"Female Skaters Taking Over: The Rise of Women's Skateboarding"

 What is Women's Skateboarding and Why is it Becoming So Popular?

Women's skateboarding refers to the participation of women and girls in the sport of skateboarding, which involves riding and performing tricks on a board with wheels. Skateboarding has traditionally been dominated by male skaters, but in recent years, there has been a growing number of female skaters who have been making a name for themselves in the skateboarding community.

There are a few reasons why women's skateboarding is becoming more popular. First, there has been a concerted effort to increase the visibility and representation of female skaters in skateboarding culture. This has included events like the Women's Skateboarding Alliance (WSA) Championships and the Vans Park Series Women's Pro Tour, which provide platforms for female skateboarders to showcase their skills.

Additionally, the rise of social media has allowed female skateboarders to gain more exposure and build their followings. Many female skaters have become influencers and role models for young girls who aspire to skate.

Another factor contributing to the popularity of women's skateboarding is the increasing availability of skateparks and other skateboarding facilities. As more cities and communities invest in skateboarding infrastructure, more people, including women, can access and participate in the sport.

Overall, the growing popularity of women's skateboarding is a positive development that helps to promote gender equality and inclusivity in the skateboarding community. It also provides more opportunities for female skaters to pursue their passion and achieve recognition for their talent and hard work.

Women's Skateboarding – A Growing Movement of Empowerment & Inclusivity

In recent years, women's skateboarding has become a growing movement of empowerment and inclusivity. Once considered a male-dominated sport, women are now taking to the streets and skate parks to show off their skills and inspire others.

Street skating, which involves performing tricks and maneuvers on urban obstacles such as stairs, rails, and ledges, has become particularly popular among girl skaters. With the rise of social media, female skateboarders can showcase their talents to a wider audience, helping to break down gender stereotypes and inspire other girls to take up the sport.

Empowerment is a key theme of women's skateboarding. By pushing themselves to master new tricks and overcome obstacles, female skateboarders are gaining confidence and a sense of achievement that translates to other areas of their lives. The supportive community of women skateboarders also provides a sense of belonging and sisterhood that is empowering in itself.

Inclusivity is another important aspect of the women's skateboarding movement. Women of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels are welcomed and encouraged to participate. The movement is also working to make skateboarding more accessible to underrepresented communities, such as people of color and those with disabilities.

Overall, women's skateboarding is a positive and growing movement that is breaking down barriers, promoting empowerment and inclusivity, and inspiring the next generation of girl Stereotypes

How Women's Skateboarding is Challenging Gender Norms & Breaking Stereotypes

Over the past few decades, women's skateboarding has emerged as a powerful force in the skateboarding world, challenging traditional gender norms and breaking down stereotypes about women's abilities. Here are some ways in which female skateboarders are making their mark:

Visibility: Women's skateboarding has become more visible than ever before, thanks in part to events like the X Games and the Olympics, which now include women's skateboarding competitions. This increased visibility has helped to break down stereotypes about women's ability to skate and has inspired more girls and women to take up the sport.

Community: Women's skateboarding has also developed a strong community of female skaters who support and encourage each other. This sense of camaraderie and solidarity has helped to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for female skaters, who may have previously felt excluded from the male-dominated skate scene.

Role Models: Female skateboarders have also become powerful role models for young girls, showing them that they can pursue their passions and break down gender barriers. Skaters like Lizzie Armanto, Nora Vasconcellos, and Alexis Sablone have inspired a new generation of female skateboarders, who see them as trailblazers and pioneers.

Style: Women's skateboarding has also challenged traditional notions of femininity and beauty. Female skaters have developed their own unique style and aesthetic, which often involves baggy clothes, tattoos, and piercings. This has helped to break down stereotypes  what it means to be a "girly" girl and has encouraged girls to embrace their own unique sense of style.

Overall, women's skateboarding is challenging gender norms and breaking stereotypes in a variety of ways. By increasing visibility, building community, providing role models, and redefining beauty standards, female skateboarders are helping to create a more inclusive and diverse skateboarding culture.

The Gear & Resources Needed to Get Started with Women's Skateboarding

If you're looking to get started with women's skateboarding, you'll need a few key pieces of gear to get started. Here are some recommendations:

Skateboard Deck: The first piece of gear you'll need is a skateboard deck. You can choose from a variety of sizes, but a good starting point is an 8.0-inch deck.

Trucks: The next piece of gear you'll need is a set of trucks. These are the metal parts that attach the wheels to the deck. You'll want to choose trucks that are the same width as your deck.

Wheels: The third piece of gear you'll need is a set of wheels. Choose wheels that are appropriate for the type of skating you want to do. For example, if you want to skate in a skatepark, choose wheels that are hard and small in size (around 50-54mm). If you want to cruise around town or ride on rough terrain, choose wheels that are larger and softer (around 55-60mm).

Bearings: The fourth piece of gear you'll need is a set of bearings. These are the metal parts that go inside the wheels and allow them to spin. Look for bearings that are rated ABEC-7 or higher for a smooth ride.

Grip tape: The fifth piece of gear you'll need is the grip tape. This is the sandpaper-like material that goes on top of the deck to provide traction. You can choose from a variety of colors and designs.

Safety gear: Last but not least, you'll need safety gear to protect yourself while skateboarding. This includes a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. You may also want to consider wearing wrist guards.

As for resources, there are plenty of online communities and social media accounts dedicated to women's skateboarding. 

Girl Skate Network: A global platform that celebrates and supports girls and women in skateboarding.

Skate Like a Girl: A non-profit organization that provides opportunities for girls and women to learn and participate in skateboarding.

Women’s Skateboarding Alliance: An organization dedicated to promoting and supporting women's skateboarding.

Thrasher Magazine: A popular skateboarding magazine that regularly features female skaters and women's skateboarding events.

Instagram accounts: Follow female skaters on Instagram like @lizziearmanto, @breezeana, @alana.smith, @brightonzeuner, and @jordynbarratt to stay updated on the latest in women's skateboarding.