In 1964, C&D Skateshop in southern California organized a team of youth who were avid surfers to provide demonstrations as part of the “Skate Board Division” of the Surf Team. There’s a vintage group photo with everyone on the team barefoot, including one Linda Finley in the middle, possibly at a contest since there’s trophies in the background.
Thanks to Kim Adrian, who skated for Chuck Dunn of C&D in the 1970s, I’m aware that Linda was among few girls who could perform a head stand on a skateboard (possibly the first). Chuck was also proud that Linda was of Latin heritage, and C&D was likely the first team to sponsor a BIPOC girl.
I wonder if this Linda Finley from Sacramento, who went on to become a mechanical engineer at UC Davis in 1979 was the young skateboarder? The engineer then became the Chief of MEGA Projects Center, raising two daughters who also became engineers (Morgan and Jackie). I haven’t found a means to reach out, since she’s now retired, but would be grateful if someone could confirm that this is a match!
If she was maybe 8 years old in 1964, that would make her 23 in 1979, so there is a possibility!
Womxn Skateboard History 