Back in my middle school years in the late 90’s, hanging at the skatepark was like the coolest thing. There were low level feels of punk rock rebellion, a lot of shit talking and cargo pants, and the familiar sounds of wheels clattering into pavement after landing a trick and trucks grinding against rails. However, even though I had my own board and longed to learn how to drop into a half-pipe, the nearly impenetrable boys club that existed at the skatepark was intimidating to say the least. They were kind fellows for the most part, but they were quick to tease one another in their failure and it gave me this looming sense that if I ate shit the first time I dropped in, there would be a cacophony of laughter to bruise my ego alongside my elbows and tailbone. Perhaps if I had been more confident, none of that would have mattered, but as a thirteen year old kid, the idea of fucking up in front of boys I thought were cool and cute was nothing short of terrifying.
If only there had been a program like Skate Like A Girl for me to hook up with! The West Coast based non-profit is geared toward encouraging girls and women to skateboard in an inclusive environment, with emphasis on diversity and empowerment. If I’d been lucky enough to link with Skate Like A Girl back in the day, not only would I have learned the confidence to drop in without fear with all those bratty boys around, but I would have picked up some awesome new tricks and skills and maybe even found a girl gang of skaters to roll around with. The program is pretty genius.
On January 16, the Vera Project will host a benefit concert for Skate Like A Girl, where you can go throw money at this pretty sweet non-profit, all while getting down to some great live jams. Keeping with the Skate Like A Girl spirit, the four bands in the lineup (Katie Kate, Tangerine, Thunderpussy, and Peeping Tomboys) are entirely comprised of badass women ready to melt faces. Even without the added bonus of donating to a great cause, the bill is reason enough to turn out to Vera and shake your tail feather. Double bonus. And who knows? If skateboarding isn’t already your thing, you might find yourself signing up for the next summer skate program.
Advanced tickets available online.
Girls That Shred: 2nd Annual Benefit for Skate Like A Girl
SolidSound // The Stranger // the Vera Project
Friday, January 16 at 7.00pm
$10 advance // $15 day of show
#STACKEDDMAG
