By: Cathy Cai

Women have caused a surge in the popularity of skateboarding and surfing, with an estimated 200,000 females across the nation taking up the sports since the pandemic began. Some speculate that they have taken up these sports to keep in shape during the slow months of the pandemic.

Ella Smit, 17, from Gippsland, said she fell in love with skateboarding several years ago when watching professionals on the world stage. “I saw girls skating and doing tricks on TV and YouTube and wanted to give it a go,” Ella said. She watched 14-year-old British skateboarder Sky Brown at the Olympics and was inspired to try the sport. “I watched her during the Olympics and thought she was really cool,” Ella said.

Ella Smit’s mother, Gabby Smit said she was supportive of her daughter getting involved in a male-dominated sport. “I’ve always encouraged Ella to get involved in any sport she chooses to do – as long as she’s happy and enjoys it,” Ms. Smit said. “I think it’s important to get representation of females in the sport.”

Victorian Skateboarding Association president Bernard Griffiths said the addition of skateboarding to the Olympic Games roster boosted participation levels among young people. “It’s great for young people and girls to have role models out there,” Mr. Griffiths said. “Parents are also more interested in getting their kids coached now it’s seen as a legitimate sport.”

Mr. Griffiths said female participation continued to grow every year. The association ran sessions during the pandemic as a part of its All Aboard program, which encourages women to get involved. “We ran sessions online with 80 to 100 people in each – every session was full.”

Mr. Griffiths said. “A lot of people loved skating during the pandemic to keep active.” Australian Sports Commission chief executive Kieren Perkins welcomed the bounce back in physical activity. “Adults are participating in more activities than they did two years ago, and while men and boys are driving the return to clubs, women continue to be physically active more often,” he said.

Article Link: Girls surfing new wave of sports _ KidsNews.pdf