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
Congrats to actions sport athletes Jordyn Barratt (skateboarding), Lakey Peterson (surfing) and Alise Willoughby (BMX) for joing team Toyota!
From breaking down barriers to defying the odds and overcoming physical limitations, Team Toyota's newest group of athletes have challenged the status quo and inspire people across the world to do the same.
"Whether it's here in the United States or on the global stage, these Team Toyota athletes inspire others to believe in their own strength, determination, and ability to achieve their dreams," said Ed Laukes, group vice president, Toyota Marketing, Toyota Motor North America. "As the Human Movement Company, we have an opportunity through these athlete partnerships to show people that no matter the challenge, when a person is free to move, anything is possible."
"Each athlete has overcome his or her own limitations and provides a unique voice to our mobility message," said Dedra DeLilli, group manager, Olympic and Paralympic marketing, Toyota Motor North America. "By partnering with these incredible individuals, we're not only able to support them throughout their Olympic and Paralympic journeys, but we're also able to connect with people around the world and tell our Toyota story."
In addition to the 14 Team USA athletes and hopefuls who have joined Team Toyota, U.S. Paralympians Oksana Masters, Brad Snyder and Jarryd Wallace also continue to represent Toyota heading into the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.
Team Toyota summer athletes include:
Jordyn Barratt (USA Skateboarding): a two-time X Games medalist, Barratt began skateboarding at 11 years old. In 2016, she became the first female to compete in both skating and surfing at the VANS US OPEN where she podiumed in skateboarding. Now 19 years old, Barratt hopes to compete in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 where skateboarding will make its Olympic Games debut.
Lakey Peterson (USA Surfing): became the first female to pull an aerial maneuver in surfing competition at age 14. Peterson has competed with the World Surf League since 2010, most recently winning the Roxy Pro Gold Coast competition in Australia in 2018, and is currently ranked No. 2 in the world. Alise Willoughby (USA Cycling): a two-time U.S. Olympian and World Champion in BMX racing, Willoughby began racing at the age of six. Willoughby has had a storied career, winning a silver medal at the Olympic Games Rio 2016, and several other notable accolades along her journey as the winningest rider in USA BMX history.
Photo Ian Logan / at Vans US Open in Huntington Beach
How an Inclusion Rider Could Help Change the Game for Female Action Sports Athletes & Leave a Legacy of Hope For Future Generations
By Cindy Whitehead
The news hitting the internet and beyond recently, that Olympic swimmer, and 4x medalist, Simone Manuel, had decided to give up her NCAA status and finally turn pro stopped those in the swimming world in their tracks. But the news was so much bigger than just that. Simone had signed an unprecedented contract, for a professional athlete, with swimming giant; TYR Sport that includes an "inclusion rider".
The time is now for women in action sports to get more familiar as to why they should be following in Simone’s history making footsteps. First of all, what is an inclusion rider?
An inclusion rider is a provision added to a contract to ensure that companies meet certain levels of diversity, for example regarding the inclusion of women, people of color, LGBT people and people with disabilities. Inclusion riders are becoming more common in industries such as film and television, when an actress with some clout wants to make sure the film she is starring in has the diversity she wishes to see in the world – not just on screen but perhaps behind the scenes as well. The quote from Simone’s press release states, “Through this stipulation with TYR Simone ensures that her partners extend meaningful opportunities to traditionally underrepresented groups and that diversity be reflected in the creative efforts she pursues with the brand.” How rad is that? Why would I want or need this?
It's great to get a major sponsorship deal with a huge company so you can skate, ride, board or surf full time as a pro. That's the goal right? And right now we are seeing that that happens for only a small group of select female pros in these sports. But what, if in addition to your amazing and financially lucrative contract, you could do something, with very little effort, that helps bring up more women in your sport? An inclusion rider can do just that. It can show the company you are representing that if they believe in you, you also want them to enact initiatives to support other women out there as well. That is a win win. In swimming it’s no longer just about Simone and her lucrative endorsement deal, it is now about Simone making a living at the sport she excels in and bringing future generations up with her so they too can have this type of opportunity in the future, if they choose to. “I don’t have that type of power, I’m not Tony Hawk!”
If you are being offered a lucrative endorsement deal, yes you do have the power to initiate change. Before you read the first paragraph in this article did you know who Simone Manuel was? If you don’t follow competitive swimming, then perhaps not. And that’s my point. Simone is well known in her sport, enough so that her agents felt comfortable adding this rider to her very first, professional contract. And Simone believed in herself enough to stand behind what she felt was important to her and to fight for it. Basically she went out of her way to make sure that TYR was on the same page as she was when it comes to supporting women and people of color.
And no, Simone is not a household name (yet) like Tony Hawk, but this past month everyone in sports, and beyond, is talking about the changes she is creating for women and people of color. She is now, not only known as an Olympic Medalist, she is known as a game changer.
Some of you are already thinking, " There isn't enough of the proverbial pie to go around to be rocking the boat!"
At this moment it may look that way for sure, but I’ll bet that you have more power than you believe you do. And right now it may seem cool to be the only woman on that all guys skate, surf or BMX team or under contract, but the way we grow the sport and get higher levels of pay is by raising other female athletes up with us. The women of action sports are stronger together than they are if each one is acting solely on her own behalf. Isn’t the final goal to have teams and companies with equal amounts of male and female riders? That means we have created effective change. Trust me it’s true. You only need to look back at women’s sports history to see how it works.
Did you watch the 2017 movie, "Battle of the Sexes", about Billie Jean King and how she took on the tennis association for equal pay back in 1973? She put herself on the line to better the sport for all the women she was playing with. Her legacy today is more than a woman who won tournaments and championships; it is that of a feminist and strong woman who fought for equality so women coming up today could make tennis an actual career.
Are you aware that pro skater Mimi Knoop and Cara-Beth Burnside formed The Alliance back in 2009 and fought for equal prize money at the X-Games for women and men? They achieved this goal and that is the reason the women competing today in summer and winter X-Games get the same money as their male counterparts. Both Mimi and Cara-Beth have very impressive skating careers, but I am most inspired by the change they made for women in skateboarding that benefits every girl and woman financially at this competition, so they can keep on skating hard, just like the guys do.
What about the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing (CEWS) which was co-founded by Professional Surfers Paige Alms, Keala Kennelly, Andrea Moller, Bianca Valenti and SMC Harbor Commissioner Sabrina Brennan and attorney Karen Tynan. They have fought tirelessly for women to be able to surf during the Mavericks Big Wave Challenge. And they are still fighting on behalf of female big wave riders everywhere.
Many, many women have come before you to fight for various forms of change and many more are still fighting for equality in various ways. You are not alone in this endeavor. It sounds hard, and competing right now and keeping my sponsors happy is hard enough…
I get that it’s not easy or comfortable to use your status to fight for the next generation. But it’s necessary. Skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding and BMX all had female pioneers that made it possible, and perhaps just a little easier, for you to do what you love today. It’s time to step up for the girls and women that ride with you and the girls who come after you. What is worthwhile is never easy. If it were, these issues would have been solved long before you got here. What will your legacy be?
In ten or twenty years from now, what will your legacy in action sports be? The world championship titles and big name competition results change from year to year, the records get shattered, too fast it seems, but fighting and supporting your fellow female athlete is absolutely timeless.
If you are one of the top female surfers, skateboarders or BMX riders in the world and signing lucrative endorsement deals with companies that can effectively create change, think about having your agent ask for that inclusion rider.
A young girl may ask you for an autograph today because you won an important event, but future generations of girls may be thanking you down the line for what you have done for all women in your sport.
We loved the Old Navy commercials featuring female skateboarders, and now their new spring dresses campaign features rad girls riding BMX bikes - well, not just riding, taking jumps, sliding, and being all around badasses. Very cool!
If you missed the Old Navy commercial featuring the female skateboarders, you can check it out HERE.
Just a small teaser of what's in the new issue of GIRLS WHO RIDE Magazine this month. This issue is the biggest yet, and it's jam packed with great articles on skateboarding, surfing, bodyboarding, BMX, nutrition, travel, snowboarding, and more.
Olympic snowboarder Gretchen Bleilier graces the cover this month and her interview is one you don't want to miss.
You can also read about photographer Christin Rose's new project #Sheplayswewin, which celebrates girls in sports. Enduro racer Rita Viera shares the inside scoop on the challenges in her sport, learn about being the first female surfer in India with Ishita Malaviya, the travel section takes you on a journey to Peru with Lisa Marques who did this trip solo - and there some amazing things that happen along the way! Find out which foods are anti inflammatory and keep you at the top of your game. Read why bodyboarding is not just for boys, and so much more!
It's that time. The X Games are HERE! So many rad girls competing in Austin, and we love seeing that ESPN has a whole site post dedicated to them! Read on to see the TV schedule and what events women are competing in this weekend.
Leticia Bufoni / Photographer Brett Wilhelm - ESPN
Tarah Gieger / Photographer Brett Wilhelm - ESPN
Women are competing in 3 events this weekend at the X Games, Skateboard Street, Enduro X, & Flat Track.
But the only two events that have designated female only categories are; Skateboard Street and Enduro X. Last night we saw Shayna Texter compete against her brother, and Nicole Mess competing against her husband in the flat track competition. Now that's pretty badass!
Tune in tonight from 7-11 PM to see women's Enduro X (keep your eye on Tarah, she is the most decorated woman in X Games history) and Saturday from 2:30-3:45 EST to see women's Skateboard Street.
You can check out more photos & write ups from "WOMEN OF THE X-GAMES" ----> HERE
Very sad news. One of the pioneer girls of BMX has passed away way too soon. Kim Johnson broke down barriers back in the day being one of the few girls riding BMX and of course competing against the boys (and winning). She was also one of the first girls in BMX to be in an ad for Vans shoes. Pioneer of her sport. RIP Kim.
When you're only 15 years old and make a video of yourself riding BMX and title it "This is My Kitchen", we know you have got to be a girl we want to know better. Nikita Ducarroz is now all of 18, but her passion for BMX has just gotten stronger and stronger (check out that cool bike tattoo on her ankle) since she first made that video that grabbed so much attention. She rides and holds her own in contests with guys, trains with the Hoopla skate team at Woodward West, and is out there making strides each and every day for the sport she loves. We couldn't be more stoked to bring you this one on one interview with an inspring girl like Nikita!
Who's Rad? Nikita Ducarroz
Age: 18 Home is: Sonoma, CA
How long have you been riding BMX?
Since 2010, so going into my 5th year of riding!
Photo: Chris Friedrichs
What got you into BMX?
I’ve always sort of had a thing for action sports. I vaguely remember going to X Games in 1999 (I was 4) and when I was 8 I started snowboarding with my aunt. When I was around 13 I stumbled across some youtube videos of some kids doing BMX tricks and I really wanted to try it…it just really looked fun! Not too long after that I got my first BMX bike.
Are you Pro or Am?
There’s not really a straightforward answer. When I compete with guys, I compete in the Am class. But with girls, I am always riding in “Pro”. The past year or so however, I have started transitioning from getting flowed product, to having budgets involved, whether it be from sponsors covering travel/events, doing video projects with them, or commercial jobs. It still doesn’t really change how or why I am riding, but it definitely helps me to get around, and just the thought that it’s come this far is crazy for me to think about, because it feels like yesterday I was buying my first BMX bike and riding around in the driveway without any idea I could take it further than that.
You seem to be very comfortable riding any type of terrain, what are your favorite places to ride?
I am definitely trying to get more comfortable riding everything I can! As long as I’m on my bike having a good session with friends, we could be riding in a parking lot and it would still be awesome! I think park was always my strongest just because that’s what I started riding with, but I’ve really been getting into street a lot lately and it’s a blast! You’ll see some of that very soon in my new video.
Photo via G-Form
Can you tell us about your bike set up ?
I am currently riding a Zorg custom frame (made by my good friend Luke), with mostly Alienation and Haro parts. Apart from the fact that those companies help me out, I trust the parts and have a lot of respect for the people behind the company. When I see people doing good things, it just naturally makes me want to support them.
BMX is changing rapidly, what positive changes have you seen for girls in the sport out there?
Just in the short amount of time since I have been riding I’ve noticed the amount of girls that have started riding has blown up since 2010. The community just gets bigger every day. Also some of the biggest overseas contests like FISE and BMX Worlds have girls classes. There’s definitely a lot more that I would like to see happen, but we’re making progress for sure.
Photo Via @PeopleFw
We've seen your video “This is My Kitchen” – great title, can you tell us what made you decide to put this video out and how you picked that catchy title?
Thanks! The video was really just one of my edits that I was putting out every 6 months or so to mark my progress. As for the title…back around 2011 I was bored and thought why not write a phrase on my helmet? I would always see comments on videos of female athletes that said “go back to the kitchen!” and stuff like that, so I thought it would be funny to throw that on there to say “I am in the kitchen, mine just looks different”. My helmet was getting a lot of attention so I guess I just figured it would be a good title for my next video!
Photo via L.W. Riser
What advice can you give to girls who may be starting out riding BMX and also those who are competing at the amateur level?
When I first started riding, it was only in my driveway. Then I met some local riders and started riding the skatepark. It’s a lot more fun and less nerve racking with a friend.
For AM competitors, I think the most important thing is to have fun! I absolutely love contests, yet I still tend to get extremely nervous beforehand just thinking about having everyone watching me and stuff. What I have to remind myself is that all these people competing are my friends! We are all just out here for a fun time, to cheer each other on, and to help each other to step out of our comfort zones. I think that’s a good thing to remember, I’m just learning it all as I go as well!
How do you keep in shape for your career as a BMX rider and what is your healthy secret for food choices?
Oh man, I know the people close to me are laughing when they read that question. I really just ride my bike. I definitely would love to get some sort of workout routine going, but right now there’s nothing. As for food, let’s just say my favorite things to eat are meat, salad, and ice cream. But honestly, my family in general eats really healthy. When I was younger I hated it, but I definitely appreciate being raised that way now (thanks mom!). I’m usually a big eater, but on contest day it’s harder for me, so I typically try to at least eat a protein bar (Builder Bars are my favorite right now!).
Photo: Dave Smith
What are your plans for competing in the upcoming year – any contests you are looking forward to?
This year is my busiest one yet! The main contests I’ll be hitting this year are a couple Recon Tour stops and The Little Big Women’s Ridestyle event in Truckee. I’ll mostly be in California, but also plan on going to Arizona, Vegas, and maybe more. I have tons more little events throughout the year as well that I can’t wait to ride at!
You recently filmed a commercial involving BMX what was that experience like?
The shoot was for a Columbian soft drink commercial. Initially when the
gig was brought to my attention, I was really really nervous, to the
point where I was pretty much ready to say no. BUT, I decided not to
let the anxiety get the best of me this time, called up my buddy Bryce
(who does commercials a lot) and the next week we were both on our way
to LA! We still haven’t seen the commercial, but it was one of the
coolest experiences of my life. The shoot lasted 12 hours, and we did a
bunch of stuff including drinking soda for an hour for a close up shot
(I didn’t drink soda for quite a while after that LOL), as well as doing
tricks in an empty lap pool, and the LA River banks.
Nikita getting her make-up done while shooting a commercial in LA
Favorite place you've ever ridden?
Oh man, that’s a hard one. I would have to say it’s between Claremont Skatepark (in San Diego) or Woodward West, but there’s been so many cool places I’ve gotten to see!
Favorite Trick or maneuver?
A boosted table is good any day! There are so many fun tricks though, and endless possibilities!
Who are you sponsored by?
Really grateful to the following companies who have helped me out:
You put out a video recently where you
answered people’s questions about you, your bike, and even more personal
things– which we though was awesome – what made you decide to do that?
It
was actually really random! Someone commented on my Instagram
suggesting I do a Q&A. I thought it might be fun, so I tried it
out! I think it went really well, I even had to narrow down questions
to two pages because originally I had 5 and I wanted to keep the video
under 10 minutes.
You have a new video dropping – can you tell us about that?
Basically it was another one of my edits I try to put out every 6 months or so, this one just took way longer. I noticed I hadn’t made a new video in a while, so I hit up my friend Kevin and he agreed to help me out! That was over a year ago. Since we started attempting to film a video, I broke my foot two separate times, and also all his gear got stolen. There was a lot of breaks and starting over that went into this video, but I’m really happy that it’s finally complete! It should be dropping in the next few weeks, just in the editing process right now.
Any other plans/things you are working towards this year?
This year will basically be going to as many contests/events as I can, keeping up with school, and just continuing to progress all around! No projects with sponsors in the works at the moment, but I do love me some projects, so I’m sure something will pop up soon! I think the biggest challenge this year will be getting on a plane again. I stopped flying when I was 11 due to extreme anxiety about it and finally last year got on a plane for the first time in 7 years to attend a contest in Indiana. I want to continue that and get on at least one other plane this year to get to a contest, so we will see what happens!
Photo: Tucker Norred
Three things you don't know about me:
1. I was born in France and am fluent in French
2. People think I’m a daredevil because of what I do on a bike, but I’m actually a pretty big scardey cat!
3. I did high school completely online and finished in 3 years.
What’s Next?
I will be attending Girls Week at Woodward Tahoe (last year I was there along with the Hoopla crew) and it was the best week of my life! I’m so used to riding with all guys I never realized how rad it is to spend a whole week with girls who share the same passion as you do. Nothing better than nice weather, shredding with other girls, and sharing your passion with girls who are newer to the sport! I’d definitely love to see even more girls sign up this year!
It's International Women's Day and we'd like to give a shout out to all the girls out there who are absolutely killing it in everything they do.
We'd also like to introduce you to some girls you may not know but definitely should.
Sari Simpson-Jones is a vert skater from Australia and she recently took second at the Australian Bowl Riding Championships in Bondi. She's inspiring to watch and she always gives a shout out to her fellow feamle skaters and we love that. Follow her on Instagram @sarisimpsonjones
Sam Gordon age 9 decided to play football, no matter what anyone else said, including a teacher who repeatedly told her dad she should stop. Her YouTube video above (showing her 2014 highlights) is amazing in itself, but seeing her speak up on what it means to be a girl doing what she loves is priceless. And yeah, we'd buy that Wheaties box with Sam on the front any day of the year. Follow Sam on Instagram at @sam_gordon6
Nikita Ducarroz dared to put out a video of herself in 2013 doing back flips, 360's, box jumps and more on her BMX bike and called it THIS IS MY KITCHEN. She's now all of 18 and still riding and living life fearlessly. As she says "I live and breathe BMX". We can't wait for her new edit to drop. Check out Nikita on instagram @nikitabmxgirl
Last but not least, Dax McGill. 16 year old pro surfer. World Traveler. Her instagram is nothing short of inspirational. She also does photography and skateboards in her "spare time". We love that she is charging hard but loving life along the way. Can't wait to see what's next for her! Check out her instagram @daxmcgill
There are so many girls out there taking the world by storm, so make sure you leave supportive words on their FB walls, instagram pages or even a positive word or two makes a huge impact if you see them in person. It's something we should be doing each and every day to support one another.
