Book Review | History Badass Women Skateboarders

Isaac Grad
5 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Girl Gangs, Zines, and Powerslides, A History of Badass Women Skateboarders by Natalie Porter offers an in-depth exploration of the history of womxn in skateboarding, told through personal stories, biographies, and historical accounts. The book not only highlights the significant contributions but also provides insight into Porter's own journey as a researcher and skateboarder. Throughout the narrative, Porter emphasizes themes of resilience, community, and authenticity, illustrating how womxn have navigated and often challenged the lack of representation in skateboarding especially in the media.

A central theme in the book is the feeling of exclusion experienced by Womxn skateboarders, who were often seen as outsiders within a community that valued outsiders and nonconformity yet womxn skaters frequently faced the challenge of being accepted as true skateboarders. Porter emphasizes that this exclusion was partly rooted in the community's own history, as many who established their skateboarding identity had initially felt alienated themselves. In response, womxn often had to carve their own paths: forming their own groups such as the Skirtboarders from Canada, who also produced their independent content through their zine Armpit (2002). Armpit produced 3 issues wherein contributors could air their grievances with anything and everything skateboarding, reach likeminded people, share photos of members skateboarding, and provide proof that womxn were in fact deeply involved in skateboarding.

Collection of Womxn Skateboarding Zines, Collage Photo - Womxn SK8 History

Other zines such as Ladies Skateworld allowed womxn skaters to hear and learn about other womxn skaters. Zines such as J.D’s featured a way for queer voices to be heard. Another popular zine, The Skate Witches, was created to make “non-traditional skaters feel badass”. Independent publications, such as these, allowed skaters from underrepresented groups to share their stories, build community and record their own history without relying on mainstream media. These acts of defiance, through creative ingenuity, despite cultural barriers show that perseverance for diversity pushed the boundaries of skateboarding which continues to evolve today.

PUSH Zine No. 3, KZ Kapata, Full Zine at Womxn SK8 History

Porter shares many examples of individuals who championed visibility and validation for womxn skaters. One notable figure is KZ Zapata, Porter's first interviewee outside her skateboarding social circle, who used their zine Push, Push, Then Go! to challenge stereotypes and promote the legitimacy of skateboarding. KZ's advocacy was motivated by the desire to oppose the dismissive attitude that womxn's performances should be compared unfavorably to men's, a sentiment prevalent in the community. Porter emphasizes that such stories serve to inspire ongoing efforts to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for womxn in skateboarding.

Diane Desiderio, Photo - Womxn SK8 History

The book covers pioneering achievements by womxn in the sport. Diane Desiderio, for instance, played a pivotal role in skateboarding history by participating in SK8HERS (1992, Dir. Ethan Fox), the first all-womxn skate video, demonstrating that womxn were breaking new ground despite obstacles. Lizzie Armanto's accomplishments further exemplify progress in the sport: she became the first womxn to perform a 360 loop in vert and pool skating, and in 2016 was the only womxn featured on the cover of TransWorld Skateboarding magazine in its thirty-six-year history. These milestones highlight both advancements and ongoing challenges faced by womxn in the sport, such as the underrepresentation of womxn on major platform covers.

Porter further highlights BIPOC representation, discussing Stephanie Person and noting important contemporary figures: Samarria Brevard, the first Black womxn on Thrasher's cover (January 2022); Nika Washington, who rode for Thunder Trucks; Adrianne Sloboh, featured in Skateism magazine (April 2023); and Beatrice Domond, represented by the iconic clothing brand Supreme. These stories illustrate the diversity within womxn's skateboarding and demonstrate that despite feelings of exclusion, there is a space for everyone committed to the sport.

Reading this book it is evident that Porter embodies what it means to be a skateboarder—driven by passion, perseverance, and a desire to forge her own narrative. Recognizing and celebrating womxn's contributions is something she had to actively seek out, as they are often absent from mainstream skateboarding histories. Her dedication reflects the broader reality that true community and progress in skateboarding arise from individual effort, passion, and the refusal to accept barriers as permanent.

Isaac is an undergraduate Senior double majoring in English and Psychology at the University of Connecticut. As an intern at WithItGirl, Isaac focuses on skateboarding culture, utilizing film as well as writing to explore the world of skateboarding. During the semester Isaac writes for his school paper, The Daily Campus, with a focus on media. He enjoys writing creatively, particularly poetry and screenplays. Isaac enjoys learning languages and traveling. In his spare time he reads, ice skates, snowboards, skateboards, and watches movies.

Book Review | History Badass Women Skateboarders

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