History, Community, and Women in Skateboarding.

Go Skateboarding Day is an annual holiday celebrated on June 21st, dedicated to the sport and culture of skateboarding. It was created by the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) to promote skateboarding and encourage people of all ages and skill levels to get out and ride their skateboards.

The Origins of Go Skateboarding Day

Although the IASC is credited with creating the first Go Skateboarding Day, Don Brown is acknowledged as the founder of Go Skate Day. Brown proposed the idea of establishing a National Skateboarding Day to motivate people to take up skateboarding. In an interview, he expressed his inspiration behind the idea, stating, "Whenever I looked at calendars, there would always be these stupid things like National Bird Day or Puppy Day. And as much as I feel like we don't need a lot of those days, it did create a focus that everyone talked about. Now that the day is on the calendar, skateboarding media, on a mainstream level, would start holding events."

It is also widely recognized that Per Welinder, co-founder of Birdhouse Skateboards, suggested naming the observance "Go Skateboarding Day." By 2005, just one year after the inaugural event, the IASC received recognition from US Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, officially establishing the holiday.

The Global Skateboarding Phenomenon

Although skateboarding originated in the United States, it has spread to every corner of the world. Go Skateboarding Day presents an excellent opportunity to engage with your local skateboarding community, as it brings together various aspects of the skateboarding culture on a single day.

Go Skate Day has grown to become a global event, with thousands of skaters celebrating in cities around the world. It’s a day that promotes the positive aspects of skateboarding, including creativity, community, and healthy physical activity, and helps to bring the skateboarding community closer together.

Most skate shops will throw an event at your local skatepark to encourage young people to get outside and practice the sport of skateboarding. Historically, skate shops have become the perfect place to ask about events for your area’s Go Skateboarding Day.

Summer is set to make its official equinox debut and with it the longest day of the year. With June 21st being the longest day of the year, Go Skate Day holiday lands cleverly by design. This means skaters have more daylight hours to partake in their favorite activity. Skateparks from Los Angeles to Tokyo will be full of kids and young adults from sunrise to sunset, hosting contests, BBQs, free raffles, and overall good times.

Women in Skateboarding

As Go Skateboarding Day celebrates the vibrant and inclusive culture of skateboarding, it’s essential to recognise the growing impact of women in the sport. Historically dominated by men, skateboarding has seen a significant rise in female participation over the past few decades, with women making substantial contributions both on and off the board.

Women have been involved in skateboarding since its early days, but they often faced significant barriers, including limited access to skateparks, sponsorships, and media coverage. Despite these challenges, pioneering female skateboarders like Peggy Oki, Elissa Steamer, and Patti McGee.

As we celebrate Go Skateboarding Day, it’s crucial to acknowledge the contributions of women to the sport and continue supporting their growth and recognition. The increased visibility and success of female skateboarders are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse skateboarding culture.

With more women picking up skateboards, breaking records, and inspiring others, the future of skateboarding looks brighter and more inclusive than ever. So, this June 21st, let’s celebrate not just the sport of skateboarding but also the incredible women who continue to push the limits and redefine what’s possible on a skateboard.