On a vibrant day at The Skate School, journalists gathered alongside 5FM to celebrate the She Can Skate initiative in honour of Women’s Month. This event was a powerful testament to the growing presence of girls and women on the skateboarding scene, bringing to life the spirit of inclusion and empowerment.
Shane Robertson, founder of She Can Skate, reflected on the journey. He shared how his passion for skateboarding reignited during the Covid lockdown when he began teaching his daughter to skate. This humble beginning soon transformed into a movement, with more than 100 students now enrolled in the school, many of them girls who have found confidence and joy through skateboarding.
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Rohan Nel, one of the skaters, shared his personal story of reconnecting with the sport. He said, “I used to skateboard when I was 13, but I stopped. When my daughter started in 2020, I picked it up again. Now, I’m learning all over and loving it.”
Coaches like Anne Kunneke also played a vital role in the programme’s success. She has been coaching for nine months, and spoke about the importance of understanding each student. “As a coach, it’s not just about teaching tricks. You need to understand people and help them get back up when they fall because that’s the essence of skateboarding and life,” she explained.
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The event featured several interviews, including one with Talita Grewan who has been skating for four months. She reflected on her journey, mentioning how skateboarding wasn’t something she considered in her youth but has now become a source of peace and personal growth. “Skateboarding has given me a sense of peace that no other hobby could. It has helped me face my fears.”
Throughout the day, the excitement was palpable as girls of all ages showcased their skills and embraced the opportunity to express themselves through skateboarding. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, encouragement, and camaraderie as everyone came together to celebrate the female skaters and the impact She Can Skate has had on their lives.
The event also highlighted the deeper mission of She Can Skate, which is to break down gender barriers and empower girls to thrive in a space where they might have once felt unwelcome. As the day unfolded, the message was clear: skateboarding is for everyone, and She Can Skate is leading the way in ensuring that girls are not only welcomed but celebrated in the sport.
As Women’s Month came to a close, the celebration at The Skate School stood as a powerful reminder of the importance of initiatives like She Can Skate where girls can find freedom, confidence, and community through skateboarding. The event was not just about skateboarding; it was about breaking boundaries, building resilience, and proving that with the right support, girls can achieve anything they set their minds to.
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