GRLSWIRL
GRLSWIRL participants pose at the Venice Skatepark in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sept. 15, 2020. The all- womxn skate community meets up bi-monthly for group events and workshops. (Paige Strickland | The Corsair)
"When a womxn steps on a skateboard she is overcoming fear. The strength that's gained is one more tool that's now available to boost her self-confidence as she navigates other challenges in life. That tool is not only useful, but fun and liberating. She can be whoever she chooses to be," said GRLSWIRL co-founder, Julia Ama.
Established by a group of nine friends, Lindsey Klucik, Monroe Alvarez, Shannon Moss, Kelsey Harkin, Tobi Ann, Myriah Marquez, Danielle Schwartz, and Julia Ama came together in 2018 to create GRLSWIRL. Their mission is to form an all inclusive skate community with the focus of building meaningful relationships, empowering each other through a sport that can seem intimidating, and tearing down stigmas and gender boundaries.
The sun slowly set over the Venice Beach Skatepark as girls began to roll in, chatting amongst themselves and popping tricks on their skateboards. For the first time since COVID-19 placed a halt on social gatherings, the GRLSWIRL crew is back to hosting their bi-monthly open skates. Word is spreading quickly on social media and among returning members as their meetups continue to expand and welcome new skaters. Since 2018, GRLSWIRL branched out nationally, starting groups in San Diego and New York.
LJ Amaral, 29, attended her first group skate this September. “GRLSWIRL has changed my entire experience of living in L.A. and brought me some rad womxn of the same wavelength who like to be active and empower each other. It’s like nothing I’ve ever been a part of before; an elite club of sorts, but is open and available to all,” Amaral said.
“It makes you feel so connected with your community and with the ladies you’re sharing this experience with. I feel so grateful to be a part of an organization filled with people who really care, who want to give back, and who want to lift each other up through skating!” said Amaral.