the only girl there. It’s tough to feel like you belong when the environment feels overwhelmingly male, or when you don’t see others who reflect your experience. We also hear a lot from female skaters about unsolicited advice. Even when it’s well-meaning, it can be frustrating to constantly have guys offer tips or guidance simply because you’re a girl. Most skaters appreciate help when they ask for it, but they don’t want to be treated like they need saving or hand-holding. That’s why it’s so important to create dedicated, judgment-free spaces where they can progress confidently on their own terms.” Gevers echoes the sentiment from her own experience, saying, “A lot of girls—including me—have dealt with the feeling that skateboarding is a male-dominated space where they might not belong.There’s often a fear of being judged, especially when you’re just starting out. I still remember the anxiety of showing up to skateparks alone when I first began skating and how daunting that was. Gaining that initial confidence in your skating ability can be a big hurdle, but that’s where supportive, inclusive environments … can really make a difference … Having friends, role models, and peers who uplift each other is such an important part of the skateboarding community!” Though there are many nonprofit skate programs across the country, the movement is far bigger than any single park or program. Girls are showing up in skateparks everywhere, making their mark in competitions, and starring in major brand campaigns. A defining moment came with the debut of women’s skateboarding at theTokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), where young stars like Rayssa Leal, Sky Brown, and Momiji Nishiya competed and sent the powerful message that skateboarding isn’t just for boys, and that age or gender don’t limit what you can achieve on a board. As the movement grows, so do opportunities. From local organizations to global stages like the Olympics, girls are carving out their place in the sport and inspiring others to follow. With every trick landed and every new rider who picks up a board, skateboarding’s future becomes brighter and more diverse.
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