It was summer 2019 and at the time I was working at a startup company. We had a big sponsored event at a Portland Timbers game and a couple coworkers and I volunteered to work it. I was definitely not passing up a free opportunity to see some soccer. But that was when my coworker discovered that I skateboarded by seeing the skateboards in the trunk of my car. We talked for a bit and I came to learn that she had been learning to skate and was also working for an organization called Skate Like A Girl. This was the first time I had ever heard of it and was definitely intrigued from what my coworker told me about it.
Skateboarding has always been a predominantly male sport and whenever you see a girl tearing up the parks it’s like witnessing a shooting star. Hearing that there is an organization that gives a safe space where girls can step out of their comfort zone and pick up a board. From my experience skating, it has always been a very inviting and accepting environment for everyone, or at least to other males. But I do realize it can be a little intense and uncomfortable to be the odd one out. That was the reason why I was so interested in Skate Like A Girl and support it fully. Skateboarding needs to be more diverse not just in race but gender. Skateboarding is a sport for everyone and should make you feel accepted and part of a community of friends.
Here are a few photos from my experience at a Skate Like A Girl PDX clinic. If you’re interested in learning more, please visit SkateLikeAGirl Cheers!
