Girl Skate UK has just published an article with last years retreat guest, sex educator and youth worker, Heather Loweena. She speaks openly about her time with us, and how it took her decades to finally find somewhere that felt like she belonged in skateboarding.

Read a snippet below and head over to the GSUK blog to read the full article – it’s really good!

KICK, PUSH, COAST: Years wasted avoiding skateboarding until I found a place in the woods that felt safe and inclusive.

Words by Heather Loweena, a Lomilomi practitioner, Sex Educator, Youth worker, and guest at last years retreat in Norfolk.

I’m not sure when I first felt drawn to skateboarding but I know that the thought of even attempting it didn’t evencross my mind until my 30s.

There was a skatepark built in my hometown when I was a teenager and I stood on a board a handful of times, but, it felt there was an unwritten rule ‘This isn’t for you’, and I didn’t question it. Through the years I’d see people skate and I’d just feel so curious, who are these people who have the ability to be able to skate? To move around town on wheels… let alone those who did tricks! Was it just for the chosen few?

I dated skateboarders, perhaps subconsciously seeking permission to have a go, but that didn’t work out and just reaffirmed any power at play. Now the local skate park feels more like a triggering place to stay clear of, than one of opportunity, nurture and safety…