Author: Natalie Porter
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Patti – Kanoa Surf
A girl named “Patti” was documented by the photographer Albert Moote on June 20th, 1976 skateboarding “The Channell” in the Hollywood Hills area. She’s cruising around the banks, including one spray-painted with graffiti calling it “The Jammer’s Wall.” Before I noticed Patti’s name, I thought these were photos of Cara-Beth Burnside since she has a…
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Naomi Harris
Naomi Harris (often misspelled “Noémie” in French media) was born in England, but based out of France and was active in the skateboarding scene in the late 1970s, competing in freestyle and slalom. She was acknowledged in several magazines, starting with Skatin’. In Issue No. 3 from 1978, Harris was pitched “face to face” next…
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Gail Yarbrough
If you’re a surfer in the Pacific Northwest, “The Point” just south of Seaside, Oregon is a cherished spot, located where the Pacific Ocean meets Tillamook Head. Gail Yarbrough (Williams), who was originally from California, where she competed in skateboarding, was surfing The Point in the 1970s, and according to a Facebook page called Oregon…
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Canada’s Champion
I first wrote about PJ McKenzie (Pam Judge) back in May 2022 after sourcing just a few photos of her online, and then stumbling upon a few more through newspaper databases. Once I realized that she was Canada’s first female skateboarding champion (back in 1977 / 1978), I knew that I had to meet her!…
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National Skateboard Review Mysteries
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…
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Barb Odanaka
Barbara Ludovise Odanaka’s return to skateboarding as an adult was the ultimate power-move and it was such a privilege to interview her (June 22, 2023) and be the recipient of her story that is so inspiring even with its moments of heartbreak. Please note that Barb has given me permission to share details of her…
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Alison Matasi
In the early 1990s, Alison Matasi started skateboarding by butt-boarding at age 4, and properly riding by age 10. She was often accompanied by her big brother, Lee ‘Avers’ Matasi (RIP) at skateparks and DIY spots around Vancouver, Canada. In an interview by Rose Archie, Alison stated, “There were always skateboards around my house from…
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Stefanie Thomas
Stefanie Thomas was a competitive street skater in the early 2000s. She was originally from Satellite Beach, Florida but moved to Long Beach, CA with her roommate, another ripper named Jayme Erickson. Her sponsors included woman-owned company Rookie, Stereo, Etnies, Destructo, Accel, Bones, and Westside skateshop. She had a smooth, confident style with plenty of…
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Leaf Treinen
Leaf Treinen was originally from Hawaii before growing up in Eugene, Oregon where she became a factory-sponsored skateboarder in the late 1980s / early 1990s. In March of 1986, nearing the end of 8th Grade, Leaf began skateboarding and was aware of the local Willamette Dammitt contest, which took place for the first time on…
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Aina Maria Oliver
Mallorca (Majorca), Spain is a stunning island in the Mediterranean, and turns out there was a female skateboarder named Aina Maria Oliver (Campins) who would skate the local park called Tramuntana hosted by the town Santa Ponça in the municipality of Calvià, built in 1970. I’ve got a Facebook match, so hoping for some updates…
Womxn Skateboard History 