“I encourage girls to take up space.”

This International Women’s Day, we want to highlight Jade, one of our team members at Frankston Skate Park.

Jade runs the ‘Girls Only’ skate clinic, a free group lesson for girls wanting to give skateboarding a go. She is an encouraging figure at the Skate Park, welcoming anyone who wants to give skateboarding a go. We caught up with Jade for a chat and asked her a few questions about the ‘Girls Only’ skate clinic and her own experience as a skater.

Why is a ‘Girls Only’ skate clinic important?

Skate park’s can be an intimidating for girls and women. It’s not uncommon to see girls standing to the side. Having a woman or group of girls participating shows other’s that we can hold space for them and encourage them to join in. It can make it more comfortable for them. When they see someone like them skating, they can see that they can do it as well.

I encourage girls to take up space, and a Girls Only skate clinic helps them participate.

What do you love about the the girls only skate?

This isn’t specific to the Girls Only lessons, but in general, seeing someone learn something new is the best feeling. When I’m able to land a new trick, I’m ecstatic. But when I see someone land a new trick, I am crazy happy on the inside!

I love seeing the excitement and fulfilment within them. It’s an amazing feeling.

Words of encouragement for young girls wanting to get into skating.

Find yourself a someone to go skating with. Either a mentor or buddy where you can encourage and help each other. When I started, I had a mentor and someone that I could skate with.

Also don’t be afraid to fall or make a mistake, because no one cares. People are supportive and are not there to judge you.

To celebrate IWD, Jade has organised a special All Girls Skate clinic for tomorrow, Friday 8 March at 5pm. What better occasion to head down and give skating a go? Book your spot here via our website here.