USA National Team skater, Minna Stess has joined the S1 Helmets team!
Congrats Minna!
Dropping in for the first time can be a bit scary. Watch Alex and Andrew Cannon break it down for you! If you somehow don’t know who Alex is, please google her. She’s a legend and knows her stuff!
In case you missed the live conversation with women in skateboarding today hosted by Los Angeles Public Library and Zach Moldof, you can watch the entire show here. This episode of LA MADE features skateboarders, Cindy Whitehead, Alex White, Monica Torres and Briana King!
Photos Ian Logan x Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word
The Vans x Lizzie Experience was “something else entirely”!
Bands were playing, cocktails and food were flowing, people were skating the bowl, checking out Lizzie’s new shoe, and having a blast. The party was held outside at Goya Studios in the heart of Hollywood and it was a perfect night - the sky was clear and it was a typical winter evening in California, which means a perfect 60 degrees.
All of Lizzie’s friends we’re there to celebrate with her, dance, skate, and be stoked that a female pro skater has her own signature shoe with Vans.
If you haven’t checked out Lizzie’s new shoe or her capsule collection, it’s in Vans stores now!
The Lizzie Experience goes on through this weekend - so if you are in Los Angeles, we suggest you check it out - tickets in the link!
Thanks so much to Vans for having us!
USA Olympian skateboarder, Bryce Wettstein, skateboards with rad longboarder Carla Javier-Brea and some amazing roller skaters in this new video for clothing company Wildfang.
Check out Wildfang’s other videos featuring these skaters on Youtbe!
Team riders Klara and Briel ~ Photo Ian Logan
We are so excited to announce the launch of our NEW Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word website!
As always, we will be bringing you daily updates on what is happening in the world of girls’ and womxn’s skateboarding, but with a fresh new look and feel. We hope you love it!
Happy International Women’s Day!
Team riders Kaiya, Quinne, Evette, Briel and Klara at a recent GN4LW skate session ~ Photo Ian Logan
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
As a trailblazer in skateboarding, Lizzie is an inspiration, breaking down the barriers of what’s possible. So, when Vans set out to create Lizzie’s first signature skateboarding shoe, we listened closely to her and what she needed to progress. The result is The Lizzie, Vans’ first signature skateboarding shoe designed by a woman in 20 years. The Lizzie provides something else entirely for a wider range of skateboarders whose needs are not being met.
“I really enjoyed the process of creating a shoe from the ground up,” Lizzie said. “I felt compelled to make a shoe that is simple, functional, feels good on your feet and has a bit of soul, and feel proud of what we were able to accomplish.”
To bring this vision to life, Lizzie worked closely with Vans’ Innovation and Product Development teams on a performance-fit last molded directly from 3D scans of her feet. Lizzie wanted a shoe that represented her completely—from a slimmer fit tailored to her foot shape, to a leaner outsole for a closer connection to her board and improved flexibility. The impact cushioning in typical skate shoes left Lizzie feeling like she was floating above her board, so Vans listened to create a new lower profile footbed.
The Lizzie features a new vulcanized construction with a lower profile sidewall foxing tape, an exposed radiused outsole edge, and flex grooves for a stable, broken-in feel. The universal fit features the perfect amount of EcoCush™ cushioning, increasing boardfeel for a wider range of skaters. A new 3D Embossed DURACAP™ toe and Sidestripe has even more durability in high-wear areas, while an all-new micro-waffle tread and Sick-Stick™ rubber offers maximum grip.
Because Lizzie is also passionate about preserving our planet, her signature shoe received the Vans VR3 Checkerboard Globe designation, meaning it follows strict footwear materials guidelines for all major components and has been designed and engineered to have a reduced carbon footprint compared to Vans’ canvas shoes. Under the VR3 designation, The Lizzie will always be made in part with organic cotton, natural rubber and biobased foam. For its debut, The Lizzie also utilizes suede across the entire shoe sourced from Leather Working Group (LWG) tanneries that have been rated gold or silver for environmental responsibility.
“I feel very connected to nature, and I’m stoked that my shoe could bring me even closer to it. I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to include sustainable materials and practices as much as possible throughout the entire process. It means a lot to me that Vans’ design team went the extra mile to make this happen,” Lizzie added.
The Lizzie is finished with minimal detailing, including Lizzie’s signature initials on the exterior tongue label as well as her first and last name on the underside of the heel flaps, visible only when flipped up. Bright pops of hand drawn citrus and botanical illustrations on the shoe’s interior lining speak to Lizzie’s love of plants.
In addition to The Lizzie, the Vans x Lizzie Armanto collection features a head-to-toe assortment of apparel and accessories designed in collaboration with Lizzie that include workwear-inspired staples like the Lizzie Armanto vest and Armanto skate chinos in burro, a knit tank in black, and short sleeve mini tee in melon, as well as a bucket hat in natural, crew socks in white, and waistpack in burro. The offering features the same citrus and botanical graphics tying back to her signature shoe.
Lizzie Armanto embodies the true spirit of creative expression in all its forms. With a storied career that includes many firsts—like the first woman to grace TransWorld SKATEboarding’s magazine cover and one of the first women in years to appear on the cover of Thrasher, the first to complete Tony Hawk’s Loop, and a part of the talented crew to compete in Tokyo’s 2021 Olympic skateboarding debut—Lizzie is a pioneer and role model. Continuing to break new ground, Vans and Lizzie are proud to deliver something else entirely for a new generation of skateboarders.
The Lizzie x Lizzie Armanto Collection will be available March 10, 2022 at Vans Skateboarding retailers and at Vans.com. To learn more, visit Vans.com/lizzie
Judi Oyama - Photo Tim Stahl
We were stoked to hear that OG slalom racer, Judi Oyama, took some time out of her busy schedule to make the drive from Nor Cal to So Cal to get some time on the hill at the Presidents Day Jam in Poway, CA before heading off to the Texas Sizzler race that's happening next month. In Texas Judi will compete against the other women that made the top 4 qualifiers to compete at the World Skate Games 2022, Oct 24 - Nov 13 in Argentina.
The last time Judi had raced head to head slalom was back in 2019 and at this race the ramp was a double ramp drop in and along with the steep hill it proved to be fast - Judi conquered it with no problems whatsoever.
Judi placed second to Lynn Kramer this weekend and took home a nice prize purse of $350. Lynn received $500 for first.
I'm happy to share that the men and women racing had equal prize money!
Judi hopes to encourage younger girls and women to come try racing slalom.
Judi Oyama - Photo Tim Stahl
“It is a great skill to know how to slow down on a hill and how to generate speed.”
Judi had support for this race from:
NHS - her original sponsor in her professional skate career starting 4 decades ago!
Santa Cruz Skateboards
Bronson Bearings
Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word Movement
Catto's Graphics
Lenz Arts
Rip Tide Sports
Judi Oyama - Photo Tim Stahl
Women's Slalom Race Results
1. Lynn Kramer $500
2. Judi Oyama $350
Hybrid Open:
1 Collin Kruse
2 Brad Jackman
3 Aki Von Glasow
4 Lynn Kramer
5 Patrick Lehrmann
6 Brando Sanchez (new racer)
7 Scott Hostert
8 Collin Loren
9 Judi Oyama
10 Anton Gillespie
11 Paul Rowe
GS Open:
1 Joe McLaren
2 Collin Kruse
3 Brando Sanchez
4 Scott Hostert
5 Aki Von Glasow
6 Richy Carassco
7 Lynn Kramer
8 Brad Jackman
9 Patrick Lehrmann
10 Anton Gillespie
11 Ryan Beck (new racer)
12 Paul Rowe
13 Judi Oyama
Sponsors of the Presidents Day Jam include:
* Sk8Kings Skateboards
* Logan EarthSki
* Powell Peralta
* Muthr
* RipTide
* Badass Skatemom
* Seismic Skate Systems
Santa Cruz Skateboards drops another girls skate video!
Roll with Fabiana Delfino, Minna Stess, Skylar Chadwick & Keet Oldenbeuving as the squad breaks through fences to skate a crusty rooftop before hitting a sick DIY park and wrapping things up at South Pasadena Skatepark.
Sounds like one more may be dropping next week as well, stay tuned!
Great to open the February issue of Harper's Bazaar this month and see a full page on skater/model Briana King. Briana travels a lot for skating and her modeling gigs, but on a sunny day you may just find her skating at Venice with all her friends.
We love seeing female skaters getting some love from major women's magazines!
Check out this new video from Santa Cruz Skateboards that dropped! Our team rider Minna Stess is featured - so stay tuned!!!
It begins in sunny Los Angeles where a heavy crew meets up for Keet's first skate trip to the states from the Netherlands!
Watch Fabiana Delfino, Minna Stess, Skylar Chadwick & Keet Oldenbeuving as the squad rolls in to Griffith Park before sliding to Chevy Chase park to finish the session.
Special guest appearances from Girl Skateboards Pro Breana Geering, Foundation Skateboards rider Austin Heilman and SC Legend Eric Dressen!
Mami Tezuka
We are stoked to see Poppy Starr Olsen and Mami Tezuka featured in the new images for Vans Authentic Chino Loose Pant.
Made by skaters, for skaters, the ultra-versatile Authentic Chino Loose Pant is an update to Vans’ original Authentic Chino and combines a looser style, always-on-point fit and the durability needed to hold up during long skate sessions.
Poppy Starr Olsen
An essential part of every skater's uniform, this workwear-inspired silhouette has an intentionally loose fit through the hip, thigh, and leg, with a long rise at the waist and a 18.5" leg opening. The Vans Authentic Chino Loose Pant also features key details like a coin pocket on the right side, “Drop-V” bartack on the top corner of the left rear pocket for extra reinforcement, “V” belt loop detail on the back waistband, and rear welt pockets with button closure to keep essentials secure when on the move.
Available in hero colorway oatmeal, as well as black, buckthorn brown, and grape leaf, the polyester, cotton and LYCRA® fabric blend ensures a comfortable, durable fit that moves with the body. The Vans Authentic Chino Loose Pant is finished with graphic accents like Vans' signature Checkerboard twill taping on the internal facing fly and a flag label sewn internally to the hem seam for added detailing when cuffed.
LA28 announced this past week that the International Olympic Committee approved a proposal to include skateboarding and surfing into the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
After being introduced in the Tokyo 2020 Games, and then being added as additional sports for Paris 2024, the inclusion of surfing and skateboarding in LA2028 helps surfing and skateboarding move forward in cementing their place as permanent Olympic sports.
Awesome news, and we are so glad that break-dancing wasn't on the menu...
In other news, LA28 has been giving Olympic and Paralympic athletes like Simone Biles, Chloe Kim and Scout Bassett as well as celebrities like singer Billie Eilish, chef Roy Choi, and Bobby Hundreds the opportunity to design the "A" in the LA28 logo for the Olympics.
The latest athlete asked to do so is Sky Brown. Sky picked a palm tree and skateboard for her idea of welcoming skateboarding into the LA28 Olympics
Sky Brown's design for LA28
Photo Ian Logan / Briel, Klara, Isabelle and Mazel
We are here encouraging girls and women in skateboarding every day and we hope you are too. But today is National Girls and Women's Sport Day and it's a great day to reflect and remember just how far we have all come and to give thanks to those that paved the way!
Spend some time looking back through our website to see all the contests, milestones and even the Olympics, where women in skateboarding have been center stage - we've come a long way!
The Circle Jerks have always been synonymous with skateboarding and their hit song "Wild in the Streets" is being re-released along with a new video featuring a live Circle Jerks performance from 1982 and current footage, directed by Atiba Jefferson. The video features a ton of male OG and current skaters, as well as two rad female skaters - Lizzie Armanto and Victoria Ruesga.
Give it a watch - it's pretty rad!
Director - Atiba Jefferson
DIrector of Photography - Ty Evans
Camera Operator - Davonte Jolly
Editor - Cleigh Reed
Wardrobe - Katina Danabassis
Assistant - Semir Hajdarevic
Production Assistant - Jake Frank
FEATURING:
Eric Koston
Victoria Ruesga
Lance Mountain
Kevin “Spanky” Long
Steve Olson
Sal Barbier
Rowan Zorilla
Sean Malto
Anaiah Lei
Christian Hosoi
Tony Hawk
Lizzie Armanto
Dashawn Jordan
Max Perlich Circle Jerks "Wild In The Streets" deluxe re issue available now through Trust Records!
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!
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.*
Sky Brown is back in the UK and stops by Good Morning Britain to talk about her plans for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. The 13-year-old won bronze in Skateboarding in Tokyo this summer and hopes to become the first athlete to compete in both the skateboarding and surfing competitions in Paris 2024.
The games are coming up soon - so stay tuned!