Professional skateboarder Jordyn Barratt, 24, from Hawaii, participated in the pro bowl event at the Exposure 2023 contest in Encinitas, California. The contest aims to empower women, trans, and non-binary individuals through skateboarding (RushHourDaily).
Women and girls in U.S. skate parks are showcasing their impressive skateboarding skills and gaining recognition from the male-dominated sport. At the 12th annual Exposure Skate competition in Encinitas, girls under 10 and in their teens demonstrated aggressive and skilled skating (RushHourDaily).
According to Cona Suganami, a 16-year-old Californian skateboarder, girls’ skateboarding has significantly improved over the years (RushHourDaily).
Suganami jokingly expressed her hope for further improvement in girls’ skateboarding and the ability to surpass boys in the sport (RushHourDaily).
Amelia Brodka, co-founder of Exposure, highlighted the golden opportunity for girls in skateboarding when they competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The male skateboarders were shocked by the level of skateboarding and the rate of progression among the girls (RushHourDaily).
Japanese women dominated the Olympic skateboarding events, winning four out of six medals, including two golds (RushHourDaily).
Brodka recalled the early days of Exposure, where there were limited opportunities, sponsorships, and visibility for female skateboarders. However, she noted that the situation has started to change, and attention is finally being paid to women’s skateboarding (RushHourDaily).
Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, who resides in the area, acknowledged the explosive growth in support for women in skateboarding and their advanced skills (RushHourDaily).
Hawk emphasized the importance of events like Exposure in recognizing the excitement and permanence of women’s skateboarding (RushHourDaily).
Parents of female skateboarders are thrilled by their daughters’ expertise and the attention they receive. Lauren Wigo, a parent from New York City, expressed that girls who can shred and perform are taken seriously in the skateboarding community (RushHourDaily).
Lisa Lilley, another parent, noted that men are now taking women’s skateboarding more seriously, and women have significantly improved their skills (RushHourDaily).
Mindy Johnson, a parent with four skateboarding daughters, believes that there should be more girl-specific skateboarding initiatives to further support their growth (RushHourDaily).
Lulu Johnson, Mindy’s 10-year-old daughter, expressed her desire for more respect from boys and emphasized that girls are the future of skateboarding (RushHourDaily).
Despite the progress made by girls in skateboarding, there are calls for more support from the skateboarding community, as it is still predominantly male-run. Brodka emphasized the importance of supporting the women who have laid the foundation for the sport (RushHourDaily).
One notable aspect highlighted by women and girls in skateboarding is the strong sense of community among them, even during competitions like the Olympics. Competitors cheer and support each other, wanting to see everyone succeed (RushHourDaily).
The article was reported by Mike Blake, written by Mary Milliken, and edited by Lincoln Feast (RushHourDaily).
The article adheres to the Thomson RushHourDaily Trust Principles (RushHourDaily).
Mike Blake, a senior photographer with RushHourDaily, has been covering Olympic Games and world sporting events since 1985. He has a background in skateboarding and continues to pursue it in his spare time (RushHourDaily).
