It takes a certain level of confidence to skateboard barefoot, but back in the 1960s and 1970s many preferred it, especially those with a background in surfing. This era was also pre-grip tape, so it was more likely that surf wax or adhesive spray was applied to boards, as described in this article by Jenkem magazine on the evolution of grip tape. Or, if you were Edie Robertson, you would simply use your toes and catch some air with a “Gorilla Grip” move.
Enjoy this themed collection!
1960s Mystery barefoot skaters with the Life feature by photographer Bill Eppridge, and the bathing beauty in green was apparently taken in the Summer of 1965 near Garner State Park in Texas… grateful for more details if anyone knows the backstory!
1960s legends, Patti McGee, Robin Calhoun (photo: Leroy Grannis), Marina Gera (photo: Robert Larson), Wendy Bearer (John Malmin), and Colleen Boyd.
Meanwhile, over in Texas, Margaret Schults, Sheila Kenny and Rita Moore are enjoying the summer sun in June 27, 1965, as published in the Corpus Christi Times, previously featured in my collection of 1960s news-clippings post!
In the early issues of Skateboard magazine, edited by Jim O’Mahoney, several photos of his partner May “Bird” O’Mahoney were published, including a cool one of May pretending to downhill “ski” with poles!
In 1975, Jim O’Mahoney also took these photos of various competitive skateboarders riding barefoot, including, Michelle Matta, Desiree Von Essen, Starla Stewart, Tina Trefethen, and Susan Powell:
There’s a fine photo of Linda Delgado with a nose wheelie on her board from the Summer 1975 issue of Skateboarder (Vol. 2, no. 1). According to Ellen Berryman (who skated almost exclusively barefoot) Linda was part of the Bahne Team in the early 1970s who often frequented the Black Hills at La Costa:
Over in Florida, we have Michelle Thibodeau and Ellen Moomaw in Jacksonville from 1977 by Joe Caldwell, a mystery photo of Florida Skateboard Hall of Fame rider, Crystal Loges in 1974, and Lulu Hart at South Beach Pier in 1977, taken by Jonathan Utz:
On the international scene, Pam Judge of Canada (the first female National Champion) is holding a solid hand-stand in Calgary, June 1978 by John Colville and two Swedish girls are hanging tough in 1979 with a photo taken by Ingmar Jernberg:
And to round-up the badass barefoot skaters, we have Marilyn Latta picking up speed in June 1978, from her feature in the Wild World of Skatboarding magazine, and Francine Hill getting brave riding pool, as seen in the August 1976 issue of Skateboarder magazine by Chuck Pearson!
All of these skaters were taking a risk just stepping on a board, let alone barefoot! Please follow the links where provided to read more about their stories!
Womxn Skateboard History 