Skate Rising is an opportunity to meet other skater girls. At the Encinitas Skate Rising events I’m able to meet the girls in person and through Skate Rising Phoenix I’m able to meet girls virtually.
One Arizona skater girl that inspires me is Mia Lovell.
At 11 years old, she’s been skateboarding almost half her life and doing wonders to share skateboarding with other girls.
More girls skate when they see girls having fun skating so it’s wonderful that she has already been featured on TV.
Plus she’s sponsored by Autonomy Skateboards so she’s working with a team to encourage and inspire more girls to skate.
I had a chance to ask her some questions and this is what she had to share.
You started skateboarding at 5 – how did you first get involved?
Mia: My Dad grew up skating. When I was 5 we went to Hermosa Beach for vacation, and he put me on a board and would roll me down the pier. I was hooked!
What motivates you to keep skateboarding?
Mia: Progression! Each time I land something that I wasn’t sure I could, it makes me want to push further.
How do you think skateboarding has helped you off the board?
Mia: My parents constantly talk about how shy I used to be, and how much I’ve grown as a result of competing in skateboarding comps. It has forced me to push beyond my comfort zone..
When did you first go to a Skate Rising event and what made you want to keep coming back?
Mia: The first Skate Rising event I attended was at 91W. It was so great to see so many girls together, after being used to skateparks full of boys. It was a blast!
What was your favorite Skate Rising activity/service project and why?
Mia: We made meals for the homeless, and then delivered them with my family. It was pretty cool to see how happy they were to get them.
Have you met friends at Skate Rising that you now skate with at other times or just stay connected somehow?
Mia: Yes, I have some friends I met through Skate Rising who I skate with now, and who have become good friends.
What would you like to share about the Phoenix skate community?
Mia: The skating scene in Phoenix is huge! There are over 30 public parks, and a whole bunch of private parks in people’s back yards. I’m lucky enough that my Dad built me a park at our house too. We have people over to skate all the time, and sometimes have groups of up to 50 girls to skate and hang out. It’s an awesome community!
Thanks Mia for taking the time to share!
School this term has been hard – more chemistry than life and the reason I’m not giving up is the persistence I’ve learned through skateboarding. What lessons have you learned through skateboarding? Skateboarding is sport, art, and so much more – so take the time to share why and how you have fun skateboarding.