Truth – on Wednesday we wear pink if we want to and
you might find us wearing pink & skating in the car park.
Love this picture sh3llz shared from St Andrews Back Beach.
There’s no uniform in skateboarding – wear what you want. And there’s no right age to skateboard – never let a number tell you you’re too young or too old to have fun.
Nikita started in the late 1990s in Iceland. Originally there were just a few handmade items for girls in the male-dominated world of action sports. Now Nikita has a full line of clothes for action-seeking girls.
I met up with Nikita at Agenda in Long Beach this summer and now have the chance chat with Jenna and find out more. Before we talked clothes – which are all super stylish, I wanted to find out more about what Nikita Nation is so that’s where we started.
SF: What’s Nikita Nation? It looks like an amazing group of empowered girls that definitely thrive on action and inspiring others?
Jenna: NikitaNation is a few things. It encompasses a group of inspiring females that we are excited to highlight and partner with via our social channels, but it also covers the entirety of the female boardsports and art community.
Everyone is a part of the NikitaNation; it’s the idea of including and empowering all females in whatever way they choose to express themselves. NikitaNation is basically the real-life foundation that we, as a brand, were built on.
SF: I’m happy to be working with you as part of the Nikita Nation. What attracted you to want to work with me?
Jenna: Nikita looks for females that are not only passionate about what they do, but also about sharing their passion and experience with others. We look for people who are standouts in their community (whatever that may be; local skate community, global snowboard community and everything in-between), those people that look at the world through a slightly different lens than the average person and who, at their core, are motivated to always strive for more.
SF: In addition to Nikita Nation you have Ambassadors. There’s actually 2 sites within the Nikita web page –
and two sets of ambassadors – from the US
and from EU
I love to share the stories of empowered girls. Do you think it would be possible to work together on a series of posts on the Ambassadors about how they were drawn to action sports, how it’s helped them in life, and why they think it’s important to inspire other girls?
Jenna: Yea, I think that’s definitely possible and a great idea! We should start talking about that right after this.
It all stems from that idea of the NikitaNation- that we not only want to be inspiring people, but also building up our community.
Personally, I know action sports has taught me how to commit to things, even when I’m unsure how they’ll go- and about having confidence to laugh at myself when I don’t get things right.
Because in the end, everyone wants basically the same thing- to feel included.
Now to the Clothes – I am after all a fashionista
SF: From your Streetwear collection- I’m in love with the Boxy Hoodie and the plaid Delano shirts. I love the fresh takes on classic pieces. What are your favorite pieces and why?
Jenna: I know- the Boxy hoodie and the Delano Shirt are amazing staples of the NIKITA collection. It’s really cool seeing the evolution of those pieces year after year, paired with the new unique ones that come out every season as well. I have to say one of my new favorites is the Sumatra Crew. I’m actually wearing right now! I’ve taken it out to the coast on a camping/crab fishing trip (so much fun), as well as worn it to a the opening night of my friend’s art show here in the city. I dress it up, dress it down and always feel comfortable no matter what.
SF: I don’t ski/snow board yet, but I had to check out your Snow collection. I love how the styles don’t look bulky – could they really keep you warm even in Iceland?
Jenna: You should start! There are mountains down in California- you’re already so good at skating I bet you’ll take to snowboarding super well. And yep, our outerwear really does keep you warm and dry. We make sure that we hold the balance of our outerwear not only looking good, but working well too. We carefully consider all aspects of the design; from the fit to the function and end up with pieces that anyone would love to ride in. There’s different levels of waterproofing and seam-sealing within the collection, something that’s right for everyone depending on their riding habits.
SF: What’s the best way for people to stay updated on new releases and sales – is it joining the mailing list? The bargain hunter in me was loving the prices on the bikinis and shorts from the summer season.
Jenna: The best way to stay updated on what’s going on with Nikita is to follow us on social. You can find us @nikitaclothing on both Instagram and Twitter, or link up with us on Facebook via Nikita Clothing.
We’ve got a slew of Ambassador Story takeovers on Instagram planned for the next few months, as well as daily updates with photos from our Ambassadors, trips and projects we’re working on, and highlights from our most recent collections so there’s tons of cool content to keep up with.
SF: I visited the store locator and I see the closest location to me in San Diego is Snow Summit in Big Bear – are there plans to expand to Southern California? Until then the website ships worldwide right?
Jenna: We’re always looking to grow our network of retailers and hope to have more locations soon! Until then, our website ships to the US and select countries in Europe.
Thanks Jenna! I’m looking forward to following the Nikita adventures on social media and catching up with the ambassadors. If you’re out there wearing Nikita – chances are you’re having an adventure so please share how you’re keeping it stylish on & off the board!
An easy way to share is tag #nikitanation or #nikitastreet or #nikitaperspective!
Following up on my post from October 3rd where I asked Linda questions regarding the building of the Solana Beach Skate Park, I dropped by their event on October 9th.
They explained how phase 1, the skate park would look and their progress on raising funds. Above I’m with Chris from the City Council.
Below is Linda, who’s leading the charge for building the skate park with her daughter Shelly and Alec from the Tony Hawk Foundation.
The park is dog friendly – below my winner for cutest dog. There were several vendors – my favorites offering refreshments.
I saw a lot of people come out to find out more and enjoy the park.
Some tried skateboarding for the first time
and others were skating the basketball court on temporary ramps
Plus there were raffles, thanks to the generous product donations. And yes there was a skateboarding dog – he was too fast for my mom to get a picture.
At 2pm there was an Ollie Contest
Be sure to follow Solana Beach Skate Park on IG and Facebook to find out who won and see their progress. To make a donation to their Go Fund me click below
Thanks to Linda, here are a few more pictures from Sunday
And the skateboarding dog is Bamboo Skates below a video of him cruising Solana Beach.
From the City of Solana Beach we have these shots – from the contest
and of the band and when KUSI came out
It really was a day for people to get informed
and skateboarders to start having fun at the park!
If you have pictures to share just let me know. There’s always room for more!
October’s Skate Rising was fortunate to have several guest speakers, who helped explain ways to prevent bullying by having healthy friendships and relationships.
We had several female officers come out. They shared tips for “being a friend” & left bracelets as reminders. And yes, we saw one officer skateboard before she had to go back to work. Girls really can do & be anything they want!
Then we heard from Katy from Carol’s House. Carol’s House is supported by EXPOSURE Skate, which Skate Rising is a part of. It was perfect timing because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Katy explained that Carol’s House is a shelter for families who need help. It’s a real house with 7 rooms where moms and children stay for one or two months and receive the help they need.
Being kind and friendly is helpful to others. It can be lonely and scary at any shelter, so the girls made journals for the children.
Inside each journal was a message because a small act of kindness like a compliment can make the biggest positive difference in someone’s life.
Then it was time to grab the skateboards and skate.
SkateXS was back to loan some boards and had team members there to help.
Above she learned a kick turn with the birthday boy Zyler. Huge thank you again to Nekter and pHive bar who kept the girls hydrated & fed.
Few reminders for next month. Before the next Skate Rising is the 5th annual EXPOSURE Skate.
The speaker at November’s Skate Rising will be Cary from Too Pretty. It’s one you don’t want to miss. To find out more about Too Pretty and their movement to show girls “you’re NEVER too pretty to do anything” check out this post
When I start a series, like this one, I rely on others to help me find girls to write about. Thanks to my friends in NYC (GRO) I found Lori Weinstein or lolonyc as she’s known on IG. She’s a native New Yorker out there shooting with her Nikon S9900 and her iphone6S.
SF: How/when did you start photographing skateboarding? Do you skateboard? If so was it before or after you started shooting skaters?
I have always photographed skateboarding but just for fun. I got my 1st skateboard at age 10 and took photos of friends in my teens. I recently decided to bring my love for skateboarding & photography together because I still have the passion even though I’m not skating anymore.
I love photographing girls because when I skated there were basically no female skaters around me. I was never very good, but had to convince myself to keep going because the guys never did. Today it’s inspiring to see women so prevalent in the skate world. They are wonderful role models and have so much power. Proves that us girls can do anything we set our minds to…and more!
Picture in this post are by Lori taken at the Riverside Skate Jam at the Riverside Skate Park
A bunch of contests for guys & girls of all different ages went down this year there were two girls in the under 40’s vert ramp heat – Jessie Frietze and Ashley O’Gorman. NY Skateboarding.com
above Ashley O’Gorman
SF: What’s your favorite type of shooting – for example street/bowl/vert/long boarding ???
I enjoy photographing all kinds of skating but have a soft spot for bowls & vert.
I shoot wherever I find action. My normal sessions are at Pier 62 skate park or LES under the Manhattan bridge.
above Jessie Frietze
SF: What’s different about shooting skateboarding then other photography?
I’m fortunate enough to live in a city that has many photo ops but skateboard photography to me is on another level. It’s exciting and super emotional. Watching and capturing a skaters frustrations, excitements, and just their sheer love of skating is in a class of its own. You can’t help but get caught up in it.
above Ruth
SF: Where can people see your work?
People can see my works on my website (Loriweinsteinphotography.com) & on Instagram (@lolonyc).
SF: 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 don’t think it’s bad publicity for girl skaters to do side projects. I think it depends on the campaign and how they are portrayed (i.e. True skaters vs. bikini clad girls who stand on or hold boards just for ads or videos etc). Press is good in the right light
SF: Did/do you have role models or people/organizations that continue to encourage and support your photography?
My dad is a photographer so he’s always been my #1 inspiration. I’ve always followed J. Grant Brittain, Glen Friedman, Jim Goodrich because of their amazing photographs. GRO (girls riders organization) have always been a positive and just the great support from family & friends
above Chris
SF: Anything you want to share about why girls shooting girls skateboarding benefits the skateboarding sport & builds self-confidence & opportunities for girls.
I think girls shooting girls benefits the skate world in many ways. It shows how strong girls are and can be. The photographers get to document all the progress of these amazing women and puts the message of positivity out there. We are strong and can do whatever we put our minds to!
This is Poseiden Foundation’s 8th year hosting a Ladies Day at the Berrics. It’s on Saturday 11/12 from 10am – 5pm starting with an open session for ladies that are 14-under to come skate & get pointers from skate clinic staff.
The event gets bigger every year – look how it grew from 2014 to 2015
To get even more ladies involved Poseiden Foundation is hosting a “Refer-A-Friend” contest
1 Tell your friends to follow Poseiden Foundation on IG
2 When your friends RSVP on the Ladies Day Link ask them to enter your name
3 If you’ve referred the most friends, you’ll win yourself & 10 friends a private “Ladies Day” skate session! Before the park opens up to the public on Ladies Day you’ll get to skate plus you’ll get a Poseiden Foundation’s Amazing Ladies Day Sponsors Prize Packet worth over $200.
Contest ends 11-10 and winner will be announced 11-11.
Last year I referred Meagan Guy – rad things happen when Ladies support Ladies so refer your skating friends now. Winner to be announced on Poseiden’s IG.
All ladies are welcome – all skill levels – all you have to do is RSVP using this link https://goo.gl/forms/aqj5ee147N5pkMAe2 you will receive the address once your RSVP has been confirmed. I can say it’s in LA, CA.
To find out more about Poseiden Foundation’s Ladies Day at the Berrics I asked Micaela Ramirez, the Founder & President of Poseiden Foundation some questions.
For those of you not familiar with Poseiden Foundation they inspire the youth to dream and create life-changing experiences through empowerment, love, and support.
To reach the youth they organize skate and surf clinics, contest and tours. Plus they partner with environmental clubs to teach the youth about becoming aware of their surroundings and how they too impact our eco-systems with everything they do.
SF: This is the 8th Ladies Day? How did you originally get the idea to have a Ladies Day at The Berrics and how were you able to get The Berrics to agree?
Micaela: Yes, this is the 8th Poseiden Foundation Ladies Day at The Berrics or Poseiden Foundation x The Berrics Ladies Day. The idea originally started when we created the West Coast Tour.
Poseiden traveled the coast of California, August 26th‐ September 2nd 2009 bringing professional skaters to lower socio‐economic areas where they interacted with the youth and taught the public that skateboarding can be used as a tool of self‐expression and builds the confidence in adolescents that are at‐risk and come from low‐income families.
The Berrics was the last stop. The very first Berrics was a collaboration with GRO (Girls Riders Organization). Below is a copy of the press release back in 2009.
After the tour we continued forward, pushing the girls skate scene each year by presenting and introducing different Pro’s, then it went to Pro’s and AM’s, to Pro’s, Am’s then Groms, Then to Pro’s, AM’s, Groms and finally Public.
Also, our Board of Director Jen O’Brien is friends with Steve Berra, and was able to directly speak with him about the day, as did Courtney Payne-Taylor.
SF: Last year was the first year you started contests. Why did you add contests? And how will the contests be different this year?
Micaela: Adding a contest to Poseiden Foundation’s Ladies Day at The Berrics had always been a goal. As the event grew, more girls were asking on the RSVP form for a contest at The Berrics to help them gain exposure. So we listened and turned the goal into reality.
Poseiden works to help girls achieve their dreams. We are grateful that each year The Berrics continues to assist us in turning dreams into reality.
This year there will be the following contests:
The 14 and others can choose if they’d prefer to compete in Open 5 stair or their age competition. The Pro Best Trick is $3,000 prize. The amateur winners will receive prizes totally over $1,000 each.
SF: This year Ladies Day at the Berrics is being called “The Dream Series” final stop. What were the other stops? And can we expect more series of stops in the future?
Micaela: Yes. Ladies Day is the final stop of our Dream Series. This year we began a series of events, calling it The Dream Series.
The first contest was at The Skate House in LA. The second was at Red Bull’s Curb Kings event “Queen of S.K.A.T.E”. The last event leading up the The Berrics will be hosted at Volcom headquarters October 22nd. Then the final stop will be The Berrics November 12th! 🙂
Every stop has had the opportunity to be featured on The Berrics site, under News. The Berrics has been so amazing in supporting The Dream Series, and we are definitely having a 2017 Dream Series!
to see more about these event click here for Skate House or here for Red Bull
UPDATE
SF: Poseiden supports humanitarian efforts, last year we brought canned goods & skateboard equipment drive. Should attendees being bringing something this year?
Micaela: Since opening the event to the public, we have included a Humanitarian Outreach Fundraiser in conjunction with Ladies Day.
We at Poseiden Foundation believe in contributing to our community. For the past three years, we have organized
We ask that all attendees bring canned food, skateboard equipment, and/or make a monetary donation. Last year we were able to feed over 60 people located in Skidrow, gave over 30 skateboards to local youth outreach skate programs, and reconstructed three homes for families in Ecuador.
We are excited to see what this year will bring! 🙂
Thanks Micaela – I’m excited too – can’t wait to see all the Ladies – like militant_23 above on Saturday 11/12 at The Berrics.
RSVP now & I have a feeling there will be surprises this year – maybe a vendor village – you know as a fashionista I love pop ups & maybe the music will be extra special too – for sure you don’t want to miss out.
Rob shares this picture with the caption – Every year tons of girls are coming into skating and I’m blessed to be one of few that get to train and build confidence within them and further grow the sport!
Below Rob “I don’t work, I just have fun!”
A few more of Rob – some with his students & Roy who also teaches at Rob Skate Academy and yes Rob has on occasion taken “cat naps”.
Thanks Rob for sharing and as you say “Teaching Life”!
More girls skateboard when they see girls skateboarding and get encouragement – please share your stories like Rob did. Skateboarding is sport, art, exercise, transportation, and self-confidence building. Till next time keep it stylish on & off the board.
Muchas gracias a Dock Session Barcelona por crear este encuentro tan divertido! – anna_tuvi in Spain
Many thanks to Doc Session Barcelona by creating this fun event!
Thank you Dock Session for having a great event & showing the world #girlscanskate! And thank you Anna for inspiring other girls to skateboard because more girls skate when they see stylish girls skating and we encouraging each other!
Saying thank you takes a second but it means so much! So take time to say thank you on & off the board.
I really love it when people show me a variety of new things so that I can at least say that I’ve tried it once in my life but sometimes if I enjoy it so much to a point that it ends up staying in my life. I never thought I would ever step foot on a stake board or even a longboard and enjoy it as much as I do. I have moments where I’m scared to try tricks but I just face it and take the pain if I get hurt. I plan on getting better at this it may take me awhile but I will get there. – Elizabeth_Gerske
Being open to new things – good life plan. Sticking with the things you like (or know are good for you) even if they’re hard – good life plan. Being thankful to others for teaching us – good life plan.
I live in the now but I have a plan – my father doubts it but I have a plan. And if a door closes?
Adopt a good life plan so you can answer the door & know when it’s a door to keep open.
Sunday October 9th the City of Solana Beach is having an event at the approved site of the Solana Beach Skate Park.
I’m all about more skate parks and events with Learn to Skate Zones so I wanted to find out more. Here’s my questions & answers from Linda Swindell. Linda is a returning member of the City of Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Commission which is a volunteer committee with the role of advising city council on the park and recreational needs of community,
SF: How are you involved in with the Solana Beach Skate Park?
Linda: I saw a need within the community. A plan for a skate park had been approved and was sitting on the shelf for years. So I had to ask why is the plan on hold and how do we get the park built?
As I mentioned I am a returning commissioner, returning from a 10 year break. I started on the City of Solana Beach Parks and Recreation Commission back when I was a business owner, with a swimwear store on Hwy 101 next to Pizza Port, a time when there was not even a park at Fletcher Cove.
My children were really little, and we would go with friends to play in the street and parking lot at Fletcher Cove. At that time there was a plan for a park there, that had been sitting on a shelf for many years. There was a need within the community for the park, so I had to ask “Why is the park plan just sitting?” Asking was the first step in getting a park at Fletcher Cove.
I was encouraged by City Council members to join the Parks and Rec commission, so I did and momentum ensued. As I finished out my terms and new commissioners came on they successfully continued focusing on the Fletcher Cove project. Community awareness and support grew. Resulting in the beautiful Fletcher Cove Beach Park that is enjoyed by the community and visitors.
SF: What’s the status of the Solana Beach Skate Park?
Linda: Similar to the Fletcher Cove Park plan we have a plan for a park that has been sitting on a shelf. The plan is approved and needs money and attention to become reality.
The approved plan is actually a master plan for the entire La Colonia Park redevelopment. The cost of the redevelopment is high, however if we phase the redevelopment it becomes manageable.
We have chosen to focus on the skate park as phase 1. As you know a skate park reaches many generations of a community. We have seen a huge community interest in a skate park and feel that if we increase communication, the interest will just keep growing.
The plan for the Solana Beach skate park is a city approved plan. The area and site dimensions are set, however the actual layout of the park will undergo revisions, as the plan is somewhat dated.
The feedback from what works and does not work at other skate parks built in past several years will help with revisions. We are getting feedback from skaters and skate industry people.
SF: How is the Tony Hawk Foundation involved?
Linda: The Tony Hawk Foundation reviewed the initial skate park plan and gave an approval and a donation to the city.
The Tony Hawk Foundation donation and approval put guidelines on the project so that the skate park meets important criteria in standards and safety.
As with any City project when this project goes out to bid it will have the City’s requirements included; plus it will have the Tony Hawk Foundation requirements. This is good because it will ensure that the city uses a company that specializes in or has a certain level of experience specifically in building skate parks.
SF: What’s the anticipated cost of the skate park?
Linda: Determining the actual costs of the skate park has been a challenge, because it was not broken down into phases. We have gone back to the original architects and gotten measurements that then went to skate park contractors to get an idea of current costs for the skate park. The current estimate is $650-750k for the skate park.
SF: What’s the next steps?
Linda: The next step is we are hosting the City of Solana Beach sponsored Skateboard Day event. It’s on Sunday 10/9 at La Colonia Park in Solana Beach click here to RSVP on Facebook or just come.
SF: What’s planned for Skateboard Day Event on 10/9 & what’s its goal?
Linda: Council member and past mayor Mike Nichols fully supports us having a skate event in the city that is both a pro demo and an event for all skaters, new and experienced to skate the park.
The goal of the event is to show the City Council the strong & high community interest. It’s also the official launch of fundraising efforts.
The event will be formally recapped to show City Council the status of community involvement, level of community support, and that fundraising is underway.
The 10/9 event is NOT a fundraiser it’s an awareness event. However we will be set to take donations sell shirts and raffle tickets.
SF: What’s the next step, after 10/9?
Linda: The commission as well as our adjunct community skate committee will continue to grow the fundraising efforts as well as request the City Council to research obtaining park grants to help fund the skate park. We also ask the City Council to look at the upcoming budget for money that can be allocated to the skate park.
SF: I saw a GoFundMe for the Solana Beach Skate Park???
Linda: The official GoFundMe and the 501c3 non profit Foundation for the Skatepark to accept donations for the park build out will be launched October 9th. Having the 501c3 is important for those who want to make donations as a tax write off.
SF: Looks like the event on October 9th has some major supporters – Tony Hawk Foundation, Nixon, Vans, Powell Peralta, Hubert’s Lemonade, SurfRider, DGK, Hokulia, and Dwindle Distribution how are they involved?
Linda: We have been given great support for this City event. Most of the companies are donating product plus some are coming to set up a tent at the event and some are sending team riders
Tony Hawk Foundation has been great! Lenore Hawk Dale is a long time Solana Beach resident and has been a huge help.
As part of our #Solanabeachskatepark adjunct committee we have Sean Mortimer, who has helped with organizing the entire event. Sean is a former pro skater, worked with Transworld, has co-authored Tony Hawks books, and is a Skate industry journalist/writer.
He is also one of the Skater dads whose kids are volunteering at the event – we are grateful to all the volunteers we have that are going to make this a fabulous day.
SF: Can companies still get involved?
Linda: Absolutely – just contact me at [email protected]
SF: Why are you so passionate about this skate park? I know you have a love for Solana Beach, but are you also a skater?
Linda: I am not a skater I am more of a “filmer” and skate driver as I have a son, who skates.
Although I am not a skater, I have experienced many many skate spots and skate parks up and down the coast from San Diego to San Francisco and a bit beyond.
I have experienced the joy of sitting outside random high schools in LA in search of the 14 stair. I’ve been with skaters who jump out at a stop in the middle of LA traffic to swarm the Baker Van, and I now know who Beagle is. Plus I love #Murdythedawg and I think it would be great if Murdy would come skate the event with Bamboo our local skate dog.
SF: Will Earl Warren (EW) possibly use the skate park for skate PE (gym class)?
Linda: That is the ultimate hope – my son and plenty of his friends including Tom Schaar were the last class of EW skate PE. They are all now juniors & seniors in high school.
The Solana Beach Skate Park makes so much sense for EW as previously all the kids had to make their way to Encinitas YMCA for Skate PE class and it was a fee based program that the PTA covered compared to surf PE which was free.
post below from Solana Beach Skate Park: Was not that long ago Tom was a member of Solana’s EW middle school skate P.E class. Bring it back
Follow Solana Beach Skate on IG & Facebook to find out updates
and to RSVP for October 9th just click here
more skate parks get built when people work to get them built – if you’re working on building share your stories & pictures because that’s what inspires others to get involved too
Yes – I’ll be in Solana Beach October 9th & I would have gone to Earl Warren if they would have kept their Skate PE. Let’s get this park for the future generations of middle schoolers – middle school the struggle is real so help them by giving them a skate park!