The skateboarding publication, The National Skateboard Review (1976-1979) by Di Dootson has provided a wealth of information for sourcing names of female skaters, their contest results, and photos. The challenge with following-up on a lead from the 1970s online and via social media is that it’s highly likely that names and pronouns have changed over time, and perhaps this person’s skateboarding experience was temporary, and not something they continue to shout from the rooftops or identify with.
I’ve been holding out on a few of these photos, in the hopes of finding out more about the individual, but at this point I’m stumped, so if you recognize a face or name, and have more highlights to share, please reach out! Thanks in advance.
- Amy Greene wrote an inspiring letter from Dover, Massachusetts published in the July 1978 issue about her growing scene and desire for a pen pal.
- Danielle Carson, possibly related to a Dave Carson, is looking flashy skating slalom at La Costa, published within the November 1976 issue.
- Donna Deanniyia (Deannyea ?) is getting speed at a slalom race, showcased within the August 1977 issue. She appeared in a few LaCosta race results, as well taking first place in both the Slalom and Banked Slalom events for women age 17-22 at the State Championships at Runway park in Carson, riding for Sparks Carlsbad, as reported on in November 1977.
- Kim Martinsen at 14 is photographed by Glenn Miyoda for the June 1978 issue. The caption says she’s “been riding for six months. She likes banks and freestyle tricks. She works at the Runway and also likes to skate Paramount… when she falls, she tries the same thing again until she gets it right.”
- Lisa Bianchi was recognized as the “Number one in Northern California amateur women’s freestyle” within the January 1977 issue. Apparently, she bested Kim Cespedes in freestyle, but came third in slalom behind Terry Brown and Cespedes for girls 14 and over.
- Michelle Kenney was originally from New Zealand before moving to Hawaii, riding for the Skyhooks Pepsi Safety Team, enjoying the banks at ‘A’ala Park in Honolulu, as reported in the August 1978 issue.
- In the same issue as Kenney, Sharon Powell was also featured as a fellow Skyhooks Pepsi Safety Team member based out of Hawaii. The fact that she was age 22 with two daughters and didn’t start skateboarding until her first daughter was six months old, was a revelation!
- Trudy Eschbach from Ranchos Palos Verdes was another ripper at age 15, skating Runway and Skateboard World in Torrance, also included in the Women’s Special from June 1978.
- Victoria Holman appeared in both the February 1978 issue, posing with her new board and in the September 1977 edition, racing slalom at LaCosta Sunday races in a photo by Tim Stahl. She was named “Miss Hobie,” and I’m not totally sure what that means or how she got that title, but she looks like a skater to me.
Womxn Skateboard History 