If you happen to be by the Venice Beach Boardwalk on a Tuesday night and see a huge group of girls skateboarding and chilling, that's GRLSWIRL. With a mission to empower women to get on skateboards in what can often seem like an intimidating, male-dominated sport. GRLSWIRL is a grassroots, all-female skate community focused on uniting women through skateboarding (The bi-weekly Tuesday night skates is open to women of all ages and skill levels!), empowering them to break gender boundaries and inspiring them to start a revolution by harnessing inclusivity and friendship. They currently have 85k online members and now have GRLSWIRL groups in NY and San Diego. They also run a SKATE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM where they teach young girls in underserved communities in Mexico and the US to skate and have done numerous fundraisers for various causes (We partnered up with them last year on a world ocean's day beach cleanup).
If that's not bad ass, we don't know what is.
Meet the GRLSWIRL FOUNDERS
When did you start skating and why?
I started skating when I was eleven. I was bullied and had to switch schools so I wanted to feel tough and skating became my security blanket ever since.
What have you been doing at home
Oh my goodness, trying not to go stir crazy. Truly make sure your friends are ok.
Even the strongest of minds have hard days.
I’ve been keeping myself busy by picking up new and old hobbies. Letting creativity take Lead. Of course skating when and where I can.
Fave Venice spots that you miss (can be park, food, drink, shop, whatever!)
Menottis/venice skatepark/ the boardwalk
Ahhh miss my morning coffee/skate with all the locals in the community. Meeting all the passer throughs and just living life in the sun on the beach.
Favorite skate trick?
For sure a Casper and impossible. One day I hope to be able to do both. <3
When did you start skating and why?
2010, I had just moved to Venice Beach and this place was made for skating - it's as if I didn't have a choice. I love being in my body and it was a new way for me to explore while connecting to myself and my new surroundings
What have you been doing at home
Ive been walking, skating and rollerskating - Enjoying the solitude and participating in the shift with my mind and body. Journaling when I have a lot on my mind and need to process anything. It wasn't easy at first but overtime I have found a groove that works for me. Resting and making sure I'm drinking enough water. Connecting with the earth everyday feels good - started new gardening and composting projects. Taking care of my Mom and Grandfather from a distance. Hanging out with my dog a lot. Oh and cleaning the f*ck out of my house! It has felt so good to clear and cleanse old stagnant energy.
Fave Venice spots that you miss (can be park, food, drink, shop, whatever!)
Grlswirl Group Skates and the Venice Skatepark
Favorite skate trick?
When riding a Carver I love anything with footwork like cross stepping on the board - super flowy. On a regular set up I'm envious of 180 no comply and Pop Shuv it - Still working on these!
When did you start skating and why?
I started skating 2 years ago when I met the other co founders on a photo shoot. They were so friendly and cool and made skating look so approachable (which it never appeared that way before), so I bought a board that day and haven’t stopped since!
What have you been doing at home
Learning about stocks haha, and just working on my computer a lot. I’ve actually been shooting a bit for brands with my friends who are in my quarantine crew.
Fave Venice spots that you miss (can be park, food, drink, shop, whatever!)
I miss going out to eat at restaurants :(
Favorite skate trick?
Hmm I don’t have one to be honest.
When did you start skating and why?
I started 2.5 years ago when my partner taught me. I was always scared to skate, but when I was taught the right way with patience and clarity, I felt so inspired and empowered by it. I haven't stopped since!
What have you been doing at home
Lots of yoga, reading, meditating, eating and hanging out.
Fave Venice spots that you miss (can be park, food, drink, shop, whatever!)
Lodge Bread !!!!! Venice skatepark !!!!
Favorite skate trick?
Skate farts .. aka slides
When did you start skating and why?
I started skating in 2017 when I moved to Venice. Before then, I had tried a few times but I was really wobbly and it was very difficult for me to get around with a skateboard. When I moved here I fell in love with the alleyways and how skateable the town is. It's the perfect way to go grab a coffee in the morning, check the surf and meet up with friends. I started skating because I loved the feeling of sliding through the water on my surfboard and the freedom that it brought, so I wanted to find something that made me feel powerful, free and joyful on land in a similar way. Skateboarding on a longboard and then eventually on a carver board brought me that feeling, and it's what keeps me coming back every time. You don't need anything but your board and some concrete to have fun, to feel empowered, and heighten your appreciation for life.
What have you been doing at home
I've been spending most of my time reading, sketching, learning to bake sourdough bread and reflecting on life. I like to putz around and have time with my own thoughts, so that's been one of the highlights of staying at home in isolation.
Fave Venice spots that you miss (can be park, food, drink, shop, whatever!)
I really miss being able to lie out next to the rock jetty by my house. There's a little nook there on the beach that is one of my favorite places to go to and read, meditate, and meet up with friends.
Favorite skate trick?
I love doing Bert slides :D
When did you start skating and why?
I started just over two years ago when I met all the grlswirl girls. It had never been something I was that interested in but there was something about the energy around these girls and the beginning of this movement that felt important and new and exciting.
What have you been doing at home
I’ve read more books in the past two months than I probably read all of last year. 11 so far to be exact. Other than that been managing my anxiety, writing, eating good food, trying to move my body daily, occasionally playing a chord or two on the guitar I’m supposed to be learning, and taking care of my new baby kitten :)
Fave Venice spots that you miss (can be park, food, drink, shop, whatever!)
The inside of all my friends houses. And slightly outside of Venice - I desperately miss hiking trails and campgrounds.
Favorite skate trick?
Not a trick but I miss carving through ditches