As skating continues to grow in popularity, there are an increasing number of talented female skaters out there pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a board. In celebration of these badass ladies, we’ve highlighted the 15 best female skateboarders currently killing it in the skating world.
Whether you are a fan of skateboarding or not, there’s no denying that it takes a lot of skill and courage to do trickson a board while zooming down a sidewalk or ramp. And though the sport has been male-dominated since its inception in the early 1900s, women have been steadily carving out their own place in skate culture over the last few decades.
Nowadays, skilled female skateboarders tearing up parks and half-pipes around the world – some even earning sponsorships from major brands. Women skateboarders have also made it to the Olympics – bravo! So, grab your board and get ready to be inspired by these famous female skateboarders.
Women have skateboarded professionally since the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the late ’90s and early 2000s that female skateboarding really started to take off. The past two decades have seen an explosion in the popularity of skating among women of all ages, with more girls and young women picking up a board than ever before.
We have compiled a list of the top-rated female skateboarders to pay tribute to these skillful ladies who are crushing it on both street and vert, and who are inspiring other women to pick up a deck and start shredding.
1. Patti McGee
2. Lizzie Armanto
3. Leticia Bufoni
4. Alexis Sablone
5. Margielyn Didal
6. Elissa Steamer
7. Samarria Brevard
8. Sky Brown
9. Rayssa Leal
10. Sabre Norris
11. Pamela Rosa
12. Alana Smith
13. Lacey Baker
14. Cara-Beth Burnside
15. Peggy Oki
Each female skateboarder on this list is unique and inspiring in their own way and is driven by different motivations. From pushing themselves and challenging expectations, to being an influence for other women and young girls to get into skateboarding.
Their accomplishments range from National titles, winning world championships, becoming world-renowned pros such as being featured in media outlets like magazines, appearing in movies and TV shows, winning awards of recognition for their talent, launching signature products on apparel lines, creating impactful videos that go viral and more!
1. Patti McGee
Patti McGee is a legendary female skateboarder who is often credited with helping to popularize skateboarding in the 1960s. She was born on May 23, 1945, in Venice, California, and began skating at the age of 5.
McGee’s skateboarding career began in the early 1960s when she entered and won her first competition at the age of 19. She quickly gained fame for her graceful style and innovative tricks, including the “McGee Grab,” which involved grabbing the board in mid-air and twisting her body, and she soon became a sponsored skateboarder.
One of McGee’s early sponsors was Hobie Skateboards, and she later went on to ride for brands like Makaha and G&S. She was also a sponsored surfer and represented brands like Hang Ten and Wardy Surfboards.
In 1964, McGee won the Women’s National Skateboard Championship and became the first female professional skateboarder. She went on to tour the country with the Hobie Skateboard Team and appeared on television shows such as “The Tonight Show” and “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
McGee’s also performed skateboarding demonstrations and appeared in skateboarding films like “Skaterdater” and “Spinnin’ Wheels.”
In addition to her skateboarding career, McGee was also a talented surfer and won the Women’s National Surfing Championship in 1964. She later appeared in the surf movie “The Endless Summer” and became a spokesperson for surf brand Hang Ten.
Throughout her career, McGee won numerous championships and awards. In addition to the Women’s National Skateboard Championship, she also won the Women’s National Slalom Skateboarding Championship in 1965 and the Women’s National Speed Skateboarding Championship in 1966. She was also named as Woman Athlete of the Year by the Women’s International Bowling Congress in 1965.
McGee was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Surfing Walk of Fame in 2013.
Today, McGee is remembered as a pioneer in women’s skateboarding and an inspiration to generations of female skaters. Her legacy continues to inspire women to break barriers and push the limits of what is possible in the world of skateboarding.
2. Lizzie Armanto
Lizzie Armanto is one of the most accomplished female skateboarders of all time. She was born on January 26, 1993, in Santa Monica, California, and began skating at the age of 14.
Armanto’s career in skateboarding took off quickly. She won her first amateur contest at the age of 16 and turned pro in 2010. She has been sponsored by some of the biggest names in skateboarding, including Vans, Independent Trucks, and Birdhouse Skateboards.
One of Armanto’s most notable achievements was being the first woman to successfully complete Tony Hawk’s famous loop ramp in 2016. She has also won numerous contests, including the Vans Park Series World Championship in 2018 and the Women’s Pro Division at the Van Doren Invitational in 2015 and 2016.
In addition to her success in competition, Armanto has also made several television appearances. She has been featured on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Today Show,” and “Good Morning America,” among others. She has also been the subject of several skateboarding documentaries, including “The Motivation” and “Underexposed: A Women’s Skateboarding Documentary.”
Armanto has used her success in skateboarding to give back to her community. She has worked with Skateistan, a non-profit organization that uses skateboarding to empower youth in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and South Africa. She has also been involved in several projects to promote gender equality in skateboarding.
Armanto’s achievements have not gone unnoticed in the skateboarding community. She has been named Female Skater of the Year at the TransWorld Skateboarding Awards twice, in 2016 and 2018. She was also inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2021.
3. Leticia Bufoni
One of the hottest female skateboarders, Leticia Bufoni. Born on April 13, 1993, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Bufoni started skateboarding at the age of nine and quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
Bufoni’s skateboarding journey began in Brazil, where she honed her skills and started competing in local contests. She became a sponsored skateboarder at just 14 years old, and started to ride for brands like Nike, Red Bull, and Element Skateboards.
Bufoni has won several X Games medals, including gold in the Women’s Skateboard Street competition in 2013, 2014, and 2015. She has also won several World Championships in both street and park skateboarding.
She is also an accomplished model and has appeared in several magazines, including ESPN The Magazine and Vogue. She has even modeled for Nike’s women’s line and was featured in the brand’s “Just Do It” campaign.
Her hot looks made her appear in several television shows, including “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” She was also featured in the skateboarding documentary “We Are Blood” and appeared in the skateboarding video game “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5.”
Bufoni has gained the world’s respect after becoming an advocate for animal rights. She has worked with organizations like PETA to raise awareness about animal cruelty and encourage people to adopt animals from shelters.
4. Alexis Sablone
Alexis Sablone is a powerhouse in the world of skateboarding. Born on August 22, 1986, in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, Sablone began skateboarding at a young age and quickly made a name for herself in the sport.
Sablone’s career in skateboarding began in the early 2000s when she started competing in local contests. She quickly caught the attention of sponsors, and she soon became a sponsored skateboarder. Some of her sponsors over the years have included brands like Converse, Monster Energy, and Element Skateboards.
Sablone’s success in skateboarding competitions is impressive. She has won several X Games medals, including gold in the Women’s Skateboard Street competition in 2010 and 2013. She has also won several World Championships in both street and park skateboarding.
But Sablone’s talents go beyond skateboarding. She is also an accomplished architect, having graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a degree in architecture. She has even designed several skate parks, including the “Sao Paulo Skate Plaza” in Brazil.
Sablone has also made several television appearances, including on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “The Berrics.” She was also featured in the skateboarding documentary “Quit Your Day Job” and appeared in the skateboarding video game “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5.”
She has created several skateboard graphics and has even had her work featured in art galleries.
Sablone’s contributions to skateboarding and her other passions have not gone unnoticed. She has been named Female Skater of the Year at the TransWorld Skateboarding Awards twice, in 2012 and 2016. She was also inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2021.
5. Margielyn Didal
Margielyn Didal, a Philippines-born skater who has taken the world by storm with her incredible skills, fearless attitude, and charming personality.
Didal’s journey began on the streets of Cebu City, where she fell in love with skateboarding at the tender age of 12. Armed with nothing but a board and a dream, she set out to conquer the skateboarding world.
Her hard work and dedication paid off in a big way when she won the gold medal in the Women’s Street competition at the 2017 Asian Skateboarding Championships in Singapore. From there, she went on to win gold in the Women’s Street competition at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, solidifying her place as one of the best skaters in the world.
But Didal isn’t just a skater – she’s also a trailblazer. She’s the first Filipino skater to win an international skateboarding event.
Didal has been backed by a number of major brands, including Vans, Red Bull, and Globe.
6. Elissa Steamer
Elissa Steamer’s skateboarding journey began in the early 90s in San Francisco. Despite facing numerous challenges and oppositions as a female skateboarder, she persevered and landed her first sponsor, Toy Machine Skateboards, in 1994.
From there, Elissa participated in major skateboarding competitions and events, including the X Games and the Vans Warped Tour. She made history in 1999 as the first woman to be featured in a skateboarding video game, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.
Elissa’s impressive skateboarding skills led to her winning several awards, including the Transworld Skateboarding Reader’s Choice Award for Best Female Skateboarder in 2000 and the Slam City Jam Women’s Street competition in 2001.
She also secured lucrative sponsorship deals with companies such as Vans, Zero Skateboards, and Independent Trucks.
Elissa’s infectious personality and wit made her a fan favorite, leading to numerous appearances on TV shows such as Jackass and Viva La Bam.
7. Samarria Brevard
Samarria Brevard’s skateboarding journey began in Riverside, California, where she discovered her love for the sport at the age of 12.
Her talent caught the attention of major skateboarding brands, and she was soon sponsored by Enjoi and Adidas, among others. She continued to impress in competitions and events, winning the Women’s Division of the prestigious Tampa Pro competition in 2017 and taking home the gold medal in Women’s Skateboard Street at the X Games in 2018.
Samarria has also made numerous TV appearances, including on Viceland’s “King of the Road” and the “Vans Park Series.”
Samarria’s style and skill have made her one of the most exciting skateboarders in the world, and she continues to inspire and empower female skateboarders around the globe.
8. Sky Brown
Sky Brown – the pint-sized powerhouse who has taken the skateboarding world by storm! This young skateboarder has been making headlines since she was just a toddler, and her journey to becoming one of the best female skateboarders of all time is nothing short of remarkable.
Born in Miyazaki, Japan in 2008, Sky Brown started skateboarding at the tender age of three. By the time she was four, she was already winning competitions in both Japan and the UK.
Sky is sponsored by companies like Nike, Skateistan, and Almost Skateboards, and her impressive achievements include winning the Vans US Open Women’s Pro Tour in 2019 and becoming the youngest professional skateboarder ever at just 10 years old.
But Sky’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2020, she suffered a horrific fall while training, which left her with multiple fractures and a skull fracture. But true to form, Sky bounced back quickly and was back on her board within months, proving that she’s not only talented but also incredibly resilient.
Sky has also made several appearances on TV shows, including Dancing with the Stars: Juniors and Celebrity Juice.
9. Rayssa Leal
Rayssa Leal, the Brazilian wonder kid has been shredding since she was just a toddler, and her journey to becoming one of the best female pro skateboarders is nothing short of impressive.
Born in Imperatriz, Brazil in 2008, Rayssa started skateboarding at the age of six. Growing up in a small town, she didn’t always have access to top-quality skateparks or equipment. However, her love for the sport kept her pushing forward, and her determination paid off in spades.
Her natural talent was immediately apparent, and it wasn’t long before she caught the attention of major skateboarding brands.
Rayssa is sponsored by companies like Nike SB, Red Bull, and Holystic Skateboarding, and her impressive achievements include winning silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 at the tender age of just 13!
Rayssa has also made several TV appearances, including on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
10. Sabre Norris
Sabre’s skateboarding journey began at the age of 10, in her hometown of Los Angeles. She spent countless hours practicing and perfecting her skills, and her hard work paid off when she began competing in local skateboarding competitions.
As Sabre’s passion for skateboarding grew, so did her skills. She quickly became known for her powerful style and fearless approach to the sport. Her dedication paid off and made her win numerous competitions over the years, including the X Games, the Dew Tour, and the Vans Park Series.
Her talent has also landed her on TV shows like “The Ellen Show” and “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.”
But Sabre’s success isn’t just about the hardware she’s collected or the cameras she’s appeared in front of. She’s also a role model for young girls who are interested in skateboarding. Sabre has used her platform to advocate for gender equality in the sport and to encourage other women to pursue their passions.
11. Pamela Rosa
Pamela got her start in skateboarding when she was just 7 years old in her hometown of São José dos Campos, Brazil. As she got older, her talent blossomed and she began to make a name for herself in the international skateboarding community.
Pamela has won countless competitions and awards over the years, including the Street League Skateboarding Championship in 2019. She’s also been featured in magazines like Thrasher and has appeared on TV shows like “The Berrics” and “Vice.”
Her passion for the sport has inspired countless young girls (even my younger sister) to pick up a board and start skating.
She’s sponsored by Nike and Flip Skateboards, well-known names that every skater wishes to work with. And let’s not forget her killer signature shoe line with Converse.
12. Alana Smith
Born on March 1, 2001, in Mesa, Arizona, she started skateboarding at the age of 6 and began competing in local competitions at a young age.
At the age of 8, Alana won her first national championship, which marked the beginning of her successful skateboarding career.
In 2013, Alana made history by becoming the first female skateboarder to land a 540 McTwist in competition at the X Games. She went on to win a silver medal at that year’s X Games and a bronze medal in the following year.
Her aggressive style and ability to perform difficult tricks with ease quickly made her win numerous awards throughout her career, including a bronze medal at the 2014 X Games and the Women’s Pro Park and Pro Street competitions at the Vans US Open of Surfing in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
She has also been a vocal advocate for gender equality in skateboarding, calling for equal opportunities for female skateboarders.
Lacey Baker is a renowned female skateboarder who has gained recognition for her exceptional style and technical abilities. Born in Fremont, California, in 1991, she started skating when she was only five years old, following in the footsteps of her father, who was also a skateboarder.
Baker’s love for skateboarding grew stronger as she got older. She began competing at the age of 11 in local skateboarding contests, winning her first contest and laying the foundation for a successful skateboarding career.
Lacey’s achievements in skateboarding are impressive, to say the least. She has won several awards and titles throughout her career. In 2005, Lacey won the Amateur World Cup Skateboarding Championship, and in 2007, she won the Damn Am of the Year Award.
She was named the Female Skater of the Year in 2009 at the Transworld Skateboarding Awards.
In 2013, Lacey’s talent was recognized on an even greater level when she became a professional skateboarder. She also won her first X Games medal, a bronze, in the Women’s Street Skateboarding competition in 2013. Her professional status was cemented when she landed the cover of Thrasher Magazine in August of the same year.
Lacey continued to make waves in the skateboarding community, winning the Tampa Pro in 2016 and the SLS Super Crown World Championship in 2017. She went on to win two more bronze medals in the same event at the 2014 and 2017 X Games.
Apart from her X Games wins, Baker has also won numerous other awards, including the Women’s Street Skateboarding competition at the Copenhagen Pro in 2016 and the Women’s Pro Street Skateboarding competition at the 2017 Vans Park Series.
14. Cara-Beth Burnside
Known as the legendary female skateboarder, Cara-Beth Burnside has made a significant impact in the skateboarding world. She was born on August 23, 1967, in Orange County, California, and began skateboarding at the age of 14.
Her journey in skateboarding has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, numerous awards, and recognition for her contribution to the sport.
Cara-Beth competed in the Vision Pro Skate Escape contest and placed second in 1986. Just after 3 years, in 1989, she became the first woman to win the NSA National Championship, an impressive accomplishment that cemented her status as one of the best female skateboarders in the world.
And the journey didn’t stop there – in 1991, she was the first woman to perform a McTwist, a trick that involves a 540-degree rotation while in the air.
She was also the first woman to be featured on the cover of Transworld Skateboarding Magazine in 1994. In 1997, she won the X-Games Vert competition, further solidifying her place as a pioneer in the sport.
She is also known for her contributions to the skateboarding community. In 1994, she co-founded the Action Sports Alliance, an organization that advocates for the rights of action sports athletes.
Cara-Beth has been inducted into both the Skateboarding Hall of Fame and the Surfers’ Hall of Fame. In 2017, she was awarded the Pioneer Award at the Transworld Skateboarding Awards, an honor that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport.
15. Peggy Oki
Peggy Oki is one of the first female skateboarders in the history of skateboarding who has left an indelible mark. Born on October 8, 1954, in California, Peggy began skateboarding in the 1970s.
Her skateboarding journey is full of achievements and awards. In 1975, she co-founded the Zephyr Skate Team, which was one of the first skateboarding teams in history. The team, also known as the Z-Boys, gained notoriety for their innovative and aggressive style of skateboarding.
In 1976, Peggy won the Women’s Freestyle Skateboarding Championship, the first-ever women’s skateboarding contest. She continued to compete and win titles throughout her career, including the World Professional Skateboard Championship in 1977 and the Gold Cup Skateboarding Championship in 1979.
In addition to her achievements in skateboarding, Peggy gained widespread recognition for her appearance on the television show, “Dogtown and Z-Boys.” The documentary chronicled the history of the Zephyr Skate Team and the rise of skateboarding culture in the 1970s.
At last, it all paid off when she was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2012 for her contributions to the sport.
She was also featured in the 2018 film, “The Women of Skateboarding,” which highlighted the impact of female skateboarders throughout history.
Female Skateboarders and Why They Are Important
There is a narrative that women are excluded from the world of skateboarding. However, there are countless female skateboarders who have pioneered and transformed the sport over the years, from becoming Olympic winners to achieving iconic status. Notable names include;
Lizzie Armanto – one of the first female skateboarders to be featured in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game.
Leticia Bufoni – she has been seen as one of the top female skateboarders since 2009.
Nora Vasconcellos – the first woman to be sponsored by major U.S. retailer Adidas Skateboarding.
These inspiring women have been giants in their own right, shattering gender barriers and altering conventional perceptions of feminine strength while redefining what it means to be a successful skateboarder today.
Female Skateboarders in Olympics
The inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics has been a big moment for the sport, and especially for female skateboarders. Seeing women compete at the highest level and being recognized for their skill and dedication is incredibly inspiring.
I remember when I first saw skateboarding in the Olympics, I was thrilled to see so many talented women competing. It was amazing to see the level of athleticism and creativity on display, and it was especially exciting to see so many women of different ages and backgrounds represented.
Skateboarding has often been seen as a male-dominated sport, but the Olympics have helped to shift that perception. Seeing women shine on the world stage has helped to break down barriers and inspire young girls to get involved in skateboarding.
Here are some of the female skateboarders who participated in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics:
Sky Brown (Great Britain)
Rayssa Leal (Brazil)
Funa Nakayama (Japan)
Aori Nishimura (Japan)
Momiji Nishiya (Japan)
Roos Zwetsloot (Netherlands)
Margielyn Didal (Philippines)
Leticia Bufoni (Brazil)
Candy Jacobs (Netherlands)
Alana Smith (United States)
Hottest Female Skateboarders
Well, we all get impressed by beauty with an attractive body, and guess what, since skateboarding is a great exercise, it helps females shape their bodies. In addition, a woman on a board catches everyone’s eye – a hot body burns up the fire even more!
Here is a list of the hottest female skateboarders that have the most admirers on Instagram and in the real world:
1. Leticia Bufoni
2. Lizzie Armanto
3. Tina Keene
4. Eliana Sosco
5. Jen O’Brien
Wrapping Up
Female skateboarders have come a long way in the sport of skateboarding. From the early days of being dismissed and excluded, to now being celebrated and recognized as some of the best skateboarders in the world, women have proven that they can shred just as hard as anyone.
These athletes have demonstrated remarkable talent and creativity, pushing the limits of what is possible on a skateboard. From pioneers like Patti McGee and Peggy Oki to current stars like Leticia Bufoni and Sky Brown, these women have paved the way for others to follow.
These athletes are more than just skateboarders, they’re role models, activists, and advocates for inclusivity and diversity in the sport. They’ve shown that skateboarding isn’t just for boys and that anyone can learn and excel at this thrilling sport.
So let’s continue to celebrate and support these incredible women, not just for their physical abilities but for their resilience, determination, and passion for skateboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best female skateboarder?
It’s difficult to pinpoint one best female skateboarder as there are many talented athletes in the sport. Some notable names in the industry include:
Lizzie Armanto
Nora Vasconcellos
Leticia Bufoni
Sky Brown
Aori Nishimura
Who is the No 1 female skateboarder in the world?
The title of the No. 1 female skateboarder in the world can vary depending on different factors such as competition results, media coverage, and fan following. However, currently, Sky Brown, a 13-year-old British skateboarder, holds the title of the youngest Olympian for Team Great Britain.
Who is the most famous girl skater?
Leticia Bufoni is a Brazilian skateboarder with over 1 million followers on Instagram, while Nora Vasconcellos is a versatile skateboarder who has gained attention for her stylish approach to the sport. Skateboarding pioneer Peggy Oki is also well-known in the industry for her contributions to the sport.
Who are the top 5 skaters?
Here are the top 5 most influential and talented skateboarders in the industry:
I got inspired by my father after watching him performing heroic tricks on a skateboard. Started at the age of 8 and performed in multiple competitions, now I coach professionals for tournaments. It's not just a sport for me - more like a passion and meditation! After years of experience with different skateboarding products, here are my reviews about Best Skateboard Brands and Best Skateboard for Beginners. It's an era of technology, you can also check unbiased reviews of Best Electric Skateboards. You can also read Benefits of Skateboarding.
