Skate Like a Girl: Carving Out Space in Skate Culture BY SANONNA ALTAWEEL
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 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 skateboarding increased by a staggering 790 percent over the previous decade.The study points to increased visibility—particularly on social media—as a key factor. Platforms likeTikTok 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 likeYeah 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.
When girls see that there’s space for them, they step into it and bring others with them.”
Aside from social media, the culture shift in skateboarding is also visible across the country at the local level. Nonprofit skateparks, 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.”
A 2024 study from NottinghamTrent University highlighted the many benefits of skateboarding for women, including improved body confidence, increased self-esteem, and overall mental well-being. Caroline Gevers, a female skate instructor, says that the impact of girls’ skate programs goes beyond just learning cool tricks on a board. “Skateboarding not only boosts girls’ confidence, but also strengthens their sense of belonging in a space they care about.The impact is honestly amazing to witness … I’ve seen girls go from shy and uncertain to bold and confident in the span of a one-hour lesson. Skateboarding helps them build confidence in such a natural, empowering way.They fall, get back up, and realize they’re capable of more than they thought.”
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 brand partnerships … Culturally, the skate world is evolving to be more inclusive, and programs like ours … are helping push that forward.
But despite the growing visibility and support, skateboarding can still present challenges for girls, especially in public skateparks.
Weiss explains, “Public skateparks can be intimidating, especially when you’re
14 AUGUST 2025 | CINCINNATIFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM
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