64-Year-Old Santa Cruz Mother Trains for World Games in Slalom Skateboarding

Competitions have always been a part of Judi’s life, starting with her first downhill race in Capitola in the 1970s when she was just 15 years old. Since then, she has been deeply involved in the local skate scene, which eventually led her to a job with the Santa Cruz skateboard company NHS, where she learned the art of graphic design. She honed her skills by airbrushing surfboards and creating window displays for the company.

While the slalom skateboarding scene quieted down for about 20 years, Judi continued skateboarding for fun and transportation in her hometown. In 2001, a friend informed her that official races had started up again, prompting her to jump back into competitive skateboarding. Despite being a mother of two young children at that time, she didn’t let anything stop her from pursuing her passion. She even brought her kids to races, with them being in diapers and her still breastfeeding while competing in her early 40s.

Once she re-entered the competitive skateboarding scene, Judi quickly rose to the top, winning numerous races and earning a spot in the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2018. She played a crucial role in curating the NHS Skate Museum in Santa Cruz, where visitors can see artifacts from her skateboarding career, such as her original team bag and vintage skate gear. Her early skateboard and helmet are also on display in prestigious places like the museum and the Smithsonian Institution Archives, showcasing her legacy in the sport. Judi’s contributions to skateboarding history are truly remarkable, solidifying her lasting impact on the industry.