Skating has always meant more than just riding a board. It’s the feeling I get when I push past fear and a way to reconnect with myself and build confidence. One push, one fall, one try at a time.
But it didn’t start this way. When I first began skating, I was intimidated. Rolling into a male-dominated space with barely any experience was like stepping into a spotlight I didn’t ask for.
At the time, I wasn’t confident enough to show up to the skatepark or roll through crowded streets. Instead, I’d skate through quiet neighborhoods, where I felt less pressure with more space to trust my feet on the board. I begged my dad to take me to the park early before anyone else was there so I could practice without the pressure. Still, there were countless times I drove myself, sat in the car for thirty minutes, and left without ever getting out. The group of guys already skating was enough to keep me on the sidelines.
From Fear to Flow
As I grew into my wheels, I realized that most people weren’t paying any attention to me at all. They’re focused on landing the next trick and staying upright, not on me getting my bearings.
What really unlocked a newfound confidence was finding other women who skated. Suddenly, I didn't care about fitting in because we were focused on creating something new. It transformed my confidence in showing up at the skate park knowing that I wasn’t alone.
These days, I roll up with a Yerba in hand and a whole different energy. Just cracking one open reminds me to breathe and settle in. With grounded focus and the rumble of pavement beneath my wheels, I can drop into a flow state where all that matters is me and my board.
I knew I was making an impact when a girl came up to me and said, “I started skating because of you.” She told me she’d watched my content and even bought the same board. I didn’t know that just showing up could be enough to inspire someone else. That’s when I realized I could do more.
So I decided to start an all-girls skate group. I hosted my first group skate at UC Santa Barbara, packed a handful of different boards, and crossed my fingers that at least a few people would come through. When twenty girls showed up, I was blown away. Surrounded by so many women like myself, I realized I had created a space where girls could come together and connect. That moment sparked a community I couldn’t have imagined. Some of my closest friends came from that very first group session.
The Drop In Effect
One of my favorite things to witness is when a girl lights up after learning something new. Dropping in is a unique challenge and a test of confidence that messes with your head more than your feet. You can have the skill, but if your mind won’t commit, you won’t go. Dropping in taught me more than just how to ride down a ramp. It taught me to face fear, commit, and trust myself even when terrified. That single motion of leaning in has impacted my life far beyond skating. It’s a perfect life lesson in physical form: sometimes, you have to go for it, even when it’s scary.
When I help other girls drop in for the first time, it feels like I’m passing that courage on. Once you drop in, the whole park opens up. You realize you’ve got this. Watching this unfold never gets old.
Presence Over Perfection
Skating isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about showing up, especially when it’s scary, and choosing to try anyway. Yerba Madre has been with me through all of it. It’s part of how I show up, a small moment of focus and intention before I ride.
To any girl standing at the edge of the park, feeling unsure, this is your sign.
