In almost any situation, there is nothing more inviting than a safe and supportive atmosphere. That is why in terms of something like skateboarding, women sometimes need their own space, time, and the right kind of people in order to learn or feel inspired to keep going.
As a female skateboarder, nothing made me feel more at home and involved than when my friends and I started our own page and began to host our own meet-ups for other girls.
Of course this can all be achieved on a smaller scale, but it’s a lot of help to get aid from local skate shops or organizations which back the whole concept. By donating any amount to organizations like “Exposure” or “Skate Like a Girl” you can help fund events, clinics, and opportunities for young girls and women on a larger scale to make new friendships while learning in all inclusive environments. This will even go as far as to put a board under someone’s feet who could not afford it.
There is no doubt that I myself, and I’m sure many other girls incorporating a stereotypically “male” hobby into their life have dealt with some sort of internal or external conflict. It’s either a question of how this will be viewed and judged by men who see you as a “try hard” or “poser,” or whether or not your girl friends will all of a sudden stop hanging out with you. (Not that it even matters, you do you.) The “outsider” kind of feeling and image has nonetheless become something popularly used in a lot of movies and media for people to find some sort of connection to either in a meaningful or humorous way.
In terms of women in skateboarding specifically, “Skate Kitchen” was a movie I found a personal connection to.
The main character Rachelle Vinberg, being a girl skater I’ve followed on Instagram through her growing fandom, essentially gives viewers an inside look at her life as a girl skater before and after meeting a group of other female skaters in New York City. I think this movie served as a pretty good representation of how having others around you that are like you/ and have the same passions gives you a sense of identity and fulfillment. Not only did Rachelle gain lasting friendships, but a form of community that was supportive and understanding that she never had beforehand. It also goes to show how before finding the idea of “your place” and “your people,” you can feel very lonely and like you don’t belong.
I think a lot of girls (not just within skateboarding) can appreciate the message and overall girl power that is expressed through this movie and I urge everyone who has an interest to watch! You can watch it on Hulu as well as rent it from YouTube, or Amazon Prime!
Skate Like A Girl 