Who says girls can't skate?
Even though the typical scene at skate parks is a throng of boys barreling down the ramps, strutting their stuff, a growing number of girls are interested in – and proficient at – the sport. It may not be easy, but they draw support from their girlfriends to help them along.
This female encouragement is part of the mission of locally based Skate Like a Girl, which offers skateboarding lessons throughout the community. Thanks to their work, more girls are donning knee pads and helmets to give boarding a try.
"We model that skateboarding is a diverse activity, appropriate for people of all ages, sizes and genders," said Nancy Chang, Skate Like a Girl's board chair.
The organization had its grassroots beginnings in Olympia 11 years ago. It recently received nonprofit status and opened chapters in Portland and San Francisco. Chang, who has worked with Skate Like a Girl from the time it moved headquarters to Seattle in 2005, has been a part of its mission change.
What started as an effort to claim space and promote a female's right to skate, she says, has morphed into a more peaceful creation of inclusivity, equity and a community of people who support each other. This vision relies on accessible programs for families.
During the summer, Skate Like a Girl offers camps and weekly drop-in sessions for girls at the skate park at Seattle Center. When it's rainy, families can take part in the sessions at Inner Space in Wallingford, an indoor skate spot (boys are invited, too). They are also piloting programs with low-income schools and community centers to find ways to work with groups for extended periods of time.
Chang said they are working to create public programming for a sport that often does not have organized activities. "If you coordinate efforts, and say, 'come skate here on a certain day,' it results in camaraderie between skaters," she says.
Skate Like a Girl sessions are as much about spreading the love of skateboarding as they are about building community and empowering girls to believe in themselves. They also offer a safe environment, with instructors to spot the kids and hold their hands as they try new tricks.
Each Skate Like a Girl session starts out with a welcome circle, which gives children a chance to introduce themselves. The sessions culminate with a closing circle, when the group reflects on each individual achievement that day. They often stop to cheer for each other.
"One of the things I really admire about the Skate Like a Girl program and staff is how they embrace each and every child's unique abilities," said Deana Metteer, whose two daughters participate in the program. "They have a way of boosting kids' pride in themselves and promoting a sense of accomplishment, regardless of skill level."
This bodes well for Metteer's 12-year-old daughter, Emma, who has neurological disabilities and struggles to fit into competitive team sports. "She tends to be very serious, self-conscious and withdrawn in unfamiliar situations," Metteer said. "But last Sunday, she got up in front of 50 cheering onlookers to demonstrate how to roll down a ramp, kick turn and come back down the other side. I teared up with pride."
Metteer's youngest, 6-year-old Simone, can often be seen flying down the ramps in a bright pink tutu and sparkly shoes, with a giant smile on her face. She takes things at her own pace. Even at this age, with pads almost bigger than she is, Simone is learning to work the board.
The girls talk about the tricks they've learned – the "flippy-uppy" is a favorite – and, of course, what their skateboards look like. Simone's has a zombie on the back (it's hard to find girl boards, her mom laments), but she prides herself on its stickers anyway. Emma cherishes her board, which displays "the girl sign" (the kind you see on restroom doors).
When asked what she likes best about skateboarding, Emma says: "Not many girls do it, and it's fun. It's not as hard as you think."
Her sister, Simone, pipes up: "It's way easier than riding a bike."
"The sincerity and patience that the women leaders display in their interactions with the skaters promotes an inclusive learning environment for all," concludes Metteer. "For us, Skate Like a Girl sessions have been much more than just skateboarding lessons."
Skate Like A Girl Fall/Winter Programs and Events
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Girls in Space: A place for families to learn to skate (boys can come, too). The sessions run Sundays, 10 a.m. to noon, at Inner Space, located at 3506 ½ Stone Way N. in Seattle. The suggested donation is $20 per family, plus $5 to rent gear (if you've already logged some time on a board, drop in for $5). Pre-register at www.skatelikeagirl.com/seattle/gis.
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GoGirlGo: Skate Like a Girl's school program, offered in partnership with the Women's Sports Foundation, which includes discussions about girls’ issues and skateboarding lessons.
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Wheels of Fortune: An all-girls, all-abilities skate competition on Sunday, Jan. 8, at Inner Space in Seattle.
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Ladies’ Night: Any moms out there already skate? These drop-in weekly skate nights in Bellevue and Renton bring older teens and women together for an informal skate jam.
For more information: www.skatelikeagirl.com.
Taryn Zier is a freelance writer based in Lake Forest Park and mother of two children, ages 5 and 7.
