Board sports have long been dominated by men. In recent years, however, a growing number of talented and inspiring women have succeeded in breaking down stereotypes and changing the culture of board sports in general. Let's take a look at these women who are gradually establishing themselves as emblematic and influential figures in the world of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding.
The pioneers of women's surfing
If the history of surf is mainly marked by male legends, several women have established themselves as benchmarksThese women surfers have proved that waves belong as much to women as they do to men. From champions like Margo Oberg, Layne Beachley and Stephanie Gilmore, to committed personalities like Bethany Hamilton and Keala Kennelly, these surfers have proved that the waves belong to women as much as to men.
- Margo Oberg : The first female professional surfer, she dominated the international scene in the 70s and 80s.
- Layne Beachley : The most successful Australian surfer in history, with seven world titles to her name.
- Stephanie Gilmore : She holds six world titles and is considered one of the best female surfers of all time.
- Bethany Hamilton : Despite losing her arm in a shark attack, Bethany continues to surf and advocates self-improvement.
- Keala Kennelly : A pioneer of wholesale surfing, she also campaigns for gender equality and against discrimination.
The collective GRLSWIRL encourages women to skate
In the world of skateboard still largely dominated by men, some women's collectives such as GRLSWIRL work to promote sisterhood and self-confidence. They offer workshops, meetings and ride sessions for women, GRLSWIRL enables female skaters to progress together and share their passion for a sport still too often perceived as the preserve of boys.
GRLSWIRL has a significant presence on social networks, particularly on Instagram. They share images and videos showcasing women of all levels in skateboarding, while encouraging solidarity and individual expression. The collective regularly organizes events, workshops and meetings to bring female skateboarders together. These initiatives aim to create opportunities for women to learn, share experiences and develop their passion for skateboarding.
GRLSWIRL promotes diversity in skateboarding, emphasizing that all women, regardless of age, ethnicity or level of experience, are welcome in the community. As a collective, GRLSWIRL has helped shape a more inclusive and diverse culture in the world of skateboarding. This has inspired many women to get more involved in the sport and break down the gender stereotypes associated with skateboarding.
Many skateboarders have left their mark on the history of skateboarding through their talents, their contributions and their impact on the community. Here are just a few of them:
- Patti McGee: Considered one of the first professional skateboarders, Patti McGee won the national women's skateboarding title in 1965. She helped popularize skateboarding at a time when the sport was still largely a male domain.
- Elissa Steamer: She's often regarded as the first professional skateboarder to emerge on the modern skateboard scene.
- Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins Pastrana: Lyn-Z is a professional skateboarder who has won several X Games medals. She is known for her vertical skateboarding skills and has contributed to the recognition of women in this discipline.
- Leticia Bufoni: Professional skater who has won several international competitions. She is renowned for her technical style and her dominant presence in the world of street skateboarding.
- Vanessa Torres: A professional skateboarder since the early 2000s, Vanessa Torres has been an important figure in women's skateboarding. She has helped inspire many young female skateboarders and has been a model of success in the industry.
These skateboarders played a crucial role in demonstrating that skateboarding is not exclusively for men, and paved the way for many generations of female skateboarders. Their impact continues to inspire and promote diversity in the world of skateboarding.
Women's snowboarding champions
Visit snowboardOnce a confidential discipline, snowboarding has exploded in popularity in recent decades. Among the women who have left their mark and continue to influence the world of snowboarding are :
- Karine Ruby: First Olympic snowboard champion (parallel giant slalom) at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.
- Kelly Clark : The American snowboarder is considered one of the pioneers and most talented halfpipe riders of all time, with an impressive track record including 5 Olympic medals and 14 competition podiums.
- Chloe Kim : Very young, this American-Korean prodigy won the gold medal at the 2018 Olympic Games aged just 17.
- Jenny Jones : The first British Olympic snowboarding medalist, she is a benchmark in slopestyle and regularly takes part in international competitions.
- Jamie Anderson: Double Olympic slopestyle champion (2014, 2018) and one of the most decorated snowboarders.
Oxbow supports committed female riders
The French brand Oxbow has decided to support projects led by women who embody the spirit of adventure, freedom, surpassing oneself and sharing. With its call for projects from adventurous and committed female riders, Oxbow is sponsoring your project to the tune of €3,000, plus a €1,500 product prize. A fine example of support for sportswomen who want to promote the role of women in board sports.
Numerous women have succeeded in changing mindsets and paving the way for board sports to become more inclusive and egalitarian. Thanks to their talent, perseverance and commitment, they have succeeded in changing the traditional image of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding, and are now showing the way for future generations of riders.
