In 1996, Elissa “Gizmo” Steamer pushed her way into skateboarding’s spotlight, transcending gender norms and commanding respect. With the first ever all-women’s skate video titled GIZMO, it paid homage to the trailblazer who promoted a more inclusive skate culture, drawing people from all backgrounds and all walks of life to pick up a skateboard. Gizmo Girls Skate Crew seeks to continue her legacy
here in Kingston by not only promoting the array of benefits that skateboarding has to offer females and trans-gender individuals, but also by eliminating the socio-economic barriers to entry. Skateboarding is a specialized skill that allows for free expression and never-ending creativity while demanding a unique brand of athleticism. It is a physical activity that is equal parts art and sport, and yet its benefits are far more expansive than just physical health. It requires resilience, determination, and creativity, all without the limits of competition. There are no rules, no fields, no regulations, no winning or losing; an environment in which all individual successes are celebrated with the same passion and enthusiasm regardless of difficulty or complexity. We are, however, only beginning to see female role models and young female skaters within this unique landscape, and while the skill sets and the community skateboarding has to offer are undeniably beneficial to girls, greater exposure and opportunity is needed. Focused on inclusion and personal development, Gizmo Girls Skate Crew will empower the next generation of females and trans-gender individuals to develop healthy self-esteem and resilience. It is clear that skateboarding can be transformative to the life of an individual, and it is the mission of Gizmo Girls to bring that powerful environment and that opportunity to more girls within our community by providing no cost drop-in skate sessions, skate camps, and skate clinics while having equipment and protective gear for those in need.
