Women who skateboard are rolling into skateparks more than ever before
Women who love skateboarding share stories in 2025
Adult women who skateboard are embracing this sport for a number of reasons. Some skated as kids but had no female role models or girlfriends to skate with. Others decided to give skateboarding a whirl when their own children expressed interest and they found themselves at skateparks or in their streets or driveways.
Women who skateboard in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, Melanie Bartlett stepped on a board for the first time about three years ago, at age 40 after her then-five-year-old daughter began taking lessons at Skate the Foundry, an indoor skate park in the city. She had been wanting to try skateboarding for many years and never had the opportunity. Melanie explained, “Over the span of a few weeks, as I saw my daughter learning, I was inspired. I learned that skateboarding could be broken down into steps that made it more accessible and less intimidating. Then I bought myself a skateboard, safety gear — and the rest is history. I love it and I’m empowered by each little skate goal I conquer.”
As Melanie progressed, she fostered friendships with skaters of all levels and ages, whom she refers to as her “crew.” She plays an integral role in organizing meet-ups in parks around Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Her time spent at the skateparks has certainly paid off…not only does she have many new friends, but she’s also featured in the upcoming film, “Skate Femme” by Ryan Doherty and Anna Danielle Moore, scheduled to be released in 2021.
Melanie loves to cheer on other new skateboarders and has been instrumental in encouraging Skate the Foundry, a private indoor Philly skatepark, to introduce adult lessons over two years ago – a first in the city. Skate the Foundry owners (and husband and wife team) Brett Williams and Yui Matsuzaki soon discovered that most of the adult students who signed up for classes were female.
Learning to skateboard as an adult
If you’re interested in learning how to skate, start with your local skate shop and see if they can offer some advice. There are a number of indoor skate parks, such as “Skate the Foundry” in Philadelphia that offer adult skating lessons, both private and small groups.
Here’s a photo of the inside of Skate the Foundry in Philadelphia:
Women’s skateboarding inspiration
Older skaters, Jean says, are go-getters (both inside and outside of the half-pipe). “What surprised me about skateboarding is how motivated and helpful many of those ‘older’ skaters are. I skate with friends who started in their 40s, or returned to skating after years away. Many of these people have started skate-related charities, hosted skate events and created skate companies – all while still holding down full time jobs.”
Women who skateboard – practice makes perfect
A few years ago, when I visited Los Angeles, I connected with a fabulous and friendly skateboarder, Kay, who lives in the city. She always wanted to skateboard and started in her late 40s. She’s been documenting her skate progress on Instagram, so I contacted her and we met up on a sunny morning at a skatepark she chose because she knew it was less crowded and easier for beginners. She was a blast to skate with — and very inspiring. On subsequent visits, I met up with her at a number of Los Angeles-area skateparks and it’s always so much fun! We even skated at the world-famous Venice Beach skatepark. She’s still skating almost every day…If I lived in LA, I would be skating with her more often! (See the photo of took of Kay and her friend at an LA skatepark below).
Skateboarders of all ages who wish to meet up with others worldwide, join this Facebook group:
I started this inclusive facebook group for women of all ages: It’s called “women skateboard community – all ages, all levels welcome”. Hope to see you there!
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