Girls Skate NZ is a not for profit who have been running skate lessons for 8 years. The organisation has carved their way into parks all over Auckland and shown how far some funding and some gnar can take you – even supporting Kiwis competitively shredding!
What did you enjoy about skating and how long have you been on a board?
I enjoyed being able to progress at my own pace, I have pretty gnarly ADHD so hated team sports and all the rules involved with them. I love the feeling of working on a new trick and finally getting it, for me that can bring me out of some pretty dark slumps and legit keep me hyped all week hahaha. I started skating when I was about 10, skated until I was 14 then stopped as a teenager and picked it up again when I was 20 which was 10 years ago.
What is Girls Skate NZ and when did it start?
Girls Skate NZ is a not for profit organisation which started 8 years ago. We only recently registered as a not for profit as our goal is to make the lessons accessible for anyone and everyone! Our goal is to inspire confidence and determination in all the skaters who come along, while fostering connection and community amongst participants. We run skate lessons all over Auckland that caters to all ages and abilities!
What benefits do you see from Girls Skate NZ?
Besides the insane progression in skill, from beginners up into the “high performance” space, my favourite part is watching the girls overall confidence improve. Not just in their skateboarding and at the skatepark, but how it reflects in their everyday life. We get a lot of feedback from parents which state how much confidence skateboarding gives these young girls, and how much is positively influences them at school and with their peers too. For some girls, it’s a safe space away from potentially negative environments at school and sometimes even home.
What is the public attitude like towards your sessions and how do other skatepark users treat you?
In the beginning it was a bit rough, a lot of people having a go at me saying that I’m “ruining the park” I haven’t had any issues for over 5 years now. I think the community is aware now and they are very supportive and love to see it!
What do you hear from parents and are they ever hesitant to get their kids on a board?
Not really! Maybe in the past 8 years I’ve had 1 or 2 very anxious parents, the rest are so into it! Some a little too much, trying to force their kids when they’re not ready. I think now skateboarding is an Olympic sport it’s bought out some pretty passionate parents
“Skate dads” have become a bit of a talking point in the community. How do you think enthusiastic parents can approach wanting their kids to skate in a way that is healthy?
Honestly letting them figure it out for themselves! Obviously facilitating them getting to skateparks often and being encouraging. The best skaters I’ve seen have parents that pretty much just sit there hahaha and make sure they’re feed and hydrated. There’s encouraging your kids and then pushing them that little bit too much. I think anytime a parent pushes their kid to do something they’re not ready to do is going to make the kids start enjoying it less, resent it, and get more frustrated and upset.
What’s the competitive scene like for women skating in NZ?
It’s changed sooo much in the past 7 or so years. When I first started skate school, there was only a handful (if only) who would compete. They would have to jump in the same divisions as the boys because it just wasn’t feasible for organisers to have a girls division with 1-3 girls entering. Now there’s so many! Mangawhai had more girls in the women’s division than the opens this year. And nationals now has to have 2 separate divisions for females!
Are any kiwi girls competing internationally?
Yes!! Jessica Ready is. She used to come to skate school all the time a little grom. She’s recently placed 3rd and 5th at various X games. And is competing in world skate events.
What are your thoughts on skating’s Olympic inclusion?
It’s a weird one because nobody ever thinks of skateboarding as a “sport” everyone has different opinions on what tricks are cooler/easier than others. However, because of skateboarding’s inclusion in the Olympics, local councils are pumping money into new skateparks. Which benefits every skateboarder. I’ve learnt a lot about world skate and their judging and how it’s run, but I think it’s great because it gives kids a chance to make a serious career and future out of skateboarding outside of filming and the odd xgames. Plus, all the new skateparks are so rad for everyone.
Is there any funding or support from national bodies or institutions?
Yes!! We get funding from Auckland council and sport nz quite often. They love seeing girls and women skating and utilising skateparks so have been a massive support for us. We can’t run our sessions without funding, unless we charge everyone coming along. Which we just really don’t want to do! We wanna make sure there’s no barriers to participation. So by having funding kids can come along just with their shoes (sometimes without hahah) and we supply all the boards and gear and they get teamed up with a group and a coach!
How can we support Girls Skate NZ and all young women getting on a board here?
Getting the word out is awesome! We’re about to crank out heaps of free lessons over summer. It means anyone and everyone can join in. A lot of the girls who are really good now started out at a free class just trying it, now they have a massive community and friends and are of course killing it too!
What would you say to young women wanting to get on a board?
Just to give it a go! You never know if you don’t try. It seems scary and intimidating when you first start, but I promise it’s not as bad as it seems and it’s honestly the best thing in the world.
How could parents or skaters who are interested in these classes find out more?
Keeping up to date with our socials!! @girlsskatenz – we’re currently just waiting on some funding then we’ll announce some park locations we’ll be running free lessons at!
All images captured by Brad Makatoa @bradmakatoa
