When did you start skateboarding?
I started skateboarding when I was pretty young. I grew up with older brothers and tried to do everything they did. We had a giant half pipe in our backyard, and all of the kids from all over town would come skate it. It looked so fun and they all looked so smooth. I never learned how to ride it, and it is still one of my goals today. I looked up to my brothers , so I attempted to skateboard, raced BMX, and would ride a little 50 around our dirt track. Racing BMX was my favorite because there were only three girls, so I always got a trophy… Lots of third place trophies ha ha. I got a gravity board when I was in seventh grade and used that as my main mode of transportation. Trying to bomb hills was my favorite! When I got my driver’s license my skateboarding kind of ended. I had a miscarriage this past March, and it kind of pushed me to want to learn something new. Skateboarding pulled me out of my own little darkness!
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
All of my favorite hobbies include being outside! I love surfing, attempting to skateboard, snowboarding, hiking and traveling. I am a total nerd and love studying plants and animals. (I keep a field guide in my car at all times). I also really love gardening and cooking.
What’s something people may be surprised to know about you?
Something that might surprise people is that I have had two spinal surgeries. I’ve had two discs removed and lost half an inch! Another random fact is that I learned how to fly before I could drive (But I haven’t flown in over 20 years)
Who or what constantly inspires you?
This is a tough one because so many people inspire me. My parents inspire me with their generosity. They are constantly volunteering, sponsoring people, or adopting children and other countries. All of the women I have met skateboarding also inspire me! They are so courageous, yet comforting and welcoming! As a thing, the ocean really inspires me. Whenever I get in the water I forget about all of the stress or drama occurring in my life and in the world. It refreshes me and makes me feel new again!
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about getting into skateboarding, but feeling intimidated?
My advice for anyone wanting to learn to skate would be to come to the meet ups! Everyone is so welcoming and encouraging! You are guaranteed to make a new skate buddy.
What is one of the most courageous things you’ve done?
I don’t feel I’ve done anything very courageous… But there is still time! I’ve done a lot of stupid things though ha ha!
What song would be playing if we got in your car right now?
I actually just turned on my radio and Mozart’s serenade number 13 in G major” is playing 🤪 My opinionated three-year-old owns the stereo now and that is her favorite song. I probably hear that Song and “You can’t always get what you want” by the Rolling Stones a million times a day. To get pumped up before skateboarding I like to listen to some old-school punk.
What is your professional background?
I taught high school math and science at a small private school for 10 years. I had six different classes/subjects every semester, so I felt like I was constantly learning! Nothing was ever repetitive or boring. One of my subjects was surf PE! I tutored high school students when I was in college and continued to do so while I had my teaching career. Now, I am a full-time in home private tutor. I have so many amazing students and I feel like they are part of my family. It is the most rewarding job!
How does skateboarding make you feel?
Skateboarding makes me feel alive! I really enjoy learning something new and because I just started..... everything is so new! I have so much to learn and this makes me very happy!
Thank you for sharing with us, Katy! We’re so happy to know you and have the chance to skate with you. Thank you for being a wonderful part of our community.