Defying Expectations
Girls have taken skateboarding by storm, defying gender expectations.
Since the 1960s girls have embraced the sport to showcase athleticism, freedom of movement, and daring behavior that has earned them accolades.
They fashioned unique clothing styles and asserted their self-empowerment in a male-dominated sport.
Judi Oyama's Skateboard Helmet, 1979
Gift of Judi Oyama
Judi Oyama wore this helmet while racing during the late 1970s and into the 1980s.
Why does this trophy have a boy on top?
Judi Oyama's Trophy, 1979
Gift of Judi Oyama
Judi Oyama was awarded this trophy in 1979 at a skateboarding competition in Berkeley, California.
Cindy Whitehead grew up in Southern California, where she aspired to be a professional skateboarder but found few female role models. At age 15, she was the first girl skateboarder featured in the centerfold of a skateboard magazine. One year later, she became a professional "vert" skateboarder.
Cindy Whitehead's Jersey, around 1980
Gift of Cindy Whitehead
Cindy Whitehead wore this jersey as a member of the Sims skate team in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Skateboard, 2013
Gift of Cindy Whitehead and Dwindle Inc. dba Dwindle Distribution
Cindy Whitehead designed this prototype and founded the brand "Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word" to make girls more visible in a male-dominated sport.
The shape and design of the board is modeled from Sims Skateboards that she rode during her professional career.
See Girlhood in 3D! Explore a model of the jersey.
