe as well? A bit confusing, but we’re all about this drop nonetheless!
The adidas Nora is set to be Nora Vasconcellos’ first signature Pro footwear with adidas Skateboarding. Previewed below, the adidas Norafuses design cues from the brand’s Steffi Graf, Nastase and other classic silhouettes into a sleek and timeless model. A model that truly made with the skate in mind, details include a dual-layer toe cap design for added durability and tooling that meshes the vulc aesthetic and grip with the support of a cupsole for extended boardfeel.
The launch of the adidas Nora will be accompanied by an apparel pack carrying the same vintage court style theme motif with advanced updates on fit and material. The collection’s NORA TRACK TOP & NORA TRACK SLACKS are created from technical recycled polyester twill for enhanced stretch and durability. While the accompanying NORA POLO is laced with the pluralist skater’s original artwork jacquard knitted into it in a tonal execution, which becomes more visible as the eye moves closer into the details. All apparel pieces feature a UNITEFIT design that’s universal sizing to ensure the collection is accessible to everyone.
“I’m so proud and excited to share my new silhouette with the world. It has been an unreal experience working with adidas to make my dream come true,” says Nora Vasconcellos. “I originally looked into adidas’ tennis classics to find an aesthetic that I would have found in my mom’s closet back in the ‘90s, which was my biggest inspiration for the pack. Designing the pieces has been an incredible and in-depth process filled with excitement and gratitude. I hope this collection inspires everyone to pursue the things they may think are unattainable. Having my own shoe was so beyond my wildest dreams.”
The adidas Nora will debut in three different colorways and will be available for purchase starting TODAY October 1 at Adidas.com and in select skate specialty retailers for $80.
The apparel will be available starting on October 18 through the same platform and locations retailing $75-$90.
Image via Tactics Boardshop
We are HUGE fans of BIGFOOT Magazine and founder Migzy, so when Tactics announced that they were releasing a BIGFOOT board in support - we were so stoked, and you should be too!
This via Tactics… (check out their Instagram for the super fun video!)
It’s the early 2000’s in sunny Southern Oregon; Meghan “Migzy” McGuire heard a tale of a girl down in Modesto that was absolutely ripping. As members of their own budding non-traditional local skate scene, Migz and her friend Amy were SO hyped on this unknown shredder. 👾 It was as if she had spotted the rare Crested Caracara… or had seen BIGFOOT.”
This skater ended up being Vanessa Torres, and almost 20 years later, both the non-traditional skate scene and Migz and Vanessa’s friendship have blossomed into something special.
Seeing non-trad skaters isn't like seeing BIGFOOT anymore. @bigfootmagazine is here to keep skating fun, simple, spicy, and to encourage the fringe to have fun with friends & skateboards.
Image via Tactics
The Bigfoot Magazine deck comes in 8.0 8.25 and 8.5 and is $44.95 + it comes with free grip!
🆕 Tactics x @bigfootmagazine Decks are now available in-store and online
Get yours HERE
Sky Brown - image via Tag Heuer
Although this young British-Japanese boarding legend may not need much of an introduction, Tag Heuer has announced their official partnership with the extraordinary athlete – and now, TAG Heuer Ambassador – Sky Brown!
Representing Great Britain in the 2020 Summer Olympics at the age of 13, Sky picked up Bronze in the park event, making her the country’s youngest ever medalist.
But her talents don’t stop there; she is also an exceptionally skilled surfer and is considering competing in the GB Olympic Team. She also won the American TV program Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.
Sky Brown wearing the TAG Heuer Formula 1 chronograph (CAZ101AP.FT8056)
The past two years have also seen her talents and dedication recognized at a global level when she won the 2021 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award – quickly followed by 2022’s Comeback of the Year Award at the Laureus World Sports Awards.
Sky Brown wearing the TAG Heuer Formula 1 chronograph
And now, Sky is also a TAG Heuer Ambassador.
Last night Real Skateboards had a premiere of Nicole Hause’s video part at the Wheels of Fortune event in Seattle, and they also announced her new pro model board!
We have to say that the graphic is awesome and we are hoping Nicole’s new board is up on the Real Skateboards website soon, because a lot of people are going to want to buy this one!
If you are in Seattle, hit up these skate shops to get Nicole’s new board NOW!
Congrats Nicole!!!
We can’t wait for the release of froSkate’s new Nike SB shoe!
Loud, proud, colorful, and full of energy, respectfully. That’s froSkate, a Women and POC–centered skate crew based in Chicago founded by Karlie Thornton in 2019. In just three years froSkate’s not only grown exponentially but become a global example of empowerment in skateboarding through inclusion, positivity, and being unabashedly real.
For their first collaboration with Nike SB, froSkate designed a Nike Dunk Pro High SB that reflects their diversity, style, heritage, and personality, using every inch of the classic silhouette as a platform for their mission statement and swag.
Read the interview with froSkate https://www.nikesb.com/articles/frosk...
Get a pair!
SB Dunk High Pro x froSkate
All Love
$130.00
Available 8/17 at 7:00 AM
"All Love, No Hate" in this collaboration with froSkate. Black-owned, Queer-led, and proudly unwavering, a group of non-traditional skaters in Chicago adopted the froSkate moniker in 2019 to give the city's BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities their shine. These Dunks are all about inclusivity, with a non-conformist design made for stepping past boundaries. Wildly colorful tongue graphics, heart-shaped perforations on the toe, and "All Love", "No Hate" embossed on the sides remind you that everyone is welcome in the skating community. The eye-catching upper and soles pay homage to the vibrant disposition of the froSkate crew, while the bright, mismatched left/right shoe designs celebrate the group's unique style and commitment to all love, no hate.
F21 x Airwalk - shot at Venice Skatepark
We love that F21 used real Venice skaters and filmed at the park!
Iconic fashion brand Forever 21 launched its latest collaboration, a limited-edition back-to-school collection with Airwalk, a global skate and action sports lifestyle brand. The collaboration brings Airwalk’s legacy in skate culture to Forever 21 in the form of nostalgic designs that lean into the brand’s ‘80s and ‘90s heritage through chain details, stripes, bold graphics, checkers and more.
Shop the collection HERE
For more than three decades, Airwalk has brought the SoCal style and attitude to consumers around the world through its iconic aesthetic. The first collaboration of the year for Airwalk, the brands come together to inspire nostalgia and those who crave the unconventional to express their individuality.
Shop the collection HERE
The Forever 21 x Airwalk collaboration offers inclusive sizing for women, men and kids, priced from $6.99 to $54.99 and will be available for a limited time at all Forever 21 stores, on the Forever 21 app and at www.forever21.com.