How to Support Female Skateboarders!

Skateboarding is one of the most exciting sports out there, and it’s for everyone. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been skating for years, you’ve probably noticed the increasing presence of female skaters hitting the parks, streets, and even professional competitions. It’s an awesome sight, but there’s still a long way to go to make sure female skaters get the recognition, respect, and support they deserve. If you’re looking for ways to support female skateboarders, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into some practical tips to help uplift and empower female skaters, especially here in the Southwestern U.S.!

Show Up and Support in Person

Attend Local Skate Events and Competitions

One of the best ways to support female skateboarders is by showing up for them in person. Local skate events and competitions are where the magic happens, and having a supportive crowd can make all the difference. I remember my first local competition—seeing friends and even strangers cheering me on from the sidelines gave me the confidence to push myself harder and land tricks I’d been struggling with. Female skaters feel the same way, so being there to cheer them on is huge!

Keep an eye out for events that feature female skaters. Whether it's a small local competition, a skate jam, or a big contest, your presence can boost their morale and show that the community has their back. Plus, these events are a great opportunity to see some amazing skateboarding, meet new people, and be part of the local scene.

Visit Female-Led Skate Sessions

Female-led skate sessions are becoming more common, and they’re such a cool way for skaters to connect and learn from each other in a supportive environment. These sessions are often less intimidating for beginners and provide a space for female skaters to practice, share tips, and build confidence. If you hear about a girls’ skate day or a female-focused skate clinic, make it a point to go. Not only will you be supporting the skaters, but you might also pick up some new tricks yourself!

Amplify Their Voices on Social Media

Follow and Engage with Female Skaters

We all spend a lot of time on social media, so why not use it to support female skateboarders? Start by following female skaters on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms. When you like, comment, and share their content, it helps boost their visibility and shows brands and event organizers that there’s a demand for more female representation in skateboarding.

I love following skaters like Leticia Bufoni and Nora Vasconcellos—seeing their tricks pop up in my feed is always inspiring. And it’s not just about the pros. Follow local skaters, up-and-coming talent, and even your friends. The more we engage with their content, the more we help to amplify their voices.

Share Female-Focused Skate Content

When you come across a cool video, interview, or article featuring female skaters, don’t just scroll past it—share it! Use your platform to highlight the achievements of female skateboarders. Whether it’s a clip of a skater landing a sick trick, an article about a female skate legend, or a feature on an emerging skater, sharing this content helps bring more attention to the talents of female skaters.

Use Relevant Hashtags

Hashtags can be a powerful tool for connecting with and supporting female skaters. Next time you post a skate video or photo, try using hashtags like #GirlSkateboarders, #WomenWhoSkate, or #SkateLikeAGirl. These hashtags make it easier for others to find and support female skateboarding content and help build a more inclusive community online.

Buy and Promote Female-Led Skate Brands

Support Brands Founded by Female Skaters

Putting your money where your mouth is can have a big impact. There are some amazing skate brands out there founded by female skaters or that heavily support female skaters. Buying from these brands not only helps keep them in business but also sends a message that there’s a demand for their products. Brands like Meow Skateboards, founded by Lisa Whitaker, focus on supporting female skaters and creating high-quality gear that caters to their needs.

Feature Their Merch in Your Posts

Next time you’re at the skatepark, snap a pic of yourself rocking some gear from a female-led brand. Share it on your social media and tag the brand. This not only helps promote the brand but also shows your support for female skaters. It’s a simple way to spread the word and encourage others to do the same.

Educate Yourself and Others

Learn About the History of Women in Skateboarding

Knowing the history of female skateboarding can give you a deeper appreciation for the women who have paved the way. From pioneers like Patti McGee, who was the first female skateboarder to be featured on the cover of Life magazine in 1965, to modern-day trailblazers like Lizzie Armanto, who was the first woman to complete Tony Hawk's 360 Loop, women have always been a vital part of skateboarding.

By learning about these icons and their contributions, you can better appreciate the challenges they’ve faced and the progress that’s been made. Share what you learn with others—whether it’s in a conversation at the skatepark or a post on social media.

Address Stereotypes and Misconceptions

Unfortunately, female skaters still face stereotypes and misconceptions. Some people might think that girls aren’t as good at skating, or that they only do it for attention. As someone who loves skateboarding, you can help challenge these stereotypes by speaking up when you hear them and by showing through your actions that skateboarding is for everyone. Celebrate the skills and achievements of female skaters, and don’t be afraid to call out negative comments when you hear them.

Encourage Female Friends to Skate

Invite Female Friends to the Skatepark

If you have friends who’ve shown an interest in skateboarding but haven’t taken the plunge yet, invite them to join you at the skatepark! It can be intimidating to start skating, especially in a male-dominated space, but having a friend to skate with can make it a lot less scary.

I’ve had friends who were hesitant to try skating because they thought they wouldn’t fit in, but after bringing them to a few skate sessions, they got hooked. Now, we’re hitting the park together regularly! Sometimes, all it takes is that first invite to get someone started.

Offer to Teach or Learn Together

You don’t have to be a pro to help someone learn to skate. Offer to teach a few basics, or if you’re both beginners, learn together. Set up informal skate sessions where the goal is to have fun and improve, not to show off or compete. Creating a supportive environment can help new skaters build confidence and enjoy the sport.

Support Organizations and Initiatives for Female Skateboarders

Highlight Nonprofits and Groups

There are many organizations dedicated to empowering female skateboarders, and they do incredible work. For example, Skate Like a Girl is a nonprofit that hosts skate clinics, camps, and events to promote inclusivity in skateboarding. Girls Skate Network is another fantastic resource that showcases female skateboarding through videos and articles.

Supporting these organizations through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word can make a big difference. They provide valuable resources, create safe spaces, and offer opportunities for female skaters to grow and thrive.

Participate in Events

If there’s a female-focused skate event happening in your area, consider attending or even volunteering. These events are not only fun but also provide a platform for female skaters to showcase their skills and connect with others. Your involvement shows that you value and support these initiatives, helping to build a more inclusive skateboarding community.

Supporting female skateboarders isn’t just about being a fan—it’s about taking action to make skateboarding more inclusive and welcoming for everyone. Whether you’re showing up at events, engaging on social media, supporting female-led brands, or encouraging your friends to skate, every little bit helps. The skateboarding community is all about passion, and by supporting female skaters, you’re helping to keep that passion alive and thriving.

So get out there, show your support, and let’s keep rolling forward together!

Keep shredding and spreading the love for skateboarding! If you’re already out there supporting female skaters, share your stories with me—I’d love to hear them. Tag me in your posts and let’s keep the conversation going. Skateboarding is better when we all ride together! 🛹💜