Skate Like a Girl: Carving Out Space in Skate Culture
BY SANONNA AL TAWEEL PHOTO BY KLEINPETER PHOTOGRAPHY 2024–25 COVER KID PARIS T. G one are the days of skateboarding being a boys’ club. Skate culture is shifting, and from Olympic podiums to neighborhood sidewalks, more girls are picking up boards and making the space their own. Thanks to social media, local skate collectives, and high-profile
on social media—as a key factor. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have given female skaters a place to connect, share their progress, and learn from each other. These online communities have become a powerful force in normalizing women’s presence in skateboarding. This surge of participation is also reflected in the work of organizations like Yeah Girl, a global media platform dedicated to empowering women through skateboarding and creative expression. Through events, storytelling, and community-building efforts, Yeah Girl creates inclusive spaces for skaters to thrive both online and in real life. Aside from social media, the culture shift in skateboarding is also visible across the country at the local level. Nonprofit skate- parks, local youth programs, and grassroots
organizations are stepping up to provide inclusive, judgment-free spaces where girls can learn to skate and feel like they belong. Andy Weiss, the director of a nonprofit indoor skatepark, says, “Our mission is to build community and resilience through skateboarding, and that means making sure everyone feels welcome, including girls. We’ve been really intentional about creating an environment where girls are supported from day one.” The welcoming atmosphere is making a difference. Girls are showing up and getting involved. Weiss continues, “There’s been a clear rise in the number of girls getting into skateboarding. Part of that is due to better visibility—girls and women are showing up more in competitions, in media, and in
athletes like Rayssa Leal and Leticia Bufoni, girls have more representation in the sport than ever before. Skate spaces that once felt intimidating and male-dominated are transforming into places where girls can grow their confidence and find community. The 2021 Skate Representation Survey, created by Mariah Davenport, found that participation rates of women in skate- boarding increased by a staggering 790 percent over the previous decade. The study points to increased visibility—particularly
32 AUGUST 2025 | BRPARENTS.COM
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