Kristin Ebeling is a role model for skateboarding in the Northwest. Not only a shining light for the growing women, trans, and/or queer skate community in Seattle and the Northwest but a damn good skateboarder as well. As the Executive Director of Skate Like a Girl she is building a network that extends beyond Washington to create and foster an inclusive environment in a historically exclusive and male dominated sport (if you would like to call it a sport).
Ten years ago people would doubt me and my work, questioning whether or not girls actually wanted to skate. Now we know for sure that’s not true!
Kristin, I really don’t know too much about your story so this will be informative for me as much as it will be for many of our readers. To start things off, can you tell me how you got involved in skateboarding?
I saw Elissa Steamer in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater and decided that day that it was “on”. Basically all my friends, mostly dudes, around 2001 got super into skating, so I followed suit. I kind of have always been the girl that plays football with the boys at recess, so it felt natural to try skating too!
What was your first board?
I had an “X Games” branded department store board from Fred Meyer. My dad bought it for me for Christmas.
Who were your early influences and where did you grow up skateboarding? Home park?
I grew up at Kirkland skate park. I would go there pretty much every day after school from 6–9th grade. I also would take the bus to skate the Trickwood mini ramp or Rain City indoor. I idolized all the local guys who ripped like Ethan Fitzpatrick, Vince Del Valle, and all the Manik dudes. I kind of just copied their tricks, pants, hats, shoes, and stuff like that.
How did you get involved with Skate Like a Girl?
I remember thinking, “pffft there’s no girls that skate in Seattle!”
I was 16 and saw on MySpace that there was a skate contest for girls at Redmond skate park. I remember thinking, “pffft there’s no girls that skate in Seattle!” Anyway, I showed up and I was completely wrong- thankfully! That day I met tons of local girls who skated, along with the founders and volunteers of Skate Like a Girl. After this amazing experience, I started volunteering at clinics, then organized skate trips, designed stickers, etc. The older women I met through Skate Like a Girl became my mentors and supported me with whatever I wanted to make happen. It just kept growing from there and 8 years later I made it my job. 6 years in, I serve as the Executive Director.
Is Nollie Inward Heel your favorite trick?
This is definitely a “show stopper” type trick that’s fun to throw out because it’s a bit uncommon. It’s not my absolute favorite, but it’s fun over a nice hip! (I think my favorite trick is blacksmith on a quarter pipe). But to anyone out there, please just know it’s a Nollie Heel, with your flick foot toes pointed in (pigeon toed). Nothing too special! Just gotta trust it’ll be there when you commit to landing it.
Favorite skate video part?
Hard question but here’s a few: I love John Cardiel in Sight Unseen, Elissa Steamer in Jump off a Building, Jordan Sanchez in Splash, Maite’s new Element part, Leo Baker’s My World, and Alex White in Getting Nowhere Faster.
The scene for females and non-binary skateboarders is growing. Describe your optimism for the change that has been happening and what steps are still necessary to be truly inclusive?
Ten years ago people would doubt me and my work, questioning whether or not girls actually wanted to skate. Now we know for sure that’s not true!
Things are going well, and I would say we are at a critical mass, meaning we are here to stay. Ten years ago people would doubt me and my work, questioning whether or not girls actually wanted to skate. Now we know for sure that’s not true! If/when the economy tanks I think women’s skateboarding is here to stay. What I would like to see changing soon is more diversity in who is actually running brands, magazines, etc.
What is it about Seattle and the scene up here that has kept you from moving to lets say, California?
I love torturing myself October through April! Just kidding. I guess I think California is expensive and kind of fake feeling. I like Seattle people. I like Seattle grit. We have a great scene that we’ve been working to build for decades now.
What is one thing you would like to see change in the Seattle Skate Scene?
I would love to see more skaters engaged on the governmental level to advocate for better amenities at skate parks (example: bathroom at Lake City), a roof over a skate park (example: the new Seask8 that’s getting built this summer), skate spots getting legalized (examples: Courts, West Lake, Gasworks), and other stuff like that. If anyone wants to create a coalition, hit my line. Let’s make the City of Seattle more like Malmo or Bordeaux in terms of including and embracing skating!
How do you feel about the impact Instagram has had on skateboarding for the good or for the bad?
It’s been huge for women and trans skaters. Being the one that typically sticks out at the skate park, not feeling like you fit in, etc it’s mostly subtle, but it’s harsh nonetheless. Connecting with people who have a similar experience makes you feel so much less isolated, and it’s also motivating and inspiring to see someone that looks like you land something you want to learn. The negative is honesty the likes and views, and the superficial value we place on these numbers. It seems like my favorite content isn’t that popular which is something to note.
Speaking of Instagram…we are in the era of skate influencers. what’s your take on the rise of the skate influencer’s popularity as opposed to that of a regular pro skateboarder who might only have a couple thousand followers. (Get ya followers up?)
My only ask is that companies are thoughtful and ensuring non-heteronormative women, nonbinary, trans, and gender non conforming folks can equitable opportunities in skateboarding.
If they are active in the community, I think it’s awesome that they are able to use their platforms to inspire more people to skate and bring people together. Briana King and Cher Strauberry are both great examples of this. I know there are a lot of girls that skate in sexy outfits and aren’t as good as pro women, but seemingly get more attention. I think it’s cool that there is space for more feminine girls to skateboard, because it hasn’t always been that way. Their fame, followers, or model shots are different than other’s style and interpretation of skateboarding, and I think that is part of why skateboarding is cool. Everyone can do their own thing, there’s no rules. My only ask is that companies are thoughtful and ensuring non-heteronormative women, nonbinary, trans, and gender non conforming folks can equitable opportunities in skateboarding.
You still playing drums in a band?
Not currently! But I do play bass on Punitive Damage, and I released some tracks I wrote under the name Beazst.
Is being nice to others underrated? I’ve never heard a bad thing about you!
Wow that’s so flattering, but I’m not perfect! I try my best to lead by example and learn from my mistakes.
What are some future goals that you have with Skate Like a Girl?
I want to open an indoor skate park on the south end of Seattle, or at least somewhere off the light rail so it’s accessible. I also want to create digital curriculum of our best practices so other people can do similar work!
What can local brands or companies do to support female skaters?
Step up and say something if you hear/see something racist, homophobic, sexist, transphobic, etc.
I can’t speak for everyone, but generally just treat our community with respect and in solidarity. Perhaps consider picking up a local woman and/or trans shredder to be a part of your team, too! On a personal level, you are community leaders and hold a lot of social capital. Leverage that for good. Step up and say something if you hear/see something racist, homophobic, sexist, transphobic, etc. Ensure your riders are supportive of the whole skate community. We’re all in this together!
Favorite Local Skateboarder? Who’s next up?!
Lexi Briggs. She’s been killing it since she was a kid and is always learning new innovative tricks.
Talk to me about the Skate Witches Zine! What made you and Shari want to start it?
We are definitely DIY type of people and around 2013 there weren’t a lot of media outlets including women, so we decided to just make our own. The goal is to celebrate our community, highlighting mostly street skateboarding. We try really hard to intentionally elevate and include women and trans skaters who get less attention, while also including high level pros. We have some exciting things coming up in 2020- stay tuned! New zine is dropping in spring too.
Last words?
I love skateboarding and I always want more friends to skate with. Hit me up! Also, Skate Like a Girl can always use your help. If you’re interested, hit us at info@skatelikeagirl.com. Thanks Double Set!!!
