Team USA 2020 Olympics - Photo Ian Logan

In case you haven’t been following the whirlwind the past few days, USA Skateboarding was audited by the USOPC and found deficient in 28 areas out of 48. That is not good news for USA Skateboarding and the prosperity of these amazing athletes. Let’s be clear, this report has nothing to do with the athletes doing anything wrong, these issues are all about the organizational team.

It has now been made official that the USA Chair of Skateboarding, Gary Ream, has officially resigned from USA Skateboarding.

For more in-depth info, we encourage you to head over to Inside the Games.

This is an ongoing story, and we will update you as it comes in.

We love this new video NHS did with Alex White!

After her career as a pro skater, Alex White's journey included life as a realtor, waitress, property manager, and mom. Alex shares what it's like as a woman working in the skateboard industry and how her passion for skateboarding led her to become the Krux Brand Manager, Olympic judge, and the first Women's and Non-Binary Rider Relations manager at NHS.

What to watch for in this video - see if you can answer all the gems below :

*It’s really rad to see the wall of women’s pro model decks in Alex’s office - can you name them all?

*We’re huge fans of Alex’s secondary role at NHS that she created - what is it?

*What are some of Alex’s tips on blending what you love and where you work?

"Why skateboarding?" showcases NHS employees and how their passion for skateboarding led them to a career in the skate industry.

Follow Alex on Instagram: @thealexwhite

Chloe Covell - Photo Dew Tour/Jeremiah Arias

Today seemed a bit familiar… watching 12-year-old Chloe Covell from Australia battle it out with Olympic gold medalist Momiji Nishiya from Japan (she won gold at age 13) had us on the edge of our seats. Chloe is fairly new on the comp scene, and she is really giving the street crew a run for their money. This is exactly why we need to make sure girls and women in skateboarding have open contests so we can encourage and spot new talent.

Momiji had the lead from the get-go, but it looked like Pamela Rosa, or Chloe might just be able to pull off a run that could beat her until she received a score of 95.33 on her last run - that is pretty hard to top!

Rayssa Leal - Photo Dew Tour

Rayssa Leal is a veteran at this point, and she is just 14 years old. The younger crew is taking over, and it’s time we all started paying attention. Rayssa is being pushed hard this season as well. Pamela Rosa is not messing around. At all. The speed and power she carries into each trick is like no other. And today, it earned her a place on the podium.

Mariah Duran - Dew Tour/Jeremiah Aria

USA’s Mariah Duran may be further down the results list, but make no mistake - she skated so solidly it was awesome to watch. She was only 1 point away from catching Funa and 3 points away from Rayssa - so she is looking strong this season. We’re looking forward to seeing more of this from Mariah.

Did you miss watching the comp? No worries - we have it below. Enjoy!

Thanks to everyone at Dew Tour for putting on a great comp!

Sakura Yosozumi, Sky Brown, Cocona Hiraki - Photo Chris Ortiz for Dew Tour

In some ways, the Dew Tour Women’s Park finals were almost a replay of what we witnessed at the X Games last weekend. Sky Brown and Sakura Yosozumi battling it out for the top two spots, Cocona Hiraki following right behind, and the USA skaters ending up solidly in the middle of the pack.

Sakura Yosozumi

Cocona Hiraki

Mami Tezuka

It was good to see USA’s Jordyn Barratt back in the mix, she held her own and threw down a great first run. Bryce Wettstein brought her own brand of magic to the comp and nailed it on her final run to secure that 5th place spot. As you can see, there was a big jump in scores from the podium skaters to the rest of the field. With Sky Brown absolutely knocking it out of the park on her third and final run it put Sakura at a bit of a disadvantage, had she made that 540 and the rest of her run she may have overcome Sky’s score. Stay tuned because the battle between these two will undoubtedly continue on through the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Sky Brown

Another surprise was Allysha Le in the announcers booth. So great to have a female pro skater in there calling out tricks and talking about their fellow skaters. We hope this momentum keeps going!

Sky Brown - Dew 2021 _ photo Chris Dangaard

Dew Tour is almost here!

So get ready to tune in and watch the women skate LIVE!

Dew Tour is an invite-only skateboard competition and festival that focuses on Street and Park disciplines, featuring both traditional and adaptive competitions. Celebrating its second year in Des Moines, and 17th year overall, this year’s event will be held for two days, July 29 and 30, and will take place later in the day, ending each night under the lights.

FRIDAY, JULY 29th - original times in Central time zone

4:00p – 4:35p Women’s Adaptive Street Final / 2 PM PT / 5 PM ET

6:30p – 7:30p Women’s Park Final / 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET

SATURDAY, JULY 30th - Original times in Central time zone

6:05PM – 6:30PM Adaptive Skate Wheelchair Men’s & Women’s Exhibition / 4:05 PM PT / 7:05 PM ET

7:00PM – 8:00PM Women’s Street Final / 5:00 PM PT / 8:00PM ET

WATCH IT ALL GO DOWN LIVE ON DewTour.com/live

You can also watch via social media at these links:

FB Live: Dew Tour facebook.com/dewtour

FB Live: TWSkate facebook.com/transworldskate

YouTube: Dew Tour YouTube.com/DewTour

YouTube: TWSkate YouTube.com/TransworldSKATEmag

DailyMotion: Dew Tour dailymotion.com/dewtour

TikTok: Dew Tour tiktok.com/@dewtour/live

Women’s Park

Jordyn Barratt

Lizzie Armanto

Kisa Nakamura

Mami Tezuka

Bryce Wettstein

Cocona Hiraki

Sky Brown

Sakura Yosozumi

Alternates Women’s Park
Minna Stess

Women’s Street

Pamela Rosa
Rayssa Leal
Samarria Brevard
Momiji Nishiya
Aori Nishimura
Mariah Duran
Funa Nakayama
Alexis Sablone (not confirmed)

Alternates Women’s Street
Chloe Covell
Poe Pinson
Roos Zwetsloot

The Dew Tour’s Battle of the Shops will also return this year, featuring five midwest-based skate shops competing for shop glory. Dew Tour Partners will be located throughout the Dew Tour Experience (DTE), a festival-style area that will be spread throughout 2nd Avenue between Center Street and School Street in Des Moines. Throughout the Dew Tour Experience, fans can enjoy partner activations, athlete meet and greets, giveaways, local food trucks and a beer garden featuring local breweries including Big Grove, Confluence, Exile and Court Ave. 

This year, Dew Tour title sponsor MTN DEW® will be front and center, showcasing their exciting summer campaign, “Skateboarding is Unstoppable,” where fans will have a chance to interact and share what skateboarding means to them. Additionally, MTN DEW will be hosting a satellite shop featuring limited edition Dew Tour and MTN DEW merchandise, complete with a customization station. Fans will have an opportunity to play “spin to win” for a chance to win prizes including skate decks, waterproof speakers and more. Product sampling will also be taking place, with a wide variety of Dew and Dew Zero Sugar flavors. Lastly, MTN DEW will be bringing out content creators and the entire pro skate team to sign autographs, meet fans and unlock the Dew Tour course for the fifth and final Unlock the Spot tour stop this summer. 

Toyota returns to summer as Dew Tour’s Official Mobility Partner, which includes entitlement of Dew Tour’s adaptive skateboard competitions, including men’s Park and men’s and women’s Street events. On-course, Toyota will have a customized RAV4 Hybrid as a rideable feature as part of the Park course.  At the Dew Tour Experience, fans can stop by Toyota’s booth where they can customize Corolla Cross skate socks, GR86 sunglasses cases and Tacoma shoelaces as well as check out the newest vehicles up close with current Toyota owners receiving a special gift.

Team Toyota skateboarders Jordyn Barratt and Evan Strong (featured in a two-part content series on DewTour.com) will not only be competing at Dew Tour, but also participating in autograph sessions at the Toyota booth throughout the event. MTN DEW® and Team Toyota athlete Red Gerard will be around both spaces as well. Leading up to and during the event, fans can enter-to-win a new Toyota GR86 car and limited edition Dew Tour Des Moines prize pack.

The US Air Force joins Dew Tour as a primary partner and will feature a special Air Force Performance Lab. The Lab is an interactive experience full of challenges and self-discovery, all wrapped in innovative technology. Each part of the experience focuses on different skills and interests that correlate to various Air Force careers that participants will learn more about while competing against each other as well as real Airpersons. Additionally, Dew Tour will host an official US Air Force Swear-In for Delayed Entry Program members who will reaffirm their commitment to the US Air Force. The oath of enlistment will be led by 343 Recruiting Squadron Director of Operations Major Sarah Answine on Friday, July 29 at 3:50 pm on the Street Course.

Tech Deck mini fingerboards will be on-hand at Dew Tour to offer giveaways for fans and will feature a mini Dew Tour street course replica. Additionally, a Tech Deck branded skate feature will be included on the Street Course. 

For its second year, Dew Tour’s sustainability partner MidAmerican Energy will work on on-site initiatives that will minimize environmental impacts: alternative energy sources, carbon footprint analysis, landfill diversion and responsible water consumption. 
Great Clips, a new partner this year, will have stylists providing free haircuts to Dew Tour attendees Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30. Donations are encouraged onsite to Unravel Pediatric Center in Des Moines, a local nonprofit working to bridge the gap in pediatric cancer research. Fans will also be able to get crazy hair painting for the duration of the event. 

Nonprofit action sports based partners will activate onsite, including Grind For Life, Skate DSM and Make Life Skate Life. Boarding For Breast Center (B4BC) will also host its second annual Skate the River event on July 30 at 12 pm along the Des Moines River, and is open to all on skateboards, bikes or skates. Register at B4BC.org. Punk Rock & Paintbrushes, an art exhibit located in the DTE, will feature skateboard legends and industry artists Christian Hosoi, Lance Mountain, Steve Caballero, Paul Kobriger, Toybox Monster, Jason Adams and many more. 

Official Dew Tour merchandise and Des Moines’ Subsect Skate Shop will sell all the hottest industry gear on-site at Dew Tour as well.

Dew Tour competitors exemplify the best in each sport. Competition will take place at Lauridsen Skatepark, an 88,000 square foot custom concrete skatepark built by renowned builders California Skateparks - now the largest skatepark in the United States. Dew Tour is FREE and open to the public. 
Dew Tour will be livestreamed in its entirety on DewTour.com, Facebook Live, YouTube and other major platforms for a total of 15+ hours. 

Stay updated at DewTour.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube by following @DewTour.

Lizzie Armanto BS Crail

An all-gender capsule by Lizzie Armanto built around Vans’ first signature skate shoe designed by a woman in 20 years.   

This season, Vans delivers the latest update to its newest Skate silhouette, The Lizzie, supported by a head-to-toe all-gender apparel offering created in collaboration with Vans team rider and Olympic skateboarder Lizzie Armanto.

As a trailblazer in skateboarding, Lizzie’s first-ever signature skateboarding shoe by Vans was designed to provide something else entirely for skateboarders whose needs are not being met. The silhouette also represents Vans’ first signature skate shoe designed by a woman in 20 years. Now in its second season, The Lizzie is offered up in a new dirt earth tone, as well as a wide range of sizes that includes kids’, and is supported by Lizzie’s new head-to-toe apparel collection that brings together several staple pieces, providing a completely fresh take for a new generation of skateboarders. 

“I believe skateboarding is for everyone,” Lizzie said, “which is why I’m excited to share the ‘Little Lizzie’, along with an all-new inclusive clothing collection.”

  The Lizzie features hard-working design elements that are meant to cater to a broader range of skateboarders. The new vulcanized construction features a higher outsole cup and rounded edges for a stable, broken-in feel. The universal fit features the perfect amount of EcoCush™ cushioning, increasing boardfeel for a wider range of skaters while the 3D embossed DURACAP™ toe adds durability in high-wear areas. An all-new micro-waffle tread and Sick-Stick™ rubber offers maximum grip.

This season, Lizzie’s rose graphic design inspiration— debossed on The Lizzie heel counter and appearing throughout the collection— is a nod to the “thank you, have a nice day” reusable bodega bags that come with a friendly reminder to reuse and recycle. 

Her signature shoe also received the Vans VR3 designation, meaning it follows strict footwear materials guidelines for all major components. Under the VR3 designation, The Lizzie will always be made in part with organic cotton, natural rubber, and biobased foam. The Lizzie also utilizes suede sourced from Leather Working Group (LWG) tanneries that have been rated gold or silver for environmental responsibility.

The apparel and accessories assortment has been designed in close partnership with Lizzie to create an all-gender offering that mixes her personal style with functional skate details. Her collection is a combination of everyday pieces like the Armanto overalls and tote, including a hand drawn rose graphic that appears across the line. The Armanto overalls feature a relaxed fit made from canvas fabric, with novelty strap detail, a front patch pocket, back metal hardware, logo embroideries and felt patch details. The Armanto long sleeve knit is the perfect everyday piece with timeless rib knit fabric.

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 recently competing on the world stage at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Lizzie is setting the tone for a revolution the skateboarding world’s been waiting for.

Vans’ The Lizzie and the Lizzie Armanto collection are available now at Vans Skateboarding retailers and at Vans.com/TheLizzie. 

Rayssa Leal competing in Women’s Skateboard Street during X Games Summer 2022. Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images

Starting off the day in Women’s Skateboard Street, Japan’s Momiji Nishiya upgraded her X Games Minneapolis 2019 silver medal to gold on Sunday – earning her second Skateboard Street medal in three X Games appearances. Nishiya secured the win with her first run, landing a bigspin frontside boardslide, Suski grind on the ledge, backside disaster on quarterpipe, frontside feeble grind on the eight-stair handrail, heelflip, Smith grind on quarterpipe, frontside 5-0 to front-shuv it, frontside salad grind on the five-stair handrail. Australian Chloe Covell took home silver in only her second X Games appearance and as the youngest competitor at this year’s competition at just 12 years old. Yumeka Oda won her first-ever X Games medal, taking bronze back to Japan, respectively.

CA Training Facility: Chloe Covell, Momiji Nishiya and Yumeka Oda at the medal ceremony for Women’s Skateboard Street during X Games Summer 2022. Photo by Gabriel Christus / ESPN Images

Results Women’s Skateboard Street

1. Momiji Nishiya (JPN)

2. Chloe Covell (AUS)

3. Yumeka Oda (JPN)

4. Rayssa Leal (BRA)

5. Funa Nakayama (JPN)

6. Aori Nishimura (JPN)

7. Poe Pinson (USA)

8. Leticia Bufoni (BRA)

9. Pamela Rosa (BRA)

Sky Brown ~ Photo Phil Ellsworth ESPN

Sakura Yosozumi ~ Photo Mpu Dinani ESPN

Cocona Hiraki ~ Photo Joshua R. Gateley ESPN

First off, with a field of just ten women competing in X Games Park and no prelims or semi’s, the pressure was ON. And the skaters rose to the occasion! But before we get into all of that and who ended up on podium…

We wanted to say how happy we were to hear Olympian skateboarder, Amelia Brodka, announcing Women’s Park. Amelia did a great job today, and we can only hope this is an ongoing situation - she brought a lot of her personal insight about the skaters, their lines and tricks to the broadcast. We have always said that we need knowledgeable female announcers and judges at the women’s events, so maybe the tide is turning! You can catch her announcing debut in the videos below. Congrats Amelia!

OK, now back to the comp.

(Top Image) Sky Brown GOLD, Sakura Yosozumi SILVER / Photo Gabriel Christus ESPN

(Bottom Image) Cocona Hiraki BRONZE. / Photo Phil Ellsworth ESPN

Last summer’s X Games gold medalist, Sky Brown, took the first gold medal of the day in Women’s Skateboard Park. Brown claimed first after her second run, which included a frontside 360 over the box, frontside stale air in the deep end, alley-oop over the gap, backside air, backside lipslide, frontside Ollie transfer, invert, kickflip Indy over the box, Crail, backside Smith, nosegrab 540 on the hip, Smith grind to frontside 540. Sky becomes the second athlete to win two X Games gold medals before the age of 15. X Games Chiba Park gold medalist Sakura Yosozumi took silver, and Cocona Hiraki rounded off the podium with bronze.

Sakura took a bad fall on her last run and was helped out of the bowl by medics, so we are glad to see she is doing OK and was able to be awarded her silver medal!

Minna Stess ~ Photo Mpu Dinani

Bryce Wettstein ~ Photo Rich Storry ESPN

USA Team riders Bryce Wettstein and Minna Stess solidly held onto their 4th and 5th place spots and were charging hard. The Japanese skaters who have dominated for a while now may want to watch their backs because Bryce was dialed in as usual, and Minna had a variety of tricks and combos that were very different than we saw just a few months ago at X Games Chiba. Add all that to her awesome style when she executes those tricks, and we don’t doubt that she will be on that podium soon!

Results Women’s Skateboard Park

1. Sky Brown (GBR)

2. Sakura Yosozumi (JPN)

3. Cocona Hiraki (JPN)

4. Bryce Wettstein (USA)

5. Minna Stess (USA)

6. Mami Tezuka (JPN)

7. Ruby Lilley (USA)

8. Lizzie Armanto (FIN)

9. Yurin Fujii (JPN)

10. Kisa Nakamura (JPN)

Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story

We headed up to Hollywood last night to Outfest’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival to catch the premiere of STAY ON BOARD: THE LEO BAKER STORY. So many skateboarders and people involved in skateboarding came out to support Leo and see this beautiful film, We ran into Poppy Starr Olsen, Hannah Tallman, Nora Vasconcellos, Julie and Quinne Daniels, Brian Anderson, Lisa Whitaker of Meow Skateboards, Heidi Lemmon from the Skatepark Association, and many, many more.

The film follows pro street skater Leo Baker over a crucial four-year period of his life, but with the help of Leo’s mom, Donna Baker, who saved everything since the start of his skateboarding career, the story goes back much further.

As you may remember, Leo was originally part of the USA National Team headed for the 2020 Olympics but later quietly resigned and gave up his quest to skateboard in the Olympics for Team USA.

This film sheds light on why that decision played a huge part in Leo being true to himself and living an authentic life. Stay on Board chronicles Leo’s journey balancing the gendered world of sports, transition, society, and skate culture.

Q&A after the film with Directors Nicola Marsh, Giovanni Reda, Leo Baker, and editor Sasha Perry

Directed by Nicola Marsh and Giovanni Reda. The film is from executive producers Drew Barrymore, Alex Schmider (Director of Transgender Representation at GLAAD), Ember Truesdell, Marisa Clifford, and Thomas Benski. Edited by Sasha Perry, Lauren Saffa.

Streaming on Netflix on August 11 - don’t miss it!

Women’s Skate Park, as well as women’s skate street, are happening this weekend at the X Games, and you can watch both LIVE!

Did we also mention that pro skater and Olympian, Amelia Brodka, will be one of the on-air analysts for the X Games? We can’t wait to hear Amelia’s perspective on the women’s events! Make sure you tune in and support!

Saturday, July 23rd - Women’s Skate Park

10:00 AM PT / 1 PM ET

On ABC and ESPN+

Sunday, July 24th - Women’s Skate Street

12:00 PM PT / 3 PM ET

On ABC and ESPN+

The women’s lineup for X Games park and street is looking like a packed field of shredders from all over the globe.

WOMEN’S PARK INVITED ATHLETES (as of 7/12/22)

• Lizzie Armanto

• Sky Brown

• Yurin Fujii

• Cocona Hiraki

• Ruby Lilley

• Kisa Nakamura

• Minna Stess

• Mami Tezuka

• Bryce Wettstein

• Sakura Yosozumi

WOMEN’S STREET INVITED ATHLETES (as of 7/12/22)

• Samarria Brevard

• Leticia Bufoni

• Chloe Covell

• Rayssa Leal

• Funa Nakayama

• Aori Nishimura

• Momiji Nishiya

• Poe Pinson

• Pamela Rosa

• Roos Zwetsloot

Fans can also consume behind-the-scenes X Games content on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. On TikTok, fans can discover and stay tuned in to the X Games action by checking out #XGames and using the hashtag in their own content for a chance to be featured.

In addition to the content on ESPN’s U.S.-based media platforms, X Games 2022 will be televised globally in 192 countries and territories to more than 500 million homes.

Image via SLS - Rayssa Leal 1st, Yumeka Oda 2nd, Pamela Rosa 3rd

The SLS Women’s Comp in Jacksonville, FL was seriously unbelievable - if you missed any portion of the prelims or finals, we have both here.

Watch the SLS women’s prelims that took place on Saturday because all the women seriously ripped! There were some surprises there, too, so it’s definitely worth a watch!

It was also a bonus having OG skater Alex White back doing interviews with the skaters - let’s keep that going!!

In the finals, it was a battle until the end with Rayssa Leal and Yumeka Oda.

Rayssa prevailed on her last trick scoring a 7.5 on her final trick attempt to sail her past Yumeka and into first place. This is the 4th SLS women’s event that Rayssa has won.

It should be noted that there was some interesting confusion when Pamela Rosa got a ZERO score on one of her tricks as the judges said she executed a trick from one of her two runs leading up to the trick section. As of last year, skaters may NOT execute a trick in the best trick portion of the contest that they have done in one of their two runs. Pamela seemed to either be confused or was saying it was a “variation” on a trick she had performed in her run. Either way, her score stayed at Zero for that trick attempt.

Watch the SLS prelims and the finals and see how much women’s street skateboarding has progressed!

RESULTS

1. Rayssa Leal (BRA) - 23.2

2. Oda Yumeka (JPN) - 23.0

3. Pamela Rosa (BRA) - 17.6

4. Nishiya Momiji (JPN) - 17.5

5. Roos Zwetsloot (NED)- 17.1

6. Poe Pinson (USA) - 14.5

7. Gabi Mazetto (BRA) - 12.5

8. Nishimura Aori - 10.4

Past SLS Competition - Image via SLS

Get ready, because SLS is starting this weekend and the women are more than ready! Some are just getting back from competing in Rome at Olympic qualifiers and the heat is ON. Tune in and give your support to all the women skating in SLS this weekend!

Where is SLS Jacksonville taking place?

The competition will be held at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

How do I Watch?

Info via SLS

What time is SLS Jacksonville?

Saturday, July 16 Women's & Men's Prelims

• 12:00 PM - 2:05 PM ET Women's Prelims (2 Runs + 4 Tricks)

Sunday, July 17 Women's & Men's Final 

• 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM ET Women's Final (2 Runs + 4 Tricks + 2 Tricks, 8 skaters)

What is the SLS 2022 schedule?

• Jacksonville, Florida - July 16-17

• Seattle, Washington - August 13-14

• Las Vegas, Nevada - September 8-9

• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - November 5-6

Women Competing on SLS 2022 Tour

Rayssa Leal

Aori Nishimura

Marina Gabriela

Candy Jacobs

Pamela Rosa

Samarria Brevard

Funa Nakayama

Vitoria Mendonca

Roos Zwetsloot

Keet Oldenbeuving

Gabriela Mazetto

Momiji Nishiya

Poe Pinson

Yumeka Oda

We thought it was time to revisit this amazing day we witnessed in 2016 at the Vans Pro Skate Series in Huntington Beach, CA. When this “new girl” dropped into the park and started skating, people wrongly assumed that Hanna Zanzi virtually came out of nowhere. They couldn’t have been more wrong. Hanna had been skating since she was a young kid tearing it up at CASL contests and all the other events meant for kids her age. After a few years of winning against the girls, and boys, she quietly slid out of the contest scene, but she still kept skating - for herself.

Hanna Zanzi - - Photo Ian Logan

Coming back and entering the Vans Pro Park Series was fun for her - win or lose, she was out to skate hard, try daring new tricks, and smile no matter what. She had a 100% “go for broke” attitude. Nothing was calculated, there were no specific runs in her head, she just skated. Hard. Girls who had been competing together often were upended by the situation of this “newcomer” in their midst. When she posted a huge score on her first run during the finals, that was it. She had the lead and was poised to win. After the last skater took their run and the scores showed that she was way ahead of the second closest skater, the crowd went wild and the tide turned. Hanna totally shook up the womxn’s competitive skateboarding circuit that day.

Podium - Jordyn Barratt 3rd, Hanna Zanzi 1st, Lizzie Armanto 2nd - Photo Ian Logan

We firmly believe that having open contests like this (as opposed to invite only) only makes womxn’s skateboarding that much stronger and pushes everyone a bit harder.

Know your women’s skate history and the stories that are buried a bit, like Hanna’s - it’s important.

X Games 2022 Returns to Southern California July 20-24 with More than 15 Hours of Live Coverage

• All X Games Competitions to Stream Live on ESPN+ for the First Time Ever
  
  

WOMEN’S SKATE SCHEDULE - TUNE IN!

Saturday, July 23rd - Women’s Skateboard Park

In this Final-only format, the eight to ten athletes will complete as many runs as possible within a 36-minute jam session, with their best run score counting towards final ranking. Competitors will be judged based on aggressive execution of maneuvers, degree of difficulty, variety, continuity of run, originality and style, amplitude (height of airs) and use of the course.

Women’s Competition Format
Final 10 (1 heat of 10) 36-min jam Best score per rider

1 PM ET / 10 AM PT (block of various events - but women’s park should come on first)

On ABC and ESPN+

Sunday, July 24th - Women’s Skateboard Street

The Street competition features a street-inspired course that consists of stair sets, banks, manual pads, ledges, rails and quarterpipes. In this Final-only format, the ten athletes will complete as many runs as possible within a 36-minute jam session, with their best run score counting towards final ranking. Competitors will be scored on degree of difficulty, variety, height, distance and execution of
tricks, along with continuity of run, originality, style and use of the entire course.

Women’s Competition Format

Final 10 (1 heat of 10). 36-min jam Best score per rider

1PM ET / 10 AM PT - (women’s street should come on right after BMX Dirt and Street Best Trick)

On ABC and ESPN+

This event marks the first time X Games content will stream live on ESPN+, in addition to more than 15 hours of the best action sports competition on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC July 20 – 24. X Games will once again collaborate with Instagram and TikTok to bring fans the most extensive coverage on social media.

In addition to the content on ESPN’s U.S.-based media platforms, X Games 2022 will be televised globally in 192 countries and territories to more than 500 million homes.

Social Media & Entertainment Platforms at X Games 2022

With a projected 1000+ posts from July 20-24, @XGames social media will be firing on all cylinders with behind-the-scenes content, viral-potential TikTok’s & Reels and athlete collabs of gold, silver and bronze medal runs. Fans can consume X Games content on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat. On TikTok, fans can discover and tune in/watch alongside/stay tuned to the X Games action by checking out #XGames and using the hashtag in their own content for a chance to be featured.

A NEW FEMALE ANALYST JOINS JACK MITRANI!

It also exciting to hear that pro skater Amelia Brodka will be joining the team of play-by-play commentators and analysts! Gary Rogers returns with help from newcomers Renton Millar and Amelia Brodka, covering Skateboard Vert, MegaPark and Women’s events, respectively. Brodka is a two-time X Games competitor and represented Poland at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Announcer for the Bondi Bowlarama and X Games Sydney 2018, Millar’s skateboarding career spanned more than 30 years and all facets of the industry.  

ESPN’s Victoria Arlen provides the week’s sideline reporting.

The women’s lineup for X Games park and street has been updated and it’s looking like a packed field of shredders from all over the globe.

WOMEN’S PARK INVITED ATHLETES (as of 7/12/22)

• Lizzie Armanto

• Sky Brown

• Yurin Fujii

• Cocona Hiraki

• Ruby Lilley

• Kisa Nakamura

• Minna Stess

• Mami Tezuka

• Bryce Wettstein

• Sakura Yosozumi

WOMEN’S STREET INVITED ATHLETES (as of 7/12/22)

• Samarria Brevard

• Leticia Bufoni

• Chloe Covell

• Rayssa Leal

• Funa Nakayama

• Aori Nishimura

• Momiji Nishiya

• Poe Pinson

• Pamela Rosa

• Roos Zwetsloot

Fans gather in the Community Market at the 2019 Vans US Open of Surfing. 
Photo Credit: Brandon Means / Vans US Open of Surfing

 World’s Largest Action Sports Festival Returns to Huntington Beach Showcasing Surf, Skateboarding and BMX Competition, and Southern California Beach Culture from July 30 - August 7; Nine-Day Festival Will Feature Engaging Creative Activities for the Entire Family and Community Events

Huntington Beach, Calif./USA (July 6, 2022) — The 2022 Vans US Open of Surfing (VUSOS) today announced its schedule of events for the nine-day action sports festival including surf, skateboarding and BMX competition as well as a full calendar of engaging creative activities for the entire family to enjoy. The world’s largest action sports festival returns to the southside of the Huntington Beach Pier from July 30 through August 7, 2022. The entire event is free and open to the public from 7:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. every day. Fans can find more details and the full schedule of events at VansUSOpenofSurfing.com.

The theme of this year’s Vans US Open of Surfing is focused on the importance of environmental responsibility. Eco-consciousness is integrated into all Vans activations to showcase the connection of sustainability with surf culture and surf product. This year’s VUSOS also features community events including a two-day youth surf camp experience from August 3-4 with two sessions, where non-profits from around Southern California will bring in youth from underserved communities to experience the US Open. Led by longtime Vans non-profit partner City Surf Project, additional partners for the US Open Vans Surf Camp include Stoked Mentoring, Native Like Water, and the HB Rangers program.

The Vans US Open offers a plethora of live action summer entertainment, including surfboard shaping workshops, art installations, customization workshops, music lessons, movie premieres and much more. Activities and workshops are scheduled every day beginning July 30. Highlights taking place on-site include:

ACTIVITIES

• 9 a.m. - 4p.m. DAILY: Van Doren Village is open daily featuring a multitude of activities, sponsor booths and the Vans Retail Experience, an immersive shopping experience tied directly to the theme of sustainability including:

  • Wetsuit Repair w/Stitchbox - In the spirit of upcycling and sustainability, the event will offer free wetsuit repair for the local community throughout the entire event w/ Buddy Pendergast and his crew at Stitchbox.

  • Duct Tape Shaping Bay - The shaping bay will use eco-friendly materials with Golden State Glassing and Shred Co. Experiences will be available to Vans Family, Athletes, Media, KOL's and social sweepstake winners.

  • Vans Community Market - Featuring vendors such as Vinyl Solution, Costa Mesa Ceramics, Jokers Skateshop, Sustainable Coastlines, OC Coast Keeper and more. Thursday August 4 will also feature a community market board swap with rare and unique surf craft and accessories.

• 12-2 p.m. DAILY: Steve Van Doren BBQ - Vans founder Steve Van Doren will be on the grill serving free lunch to fans every day

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m. DAILY: The Vans Retail Store is open daily. 

• August 1 & 2 - Vans Skatepark Sessions (BMX / Skate) - Adding to the DIY skate element, Vans will again host open-to-the-public skate and BMX sessions for the community.

  BMX fans will also experience the brand-new Vans BMX Waffle Cup event, showcasing creative BMX street style and unique BMX obstacles. RSVP to secure your spot at www.vansusopenofsurfing.com. 

• August 3 & 4 - Vans Surf Camp will take place each morning, providing access and resources to learn to surf for all ages. Vans will be partnering with non-profit organizations including Stoked Mentoring and City Surf Project to activate.

Fans watch the action of the surf finals at the 2019 Vans US Open of Surfing. 
Photo Credit: Kenny Morris / World Surf League

COMPETITION

• 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. DAILY: World Surf League’s Challenger Series (Men & Women) - The Vans US Open of Surfing will feature the fourth stop of the WSL Challenger Series with 160 of the world’s best and rising talent who will be competing for Championship Tour qualification. Finals are scheduled to run on August 7.

• July 30 & 31: Vans BMX Waffle Cup (Men & Women) - Named by BMX star Dakota Roche, this competition is where the best in BMX will take center stage and will kick off this year's Vans US Open of Surfing weekend.

• August 2-7: The Vans Duct Tape Invitational and Festival (Men & Women) - Where culture meets competition. For the first time ever, this year’s competition will be sanctioned by the WSL as part of the World Surf Longboard Tour. Featuring 40 of the world’s best male and female longboarders competing for a total prize purse of $50,000, including previous winner Justin Quintal and world number one, Harrison Roach, WSL Women’s World Longboarding Champion Honolua Blomfield, style maven Karina Rozunko, and more. The Duct Tape Invitational will also highlight four influential names in action sports to create hand-shaped surfboards for the community including Olympic Park Skateboarder Zion Wright, local renowned surfboard shaper Troy Elmore, pro surfer Holly Wawn and three-time X Games BMX medalist Dakota Roche. 

• August 6 & 7: Vans Showdown (Men & Women) -  Anchoring the nine-day festival is the Vans Showdown,  featuring the most relevant street skaters from around the world to celebrate skate culture by bringing together the world’s most exciting and stylish skaters.

  Following the end of the 2022 Vans US Open of Surfing, all build materials will be repurposed through the Skatepark Project to donate towards an current park build in Southern California.

For a complete schedule of events, how to tune into the action and additional information, please visit: VansUSOpenofSurfing.com.

Recognized as the largest professional sports competition and action sports festival in the world, the Vans US Open of Surfing is currently sanctioned by the World Surf League and operated in conjunction with IMG, the event owner. Official partners of this year's event include Vans, 805, BF Goodrich, Flying Embers, Hydro Flask, Pacifico, Sambazon, Shiseido, YouTheory and more.

Photo Ian Logan

Premier Skateboarding Association (PSA) announced last night via Instagram, that they, unfortunately, had to postpone their season opener on July 9th at SoFi Stadium. Looks like more details and a new date are coming - so stay tuned!

Photo In Logan

We are all about this new league and the funds they are infusing into women’s skateboarding! We will be the first to announce when new dates have been set so you can buy a ticket and watch it all go down!

If you haven’t watched Mano A Mano this season - it’s a must!

Ruby Lilley takes on Amelia Brodka in the final game of Mano A Mano 2022. And there is some serious skating going down. Stay tuned and get ready to gen pumped!

What is Mano A Mano? The game brings 24 of the world’s best transition skaters together for a single-elimination Game of S.K.A.T.E. tournament on the iconic Mini Ramp at Woodward West. New for 2022 is an 8-skater women’s division featuring top pros and up-and-coming talent, along with a handful of bonus challenges for cash prizes.

Funa Nakayama ~ Photo via World Skate

The Women’s Skateboarding Street Qualifier today in Rome was insane! We don’t want to give it all away in case you missed it live (we have the full video below) but we will say that Chloe Covell from AU was absolutely killing it! At just twelve years old Chloe solidly held her own with these seasoned competitors. The Japanese skaters were determined to make this a full sweep even with the two Brazilians, Rayssa Leal and Pamela Rosa nipping at their heels. Fierce competition took place and it was anyone’s guess as to who would make it onto the podium.

It also bears noting that the USA did not have any female skaters make it to the quarter-finals or beyond. We really have our work cut out for us. Right now Japan and Brazil are dominating with AU gaining as well.

Last but not least, it was fantastic having OG pro skater Alex White doing commentary during the women’s comp. Her knowledge of tricks, background on each skater, scoring, and more make her our favorite! It’s been a difficult road getting female announcers at women’s comps and the Olympics should be thankful to have Alex on board. Let’s hope she is their select for Paris 2024!

Competition Format:

2 Runs + 5 Trick Attempts (Best Run + 02 Best Tricks Counts)

8 Athletes per heat (2 heats)

Spoiler Alert Below!!

Results:

1. Funa Nakayama - Japan Score: 264.13

2. Momiji Nishiya - Japan Score: 255.64

3. Yumeka Oda - Japan Score: 254.91

4. Rizu Akama - Japan Score: 254.62

5. Rayssa Leal - Brazil Score: 247.69

6. Coco Yoshizawa - Japan Score: 242.51

7. Chloe Covell - Australia Score: 230.59

8. Pamela Rosa - Brazil Score: 205.80

Rayssa Leal ~ Image via Olympic Channel

How To Watch Live

All times below are CEST - Rome is ahead of the USA in the time zone.

Saturday, July 2 Live on Olympics.com

Men's & Women's Semifinal
Competition Format: 2 Runs + 5 Trick Attempts (Best Run + 02 Best Tricks Counts)
8 Athletes per heat (4 heats) - 16 per Gender

4:30 p.m. Women's Semifinal Heat 1 Eastern Time is 10:30 AM / Pacific Time is 7:30 AM
5:55 p.m. Women's Semifinal Heat 2
7:30 p.m. Men's Semifinal Heat 1
8:55 p.m. Men's Semifinal Heat 2

Sunday, July 3 Live on Olympics.com

Men's & Women's Final
Competition Format: 2 Runs + 5 Trick Attempts (Best Run + 02 Best Tricks Counts)
8 Athletes per heat (2 heats) - 8 per Gender

4:55 p.m - 6:30 p.m. Men's & Women's Practice - Eastern Time is 10:55 AM / Pacific Time is 7:55 AM
7:00 p.m. Women’s Final
9:00 p.m. Men’s Final
10:30 p.m. Awards ceremony

Leticia Bufoni for Monarch Project

When Monarch Project announced its arrival just about a year ago, everyone was excited to see Leticia Bufoni and Sky Brown heading up the new brand. Some even thought (including us) that this would be a women’s skateboard brand/skate team. The team does consist of lots of ripping AMs, and for a while, they had 6-year-old Paige Tobin, the AU Instagram sensation on the AM team as well - which made it promising that they’d sign more non-traditional skaters.

But after seeing that Paige left Monarch recently for Ryan Sheckler’s Sandlot Times brand and is promoting his new “Smalls” line, we started wondering what other girls or womxn we’d see on the Monarch Project AM team.

We didn’t have to wait too long - today their new AM video “Hello” dropped, and the only female skateboarders featured in it are, (wait for it) Leticia and Sky. That’s right - the two Monarch Project co-founders. No other non-traditional skaters are featured in the “Hello” video.

We hope that with all the amazing skateboarders (of all ages) out there, we will see more of a balance in their team riders - because if two women with their combined skate power can’t change how skate teams look - we are left shaking our heads.