Stacie captioned her video above as
Turn on your volume to hear words of wisdom from my Grandpa.
I love when skateboarding is all about smiles & laughter. As for “perfecting the landing” – Stacie aka skatensatan works on that too.
Thanks for sharing Stacie more girls try skateboarding when they see how fun it can be. And congrats on getting 1st place in the Girls division at the NSB recently.
Wrapping up our posts on girls who photograph girls skateboarding is Heidi Lemmon. However, the blog is always here for anyone who wants to share their story of how skateboarding has inspired them, so if you’re a photographer it’s never to late to share your story.
Heidi is busy, often times she’s multi-talking by taking pictures while she’s working on getting skateparks built, the brand manager for Saltrags, or a co-producing events and contests.
Group shot from from Venice Ladies Spring Jam 2016
Venice Ladies Spring Jam will be April 29th 2017 – Produced with OG Jam and Cindy Whitehead
How did you get involved with shooting skater girls?
I started shooting at a lot of the World Cup events and when they started Combi Classic I started shooting the girls. Then Exposure & Poseidon came so I shoot there.
Nicole Hause at Van US Open
How has girls skateboarding changed since you started shooting?
When I started 20 years ago the girls were pretty scarce and not organized. Today we have so many girls really ripping and world wide. The bar has been raised!
Allysha Le at Vans US Open
What’s your favorite type of shooting – for example street, bowl, vert, long boarding?
Bowl and park. I like shooting real street, but it’s hard finding the locations, parking, and then dodging security.
Venice…love this park 14 years in the making. Props to Geri Lewis for leading the charge!
Where do you like to shoot – for example locations, parks, events, contests?
everywhere
What’s different about shooting skateboarding then other photography?
You have to catch the “trick” just right. You can’t set up a shot with a model, you need a real skater and you can’t fake it.
Where can people see your work?
What do you think of all the press girls’ skateboarding is getting? I think all press is good – but I want to be a journalist. And every fashionista has a subscription to Vogue. I was beyond excited when I saw Amelia shoot a prom dress campaign and then the pictures & videos got covered in magazines. And those long board girls in the Red Hot Chili Pepper video – loved it & totally inspired me to keep skating. But is that press bad for competitive female skateboarding?
I think all press is good as long as the girls can skate.
Did/do you have role models or people/organizations that continue to encourage and support your photography?
Most of the people who shoot skateboarding all know each other. We shoot the same events, all the time, so we are our own team. There is no way 1 photographer can catch it all so I count on others to catch what I can’t and vice versa. I think we have more fun than anyone and are very supportive of each other. We know what it takes to get a good shot and appreciate one, no matter who gets it.
Anything you want to share about why girls shooting girls skateboarding benefits the skateboarding sport & builds self-confidence & opportunities for girls.
I think some of the girls are more comfortable with girls shooting but I dont think its important. I think getting good photographers out there & documenting is key to getting the girls more opportunities.
I have shot more of the guys than girls and they never complain that I am a woman. It’s all about the shot – not the gender.
Pro skateboarder/instructor/DJ Bennett Harada
Thank you Heidi for sharing.
Pictures are worth a million words and stories make learning easy so please keep sharing yours. The time you take to share could very well be the time it takes to inspire someone to follow their passions either on or off the board.
Tis the season of Christmas trees. I love Christmas trees as much as anyone else. The bright lights and ornaments are beautiful, but after Christmas the trees are gone.
Trees that are planted are beautiful all year and for years to come. So, to me a planted tree is a stylish tree. One of my favorite programs is etnies Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree.
As the program says
It begins with one. It starts with you. One seedling, one tree, expanding to a forest.
Since 2011, etnies has planted over a million trees on three continents. I checked in with Michael from etnies to find out how easy planting a tree can be.
If you want to plant a tree, without all the work, what shoes do you have to buy?
Purchase any shoe from the etnies Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree collection and we’ll plant the tree.
This collection is Jameson bloodline based and includes the likes of: The Jameson 2 Eco, Jameson Vulc, Jameson SC, Jameson MT, Jameson E-Lite, Jamseon SL and original Jameson of course.
just 3 of the many choices click on the picture to take you to the full site
Why are these shoes special?
etnies’ Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree project is one step closer towards a greener future. These shoes are special because you get a fresh pair of shoes that are built by skateboarding and they also ensure that your conscious actions are a commitment towards environmental responsibility. Each shoe represents an individual’s contribution to the planet.
Do I have to buy the shoes on-line for the tree to be planted? If I can buy them anywhere how do I find my closest store?
Any purchase from the etnies Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree collection will be accounted for in the planting process. To find the nearest etnies shop near you, visit: http://etnies.com/us/shops/
What about the latest collaborations etnies has going on? Like the
#etniesXbones if I get shoes from those collections will a tree be planted?
etnies recently collaborated with Bones to drop a collection paying tribute to the brands’ humble beginnings. The Jameson SL in the etnies X Bones collaboration is included in the etnies Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree program.
shoes from the #etniesXbones collection in the Buy a Shoe, Plant a Tree Program – the collection also includes several tees, a zip, hat & socks
This season instead of signing Oh Christmas Tree consider signing Oh etnies Tree you’ll be getting your holiday shopping done and helping create a forest very merry indeed!
By the way time is running out on getting your etniesXelement Julian Davidson Jameson Bomber jacket. Yes, my favorite jacket of the entire year for on & off the board style.
Element was involved in the grand opening of the renovated Rhodes Skate Park in Boise Idaho on August 6th.
Plus they made a commitment to stay in Boise with the opening of 304 Americana and the Element Rhodes Scholar program. To find out more about the program I asked Element Founder, Johnny Schillereff.
What’s the Element Rhodes Scholar Program?
The Element Rhodes Scholar Program just came about organically. We wanted to be part of the skateboard scene and community so we started the shop/space in Boise, Idaho. We started clicking with some of the younger kids and decided to keep working with them.
It’s important that younger kids have positive role models. We are the role models for these kids and they’ll be the role models for the next generation.
It’s a crew. A crew of local kids that are part of the community and skate scene. They visit every day and are fully committed to that scene and skateboarding.
What’s expected of the Element Rhodes Scholars?
When the program became real, and people could refer to themselves as the Rhodes Scholars, I was like “hey there are going to be some rules”.
They need to be positive part of the community. They do things like push each other to be positive, clean up the skate park, and help clean up the shop. It’s like a “big brother” program that rips.
The original guys were all locals who rip. They are good enough to be sponsored, young flow skaters for brands. Then as the program grew, other kids – artists, photographers and filmers joined the scholars. So now there’s multiple versions of scholars. They’ve built their own self-sufficient skate crew.
Who can apply to be a Rhodes Scholar, what’s the application process, and how long is the program?
It’s not formal. It’s definitely organic; it’s how we recruit team riders and how riders turn pro for Element. I’m a fan of things happening through chemistry.
It’s about them being at the park and shop a lot with a positive attitude & wanting to be better. So it’s nothing you can apply for and it’s nothing that expires.
Some of the Original Rhodes Scholars
Each picture will take you to a video and the link to the scholars IG is below the caption.
Field Notes, day 004: Element’s of style with Rhode Scholar @_a.drake, smooth like butter. He shreds every day and one of the mindsets kids I know, keep shredding Aidan.
Field Notes: Day 002 – Prestige’s very own Jacob Glenn (@shredder_glenn) killing it and always being a respectful Rhodes ‘Scholar. He’s been helping with 304 Americana Element and shredding the park on a daily.
Prestige’s team-rider and Rhode ‘Scholar Ibrahim (@_ibrahimkanneh). Props to the shops who invest in the future and support the local scene through thick and thin.
Elliot (@elliotsaxton) 13 – The future is now.
What I like about this post, is that Element didn’t just give a bunch of product and wish the community well. They are committed to the scholars & entire community.
Commitment to doing what’s right is stylish on & off the board.
When you participate in an event like EXPOSURE Skate, it’s your hope that others will see the girls skateboarding and give it a try.
After I read the caption for the video above from SD Skate Life, I asked Andrea if she’d like to have a post.
Well this was rad! Andrea picked up a skateboard for the first time last week. Today was her first lesson, and by the end of the hour, she tackled this solo drop in on the four ft. quarterpipe at PQ ?? |This is a solid reminder that its never too late to pick up a new skill ✌? – Andrew, founder SD Skate Life
Her response was immediate:
Skating has truly been one of the coolest experiences of my life. The skating community is so encouraging and welcoming. I’ve met so many amazing, inspiring women just in this last month. If I could help in anyway to spread the stoke and encourage other ladies to get out and skate, I’m down!
So I sent her some questions and learned what inspired her to try skateboarding.
I started skating shortly after Exposure this year. I was so inspired by all of the ladies, from 5 to 40, all just so amazing.
I met one chic in particular named Stephanie, she was the one who really inspire me on a deeper level. She shared her story with me and I just couldn’t wait to get a board and meet up with her and some other ladies that started skating in the last couple years.
I’m 31 and really was always kind of intimidated by skateboarding. But after seeing the fire in these ladies eyes and the excitement in their voices when they spoke about skating, I knew I wanted to feel that.
I don’t really have a “home park” but Prince skatepark was where I first attempted. Took a lesson at RP skate park and was stoked on that park.
As to why she thinks skateboarding is good for girls:
I think it’s good for girls to do anything they want to do. If you want to skate, don’t let anything stop you from trying!!! You have nothing to lose. Girls supporting girls in any activities in life I think is so important and should be done more often!
Thank you Andrea for sharing.
As for that inspiring chick named Stephanie – I’m happy to have her as an IG friend and to have written about her several times. You may know her as Little Surfer Girl.
Another very inspiring skater girl that Andrea has been skating with is Kendra, she’s constantly working at spreading the love of skateboarding – she event started We Skate Together.
Never underestimate the power of encouragement. The one kind thing you do or say can give someone the courage to try and succeed. Then their story and actions can inspire even more people.
The world is more stylish when we encourage each other on & off the board so please keep sharing your stories.
Christa aka rutsikc shared the collage above with this caption
When you have a rough day and your baby finally chills out for 20 minutes, playing peek-a-boo in his wagon while hiding under an FSU flag, and you get some “physical therapy” to work out your rough day. Yeah, that. I need my lil bro Cory Newton to teach me to finally land a kick flip. I’m soooo close, but have yet to land it. That’s my goal for 2017. Or maybe my goal BY 2017.
I’m confident Christa will land her kick flip! I absolutely love how she works skateboarding into her day. More girls skate when they see girls skateboarding and find out they can skateboard on their terms.
Looks like someone might be asking for his own skateboard this Christmas; it looks like he’s leaving the wagon behind!
Thanks for sharing Christa & I look forward to seeing pictures of you skating with your son.
Skateboarding and skate photography are art. On December 15th I had the opportunity to attend the J Grant Brittain “Archive” photography show at UNIV.
The show featured many of Grant’s iconic skate images from the 1980’s. Plus there was music by Chris Cote and a collection for skateboard donations to benefit Rollin’ From The Heart.
I attended with my dad Steve. He was my date and photographer.
My fav of the bunch – Steve
Above my dad’s favorite from the show and below an outside shot.
The show was presented by @slvdr_brand – street wear born in California & influenced by the world with support from @rollinfromtheheart – a SD non-profit striving to improve the lives of underprivileged youth through skateboarding, surfing & outdoor activities, @chromedigital – professional photo & art printing, @culturebrewingco – brewing & tasting in Solana Beach & Ocean Beach, and @transworldskate
To see more of Grant’s art – check him out on IG, his Etsy Store or his website. There really is so much more to see.
And anytime you’re in downtown Encinitas, take the time to check out UNIV. They are so much more than just a “men’s” fashion store, they are
full of inspiration; part collectors’ garage and part museum, where you can come hang out
they have a workshop – where inspiration becomes reality!
Yes – I love that dog!
Above I’m with Chris at UNIV, who’s not my dad. He’s my boss at SkaterCross and if you want to see more of us or more importantly skate SkaterCross be at Clairemont YMCA this Sunday 12/18 for
You can shop 365 days a year, but there’s only so many days you can celebrate the holidays with friends. So keep it stylish on & off the board by spending time with your friends & let them know you’re grateful for them – yes even if they don’t get you a gift.
The picture above is from patinetaparato aka Patineta Pa’Rato. In addition to IG they have a FB page.
Their main objective is to support, promote, and encourage girls skateboarding in Venezuela. Below a video from their IG.
It’s super stylish when girls follow their passions and encourage each other, so I hope you check these skater girls in Venezuela out.
nohemisaramedina sharing skateboarding
Never underestimate the power of a good pair of jeans. In a good pair of jeans, the worst day is not that bad. Plus I believe your odds of having a good day increase when you’re jeans are on point.
To me a good pair of jeans must look stylish and be comfortable. Articles of Society or AOS for short, an LA based denim brand, delivers.
I’ve been wearing them for years. My favorite is one of the originals the Mya Skinny. If I’m in my Mya’s I can face my fears
yes – I’m afraid of horses, they could bite.
I can travel for hours on end and still feel stylish.
Above from Belgium to San Diego in my AOS. I can do a little “yoga” in my AOS.
or “a lot” of yoga
Can your jeans bend with you?
My AOS go everywhere I go.
And Yes, the Mya Skinny comes in Olive Green – which if you’ve been following the blog – you know it’s my color pick of the season.
So, where to get yours – direct from the site, Nordstrom, or other find stores that believe your jeans should be killer stylish and the price of your jeans shouldn’t scare you. Click below to find a store near you.
Till next time keep it stylish on & off the board.
@imagemaven took this shot of @hustlegrindskate aka Crystal.
I had the chance to ask Crystal why she started skateboarding in her 30s.
The story is really simple. Up until the last week of July 2016, I had never stepped on a skateboard before. Not once. But when I did, it felt like love.
After reorganizing our garage, I came across a high-rise longboard and skateboard which had gathered dust the last 5 years. I wanted to get my kiddo active and off the devices so we took the boards out to the cul de sac to have a push around. I was hooked.
I’m in it for the feelings. When I skate, I feel scared the entire time – like adrenaline! But it’s also punctuated with huge bursts of joy and I can’t let go of that. I can’t get enough. I haven’t quite landed my drop-in but this week is the week. Today might even be the day. Wish me luck!
Thanks Crystal for sharing why you started and keep skateboarding. I wish you luck & success at everything you do. Your positivity inspires me.
I also love how you built a quarter pipe at your office – “girls of action” are stylish on & off the board!
In addition to being a skateboarder and mom, Crystal is VP Full Blast Creative, Founder of Social Bulls in Canada.
UPDATE
Hey Jordan, I’d like to up date your piece. Crystal is now dropping in on her own, and on her own ramp. I was her hand holder ? Cheers, Marlene
I absolutely love when updates are good news! Congrats to Crystal and I hope she inspires many others to chase their passions, whether it’s on a skateboard or whatever. Plus I hope Marlene aka @imagemaven reminds us all to share our talents. Whatever skill we have it grows when we share it with others.
Happy Holidays!
