Skateboarding recently stole the spotlight in New York City’s vibrant atmosphere, when Vans hosted an all-day block party in Bushwick during NYFW. The event, taking place at Vans Skate Space 198, celebrated the local skateboarding scene, with a special emphasis on inclusivity and community.
What makes the NYC skate community stand out is the focus on supporting female and queer skaters in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated: over the years many groups, associations, skate classes and brands driven by women have emerged across the city, all with the shared goal of recognizing the growing presence of female skaters and making this sport more inclusive. Some of the most relevant collectives, mentioned in the interviews, are Bronx Girls Skate, The Skate Kitchen, Sk8babes, Harold Hunter Foundation, Staten Island Women’s Skate Group, Pansy Skate, and many more.
During the event, we had the chance to capture 17 stylish and talented female skateboarders and ask their perspectives on the evolution of the local skateboarding scene, with focus on the growing presence of queer and female skaters. Get to know them below.
© Casawi | Maki Oddo
Mel, @h0lymel
How would you describe the community of female skateboarders in New York?
It’s definitely something special. I’m the co-founder of the collective ‘Bronx Girls Skate’ and it’s so awesome to see the growth we brought to the female skate community in the Bronx. Everytime we host events, I love how girls show up and just cheer for each other, it’s honestly one of the best feelings in the world.
Have you faced any challenges as a woman practicing skateboarding?
I don’t have to face any challenges anymore now, due to how much skateboarding has changed. But back when I first started skating I was intimated to go to a skatepark that wasn’t my local. I used to get comments on why I had make-up or why I skate with make-up but most of my responses were that “I will never change”.
© Casawi | Maki Oddo
Karla, @___canvas
How and when did you start skateboarding? Ever since I was a kid I’ve always thought skate culture was so cool and I remember watching my neighbor skate up and down the street. Fast forward to 2014, I had a job that surrounded me with other artists and a group of skateboarders: I thought skaters were so cool, so I bought my own skateboard. At that time, in Boston there were not really girls skating at all, so I was skating alone which wasn’t really motivating.
How would you describe the community of female skateboarders in New York? From what I’ve seen so far, the female skateboarding community here is amazing. It’s so diverse and I can tell the girls here start young. Skate culture is widespread here, it’s normal for the girls to skate just as hard as the guys. I see a lot more friend groups of guys and girls skating together here than in Boston.
© Casawi | Maki Oddo
Isa, @belle.tower
Who are your inspirations in the skateboarding world?Honestly, anyone who identifies as female or non-binary and skates inspires me. Nora Vasconcellos was one of my first inspirations, but seeing anyone out there shredding motivates me.
What advice would you give to girls who want to start skateboarding?If you want to start skating, my best advice is to get a board and head to your local skatepark to meet the community. Skateboarding is like a universal language - just having a board is an instant conversation starter. You’ll be surprised by how often people are eager to help you grow!
© Casawi | Maki Oddo
Pink, @blackspacebabe
How would you describe the community of female skateboarders in New York? There’s many people in the community pushing to create more spaces that are accepting of everyone and also supportive of different types of skateboarding. New York is one of my favorite places to skate.
Are there any events or groups that specifically support women in skateboarding?Off the top of my head Bronx Girl Skate, Harold Hunter Foundation and Staten Island Women’s Skate Group. There are also contests year round that include divisions other than only men’s skate divisions, which is important. It’s definitely a growing scene.
© Casawi | Maki Oddo
Sarina, @nysarina
Who are your inspirations in the skateboarding world? Skating is such a welcoming community: at first, it may seem intimidating because of the stereotypes, however no matter what skatepark you visit and what level you are, everyone is so willing to share and have fun together. My biggest inspirations are Andy Anderson, Michie Brusco, JD Sanchez and Mel, co-founder of @bronxgirlsskate.
What advice would you give to girls who want to start skateboarding?If you don’t try, just like in life, you’ll never know! It’s so important to be mindful and not give up, and encourage others as well. Some people are naturals when it comes to skating and others need more practicing and time on the board: either way, it’s important to have fun and make yourself proud.
© Casawi | Maki Oddo
Dani, @dbr.6699
Have you faced any challenges as a woman practicing skateboarding? 13 years ago it was a real challenge, specifically in Colombia where skateboarding was not very common and was very stigmatized (even more so being a woman) but now I feel that with popularity and social acceptance there are many opportunities for everyone.
How would you describe the community of female skateboarders in New York? It’s a very strong and large community, with very talented women not only practicing skateboarding: some are designers, photographers, models and they know how to combine and take advantage of skateboarding in a city like New York. It feels almost like a family.
© Casawi | Maki Oddo
Sofia, @sofiathebaddest333
Are there any events or groups that specifically support women in skateboarding?
Some events that I really like going to are hosted by Pansy Skate. Also Sk8babes is such a cool group, they have classes for all girls and all ages (even for moms that want to skate!).
Who are your inspirations in the skateboarding world?
Some of my inspirations in skating are my friends Stephen, Blue, and Liv (who runs an all-girls skate class in NYC), and also Lizzie Armanto, Fabiana Delfino, Kein Caples, and so many more.
© Casawi | Maki Oddo
Gabriela, @g.yu.r.yu_
What advice would you give to girls who want to start skateboarding?
My advice to all girls that are trying to get on the board is to get out of your bubble. You know it’s gonna be really uncomfortable at first but I’m cheering for you and everybody else is cheering for you, so keep going!
Have you faced any challenges as a woman practicing skateboarding?
A challenge that I face skateboarding as a woman is probably having that time of the month when my mood swings flare and my body aches. That I feel is the biggest setback for me. Luckily, the female community here is very endearing: we are very compassionate towards one another and empathetic and we all have the same kind of mindset.
© Casawi | Maki Oddo
Claudia, @datgurlsk8tin
Have you faced any challenges as a woman practicing skateboarding?
I started skateboarding a month short of my 5th birthday, and I’ve been skateboarding for 25 years. Growing up in New York, there weren't many female skateboarders at the time. So there were many challenges: I would be the only girl in skateparks, the boys would call me a poser and I had to compete with them. I would get very excited when I would meet another girl that also skated.
How would you describe the community of female skateboarders in New York?
I believe the female skateboarding community is absolutely beautiful in NYC now, it is so supportive and inclusive to all! I wish I had all these girls to skate with when I was younger. As an older female skateboarder I’m proud to see how far women came into this sport, and how many female skaters there are in New York.
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© Casawi | Maki Oddo
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Clara Ferrati
Fashion editor and archivist based in Milan currently working as SMM/copywriter; enthusiast about fashion history & trends, music, cinema, social media.
@clarafrt