Norma Ibarra is a Toronto-based Mexican multidisciplinary artist, journalist, community organizer, marketer and adventurer.
I had always wanted to skateboard. There was something about skateboarding culture that inspires me: the creativity, rebellious attitude, and sense of freedom. But growing up in Hermosillo, Mexico, I had a strict family. Plus, there were no skate shops or skateparks where I grew up, and I didn't see many women skateboarding, so I was intimidated.
But in 2010, drawn by Canada's natural beauty, I moved to British Columbia to pursue my dream of becoming a professional photographer. Six years later, I was living near the Antisocial Skate Shop in Vancouver, where I met co-owner Michelle Pezel, who encouraged me to take up skateboarding. At age 31, I learned how to ride despite my physical and mental limitations. It was a life-changing experience.
It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. During the first two years, I endured numerous injuries, including breaking my ankle twice. But despite the physical toll, the community I found through the group Chick Flip and the sense of belonging I felt among the people I met there kept me going. Even while on crutches, I found a way to stay a part of it and became “the girl with the camera” documenting the action.
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Sinai Lugo skates in Havana, one of the many places where skating has flourished since its birth in California in the mid-20th century.
I learned that skateboarding has a rich and dynamic history, dating back to the late 1940s and early 1950s in California. It has been a form of self-expression for many, and the culture has spilled over into music, fashion, and art.
It has become a lifestyle, an attitude, a way for non-conformists to escape the constraints of societal norms, and as skateboarding has evolved from a recreational activity to a sport, in 2016 it was approved for inclusion in the 2020 Summer Olympics and has become a global platform for activism and advocacy for inclusivity and diversity around the world.
However, when I first started learning skateboarding, I noticed a huge gap in representation. The skateboarding media was primarily focused on men. However, women also played an important role in leading the evolution of skateboarding – people just didn't see them as much.
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Veronica Zamudio and Itzel Granados from Mexico City were among the skateboarders Norma Ibarra met in her home country.
My mission to highlight the female movement within my community has taken me over the past eight years, traveling with my camera and skateboard to different corners of the world, from the bustling streets of India to the serene landscapes of Indonesia, the vibrant and warm neighborhoods of Cuba, and my beloved hometown of Mexico. What I witnessed was nothing short of amazing – a movement unfolding before my eyes that challenged perceptions and stereotypes ingrained in the fabric of skateboarding culture.
In Cuba, where resources are often scarce, skateboarders have developed ingenious ways to avoid throwing away their broken boards, meticulously salvaging usable parts and creating unique jewelry and art, turning shattered boards into symbols of resilience and innovation.
Similarly, in Janwar, a small village in India where societal constraints often limit opportunities for women, the sight of girls and women joining hands and encouraging each other to get on their skateboards is a powerful testament to their unity and determination. In the face of obstacles, they find strength in their unity.
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Atita Verghese of GirlSkate India conducts a workshop in Janwar, a village in Madhya Pradesh.
Meanwhile, all over the world, women, BIPOC, and queer communities are coming together to found clubs, organizations, and events dedicated to building bonds and amplifying their voices, creating inclusive and safe spaces where they can showcase their skills and perspectives that are often overlooked. Through their collective efforts, they are challenging existing narratives, celebrating the diverse talents within their communities, and asserting the importance of visibility and solidarity in the face of marginalization and erasure.
More than just a sporting achievement, skateboarding is a canvas for creativity, self-expression and community. Women bring their unique perspectives to the forefront, enriching the culture and promoting diversity and innovation. Despite many challenges, from unequal opportunities to discrimination, we remain true to our passion while leaving our mark on the sport.
On our concrete playground, we non-traditional skateboarders are the architects of change, shaping a future that is inclusive and allows everyone to find the sense of belonging that I have found in this settler country called Canada.
