Lulu ~ Photo Mindy Johnson

When we read on Instagram that Lulu (@thejohnsonettes) was planning on doing 30 tricks in 30 days we sat up and took notice. As the days progressed, we could see that Lulu was pretty serious about this challenge that she gave herself and was constantly stepping it up. These weren’t just tricks she already knew how to do, she challenged herself to learn new tricks each day as well!

Lulu ~ Photos Mindy Johnson

We sat down last week with Lulu via zoom to ask how the idea came about, what she learned along the way, her advice for other skater girls, and more.

GN4LW: How old are you Lulu?

Lulu: I’m eight!

GN4LW; How long have you been skateboarding?

Lulu: A year and three months.

Lulu ~ Photo Mindy Johnson

GN4LW: What gave you the idea to do this challenge?

Lulu: We had a really long winter and my dad thought it might be a good idea to help me get my wiggles out. (Lulu lives in Minnesota)

GN4LW: Do you have indoor skateparks there?

Lulu: Yes, and 3rd Lair is my favorite! I like to go crazy in the bowl.

GN4LW: What is your favorite skatepark to skate in the summer?

Lulu: I like Shoreview Skatepark because it has transition skating.

GN4LW: What do you like best about skateboarding?

Lulu: I like that you can be free to do whatever you want and there are no rules!

GN4LW: (We couldn’t agree more!)

GN4LW: Out of the thirty tricks you did - do you have a favorite?

Lulu: Yes, my handplant. I was doing it at Shoreview on about a 4.5 ft quarter pipe

GN4LW: What do you think was the hardest trick for you to get down in those thirty days?

Lulu: I’d have to say my kick-flip flyout, it took me like three hours to get that trick

GN4LW: That’s what skateboarding teaches you right? To keep trying.

Lulu: Yeah!

Lulu ~ Photo Mindy Johnson

GN4LW: Was this a family affair because someone had to drive you, film you, etc?

Lulu: Yes, my mom filmed me, my sisters were the cheerleaders and my dad helped too.

GN4LW: Did you make a list of thirty tricks ahead of time and plan this out day to day?

Lulu: No, it was more like I’d get to the skatepark and depending on my mood I’d pick a trick to try.

GN4LW: Was it frustrating some days?

Lulu: Yeah… and then I’d switch what trick I was doing.

GN4LW: What have you been doing since the challenge ended?

Lulu: Well, yesterday I went to the skatepark and started doing a bunch of the 30 tricks in one run, including a new trick I just learned yesterday!

GN4LW: So, now you are linking tricks - which is great!

Lulu: I went from a FS 50-50 to a Smith grind.

Lulu ~ Photos Mindy Johnson

GN4LW: How did you decide what tricks you wanted to learn or try in the thirty days?

Lulu: My mom would look at Instagram and save videos of tricks she thought I might like and then show them to me after school.

GN4LW: Is there anything you want girls to know about this experience?

Lulu: If you fall don’t give up, just keep going because you only fail when you give up and don’t try again. And the only two things you can control are your attitude and your effort.

GN4LW: Pretty wise advice!

Congrats Lulu - we can’t wait to see what you do next!

Lulu~ Photo Mindy Johnson

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Here is a list of the THIRTY TRICKS Lulu did in THIRTY days

1- FS smith

2- BS disaster

3- FS disaster

4- drop in on 13 vert

5- 5-0 grind

6- front shuvit

7- 180 fly out

8- BS & FS 180s on flat ground

9- handstand down a ramp

10- 270 feeble to fakie

11- feeble grind

12- late grab BS airs on vert

13- fly out with melon grab (over cone)

14- FS ollie

15- boneless fingerflip

16- rock to fakie in the 9ft end of the bowl

17- invert handplant

18- fakie Ollie with weddle grab

19- fakie Ollie with weddle grab on vert

20: FS alley oop 5050

21: backside air melon grab over the hip

22: no look kickflip

23: BS 180 off a box

24: pop shuvit off a box

25: a frame KICKFLIP

26: tail stall revert

27: Casper stall/flip

28: body varial fly out

29: kickflip flyout

30: kickflip down 2 stair

Photo Ian Logan x Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word Team riders - Klara, Kaiya, Quinne, Briel

Happy Go Skateboarding Day!

Get out and skate with friends or roll by yourself - all that matters is that you have fun and skate!

Image of Rayssa via April Skateboards

Rayssa Leal - Photo via X Games Chiba

We remember seeing Rayssa on Instagram when she was just seven years old doing a heelflip downstairs with fairy wings on -the short clip went viral after Tony Hawk posted about her. Since then, she has become a staple on the pro street skateboarding circuit making history with the highest score in women's SLS history, as no woman had achieved a 360º flip followed by a handrail maneuver until this point in an official competition. Her recent gold medal at X Games Chiba, and her silver medal in women’s street at the 2020 Olympics only solidified her place in skateboarding history.

In 2021 her sponsor, Nike, paid tribute to Rayssa’s beginnings by producing a short video titled “New Fairies” with Rayssa letting girls know that “when fairies have fun, they put an end to all this prejudice”. At age fourteen she has accomplished more in skateboarding than most pro skaters do in a lifetime.

Rayssa Leal pro model - April Skateboards

Last week it was announced that her sponsor, April Skateboards, was turning her pro with her very first pro model being available now. Her name and artwork of fairy wings, grace the new board.

Big congrats to Rayssa - well deserved!

Now boarding in New Orleans, where the Red Bull Skateboarding crew turned a vacant airport into a Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1+2 video game level in real life. The airfield of dreams became a virtual reality as Jake Wooten and friends (including Brighton Zeuner) ripped across ticketing counters, baggage claims, open concourses, and an active tarmac in NoLa. Choose your skater and stack points, complete challenges, and find the hidden tapes at Red Bull Terminal Takeover!

Evette, Jessie, Briel and Klara with the 2nd issue of Bigfoot Skate Mag

We love it when we find magazines that feature womxn in skateboarding but unfortunately, those times are few and far between. Discovering Bigfoot Skate magazine’s second issue felt like a breath of fresh air. Seeing page after page of womxn who shred and also have inspiring and interesting stories, made us read the issue cover to cover more than once!

The layout and design are done by Bigfoot’s founder, Migzy, and have a rad 90s feel to them that we love - it feels like you are always seeing something new each and every time you look at the pages.

We also feel that it is super important to support womxn who are making a difference in skateboarding by creating products, shining a light on non-male identifying skaters, and sharing stories that you haven’t seen time and time again. That is Bigfoot Magazine, 100%

Issue Two is available now and while we don’t want to give it all way we can tell you that Samarria Brevard gracing the cover sets the tone. Inside you’ll find articles and photos of skaters like Mama Skate, Poppy Starr, Vanessa Torres, an article on Skate Wild Camp (have you been yet?!) and so much more!

You can order Issue Two of Bigfoot Magazine HERE or find a list of retailers that carry the mag HERE. And if you don’t see your favorite skate shop on this list, tell them to start ordering it!

If you are anywhere near Portland, OR you’ll want to make sure you head over to the rad meet-up that Skate Like a Girl Portland has going on!

Meet your favorite pro skaters, Nora Vasconcellos, Nicole Hause, Marbie Miller, Fabiana Delfino, Breana Geering, Minna Stess, Poe Pinson and Suzy Heath!

There will be food, drinks, swag, autograph signings, and more!

Support this crew of rad skaters by coming out to say “hi” and bringing your friends too. This tour is the first of its kind, so let’s help to make this the new norm!

Saturday, May 14 from 12-2:00 PM at PSU Courts, 1948 SW Broadway in Portland

Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word team rider, Mazel, is featured in this new video “Why We Go” by Hydro Flask.

At just 8 years old, Mazel loves skateboarding and landing new tricks. Follow along as she shows us why her day is always filled with fun, skateboarding and good friends.

Watch the premiere of Lizzie!!

As the global icon of creative expression, Vans Skateboarding is proud to present Lizzie, a short 35mm film directed by renowned filmmaker Greg Hunt. Unveiling a personal, intimate account of Lizzie Armanto beyond her skateboarding accolades and identity as one of the world’s most talented skateboarders, the film is the first to explore Lizzie’s life through the lens of those closest to her.

Tapping into stories, memories, and perspectives from fellow friends and skaters— ranging from skate legend and mentor Tony Hawk to Vans’ team rider and rising talent Mami Tezuka— Vans and Hunt capture the essence of Lizzie through poignant voiceovers paired against the backdrop of footage from Lizzie’s daily life skating, hanging with friends, and celebrating the launch of her very first signature skate shoe.

“Ultimately, I aimed to create something special with this little film,” said Hunt, whose previous work includes Vans’ Propeller, Alright OK, and Nice to See You skate films, among others. “I’ve never made anything quite like it. I think it’s a beautiful and honest portrait of Lizzie.” 

In addition to Hawk and Tezuka, the film also features the voices of Lizzie’s mom Eva Armanto, husband and pro skater Axel Cruysberghs, and best friend Alysha Le. The film features an original score by Reverend Baron, who also composed the score for Vans’ Alright, OK.  The past several years have been momentous for Lizzie, from competing in skateboarding’s 2021 Olympic debut in Tokyo to working with Vans to design The Lizzie, a skate shoe representing “something else entirely” for a wider range of skateboarders—and Vans’ first signature skateboarding shoe designed by a woman in 20 years. 

Those who know Lizzie know that she embodies the true spirit of creative expression in all its forms. Her storied career includes many firsts—like the first woman to grace TransWorld SKATEboarding’s magazine cover, one of the first women in years to appear on the cover of Thrasher, and the first to complete Tony Hawk’s Loop. Lizzie is a pioneer and a role model for many. Vans’ new film delivers an even deeper look into who Lizzie is as a person, exploring her one-of-a-kind perspective on skateboarding and the world.

Photo of Yndiara Asp and her new pro model via Yndiara’s Instagram

Such great news!!

Brazil’s Yndiara Asp is now pro AF for Santa Cruz Skateboards! Her pro model will be available in skate shops and online - we can’t wait!

If you have been keeping an eye on Yndiara you know she has been killing it - from competing at the Olympics and X Games to modeling for Carolina Herrera’s new fragrance 212 to her numerous endorsement deals, not to mention her 218K following on Instagram, Yndiara is shining bright!

Big congrats Yndiara - well deserved!!

Team riders Katelyn and Mazel checking out the new book ~ Photo Ian Logan

This new book, Girl Power: A Journal, by Cindy Whitehead founder of Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word, encourages girls ages 8 to 12 to find their strength and succeed.

Team rider Maya with Girl Power at Venice Skatepark in between skate sessions ~ Photo Ian Logan

GIRL POWER is available as of today on Amazon and in bookstores near you!

Girl Power encourages and celebrates all girls—which means every girl’s version of girl power is equally awesome! And this journal helps girls discover what girl power means to them. They’ll dive into writing prompts that make them think and drawing prompts that challenge their creativity as they practice being brave, confident, and powerful.

What sets this book apart from other books for girls:

• The power of words—Teach tween girls that journaling regularly can help them understand their thoughts and feelings and become the strongest version of themselves.

• It’s made for tweens—Girls will explore a journal that’s designed especially for them, no matter where they’re from or what their lives are like.

• It’s more than just a journal—Find fun facts about awesome girls throughout history, along with activities like easy meditations and positive affirmations.

Bryce has a new pro model with Stereo Skateboards

Bryce Wettstein had her Stereo for Thrasher part drop on March 2 and in anticipation, a party was held at her home with friends and family. What Bryce didn’t know is that her sponsor, Stereo Skateboards was also giving Bryce her own pro model!

Congrats Bryce!

You can buy Bryce’s new pro model HERE

Get ready because a new season of Camp Woodward is dropping!

In this Season 11 premiere, you'll meet the 3 cast members Nobi Villalobos, Mia Lovell, and Kristion Jordan. After stopping in their hometown to learn about how they got into skating and were invited to be on the show, the show follows the crew as they arrive at camp to check out the scene. Get ready for the first heated skate session on the Egypt Park bump to bar and the Lot 8 hip. 

About Season 11: Every year thousands of kids travel to a sleep away camp like no other, Camp Woodward. Here, gymnasts cheerleaders, and action sports athletes come together for the Summer of their dreams. This year, we follow three amateur skateboarders who get a once in a lifetime chance to live alongside the biggest names in action sports and experience all that Camp has to offer.

Photo: Bryce Kanights for USA Skateboarding

Olympic Park skateboarders Sakura Yosozumi, Cocona Hiraki, Sky Brown, Poppy Olsen, Bryce Wettstein, Dora Varella and Yndiara Asp have been awarded the Tokyo 2020 Fair Play Award that honors extraordinary acts of sportsmanship during the Olympic Games

The award was given after the women surrounded the reigning world champion, Misugu Okamoto, and lifted her onto their shoulders following her fall at the Games.

Throughout Olympic trials Okamoto was considered the favorite to win gold in Tokyo. She narrowly missed the podium finishing fourth and stopping a clean sweep for Japan.

This accolade is given out by the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), who have been recognizing sportsmanship at the Games since Beijing 2008.

Tonight 2021 ends and we have 2022 to look forward to, but if this is any indication where women's skateboarding is headed, things are looking good!

 Happy New Year!!

We love this program and hopefully they are now back and can continue to do this safely because it is needed! 

SkatePal

is a non-profit organisation supporting communities throughout Palestine, promoting the social, health and wellbeing benefits of skateboarding to enhance the lives of local youth.

SkatePal is looking for volunteers to help with the running of skateboarding classes in Palestine between March and October 2022. Placements are offered for either one or two months.

For more information or to receive your application form please email: volunteer@skatepal.co.uk 

*The programme will only go ahead if safe to do so and entry to Palestine is allowed.*

 If you haven't been keeping an eye on the next generation of Korean skateboarders -you should. Skateboarding in Korea is getting stronger than ever, especially among the younger generation. In fact, all 6 skaters who qualified for the national team were teenagers! 

Meet Cho Hyun-ju and Im Hyun-seong, the 14 year old skaters from Team Korea.

Cho Hyun-ju is currently ranked number 1 in Korea for women's street/park. She joined the national team at age 11 and has moved up the ranks. Her practice sessions last from 5-10 hours per day. The obstacles the team faces are great - there is not one International standard skatepark in Korea currently,  so the national team must train at parks where other kids skate - which sometimes have ramps with holes in them that are mot repaired qiuckly. They watch videos on YouTube to gain ideas and knowledge of how to do tricks they want to learn. And they keep practicing hard.

When asked how long she wants to keep skateboarding, Cho-Hyun-ju answered "until I am a grandmother." 💗

WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!

This is our

second book

, and while it isn't about skateboarding this time, it is definitely all about achieving some serious Girl Power!

Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word has always been about empowering girls, and since we can't be everywhere, this book keeps that momentum going.

This journal

encourages girls to be empowered, helps build their confidence, and shows them that together, we are stronger.

Written by Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word founder and 2016 Skateboard Hall of Fame Inductee, Cindy Whitehead,

this journal

has affirmations, prompts, creative activities as well as uplifting quotes.

We love that words of wisdom from strong female role models (selected by Cindy herself) are sprinkled throughout the book to offer girls even more guidance for their self-love journey.

The Self-Love Journal for Teen Girls

is the perfect gift for every girl on your shopping list this season.

You can pre-order your copy on

Amazon 

We can't think of a better way to start off the week than with this inspiring video featuring eleven year old Jordan Wrisley who has been skateboarding for 16 months now. Her "Daydreaming" skate video is total inspiration. She talks about being shy, dealing with bullies at school and, how skateboarding changed her world. 💜

Please give it a watch!

Photos

Ian Logan

for Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word

Please feel fee to share your photo on social media - we just ask that you please credit @ianloganphoto and @girlisnota4letterword - thanks! 

The 5th Annual Venice Ladies Jam kicked off Saturday AM under unseasonable warm weather, but that didn't stop the girls from skating hard and having fun. The sky was clear, the sun was out and everyone was having a blast meeting up with friends they hadn't seen in a long time.

Girls came from as far away as Las Vegas and the Ladies Day Jam played host to not one but THREE Skateboard Hall of Fame Inductees!  Gale Webb, Vicki Vickers and GN4LW founder Cindy Whitehead were all in attendance to cheer on the girls, help judge and take photos.

Every girl that skated was cheered on by her peers all throughout the day. One young girl was trying to drop in and received huge encouragement from the skaters her age "that she could do this!" ultimately one of the judges jumped into the bowl and helped her put her nerves aside and drop in, to the cheers of the crowd!

We have to thank all the support this event was given this year, not only by sponsors in the skate industry but also groups like Girls Play LA,  Angel City FC, 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, 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, Mike Bonin LA City Council, 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 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!

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

Team rider Briel dropped a new part and we are in love! She may only be ten years old, but Briel skates beyond her young years. Watch as she hits up various So Cal skateparks and hits everything from rails to stairs. Oh yeah, and that mini cameo with Daewon Song is sweet!

We are so stoked to share this video part of team rider Klara Kermoade skating everything from parks to ditches. And lighting it on fire everywhere she goes! 

This is what skateboarding is all about - skating everything.

Sit back, watch it on repeat and enjoy!