Skate Like a Girl skate camp

Skateboarding has long been celebrated as a powerful form of self-expression, creativity and physical activity. However, for many skaters, finding a space where they feel completely comfortable, free from judgment and fully supported is crucial for their growth and enjoyment of the sport. This is where safe spaces come into play—environments designed to foster inclusivity, respect and empowerment, particularly for marginalized communities and young skaters.

Words and photos by Norma Ibarra

What makes a safe space?

A safe space in skateboarding is more than just a physical location; it’s an environment where individuals feel safe from harassment, intimidation and discrimination. These spaces encourage open communication, mutual support and positive interactions among skaters of all genders, ethnicities, backgrounds and skill levels. A truly safe skate space offers resources, mentorship and opportunities to help skaters build confidence, learn new skills and feel accepted.

Samarria Brevard, Frontside Nosegrind

Skate Like a Girl, USA

One prominent example of creating a safe space in skateboarding is the Skate Like a Girl program. This organization focuses on building confidence and leadership among young girls, women and non-traditional skaters through skateboarding. Their mission is to create an inclusive community through skateboarding, providing accessible skate sessions, workshops and events that empower skaters to embrace their full potential.

Skate Like a Girl believes that skateboarding can be a powerful tool for social change. Their events are designed as judgment-free zones, where skaters of all experience levels can thrive. By creating these spaces, they encourage a new generation of skaters to push boundaries and feel empowered.

U Can Skate focuses on community building and personal development, particularly among indigenous girls.

U Can Skate, Mexico

In Mexico, U Can Skate programming is transforming skateboarding into a platform for community building and personal development, particularly among young indigenous girls. This initiative focuses on providing accessible skateboarding workshops and fostering a sense of belonging among often racialized and marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ youth and girls in underprivileged communities.

U Can Skate not only introduces participants to the sport but also educates them about healthy lifestyles, mental health and the importance of self-expression. In the past two years, they have specifically focused on teaching young Indigenous girls how to skate. Their programs emphasize learning through play and build strong support networks for participants.

U Can Skate workshop vibes

Nations Skate Youth, Canada

In Canada, organizations like Nations Skate Youth and Take Over Skateboarding are leading the charge in creating inclusive skateboarding spaces for diverse communities. Nations Skate Youth focuses on Indigenous youth, bringing skateboarding to reservations and urban centers while creating pathways to leadership, cultural pride and community engagement. They integrate traditional Indigenous teachings with skateboarding to connect youth with their heritage and promote health, fitness and cultural pride.

Nations Skate Youth integrates traditional Indigenous teachings with skateboarding.

Why safe spaces matter in skateboarding

Creating safe spaces in skateboarding is essential for fostering a healthy and thriving community. These spaces break down barriers, reduce stigma and allow skaters to engage fully without fear of discrimination or judgment. They are crucial not only for improving participation rates among marginalized groups but also for cultivating confidence, leadership and resilience in young skaters.

Fabiana Delfino, Layback at camp

Inclusion in skateboarding ensures that everyone—regardless of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or background—feels welcome and valued. Programs like Skate Like a Girl, UCan Skate and Nations Skate Youth are paving the way for more equitable and inclusive skateboarding environments, where the joy of skating is shared by all. By supporting these initiatives, we can create stronger, more united skateboarding communities that celebrate individuality, creativity and empowerment.

Susie Heath, one-foot carve

Find this article and much more, on print in Dolores Magazine issue 12.