We are excited to share with you our featured Skater of the Week for November 25, 2019. We met Aura at an Exposure Skate event last year and we loved learning more about her passions in life. Aura is an incredibly kind and talented being. We love skating with her and being in her presence. Read below to get to know a bit more about who she is.
When did you start skateboarding and how did you get involved? Tell us a bit about your journey with skateboarding.
I was given my first skateboard when I was 9 years old. It was a longboard, and I used it to cruise around my beach town neighborhood growing up. But it wasn’t until returning to San Diego last year (after working abroad for a few years) that I truly connected with skateboarding. A dear friend lent me his old school 80s skateboard, and I fell in love with carving - I had to get my own board! Early this year, I sought out the incredible community of Exposure Skate, which held monthly adult skate clinics. Learning how to skate the park was and is such a thrilling endeavor — I’ve been a hooked kook ever since!
(Funny story: Soon after my first Exposure Skate clinic, I bought my own “skate park” skateboard off of Craigslist. That very same week, my car was broken into and my board was stolen! I was bummed to say the least. However, at the following Exposure clinic, I won a beautiful Arbor Skate Co. deck through a serendipitous raffle! I was completely floored and grateful. Some trucks and wheels later, and it’s still my go-to board!)
You’re a woman of many talents - can you share with us your love for music and art?
Art and music have always been outlets of expression and creativity for me. I believe I would be utterly lost without these aspects of my life! There is something so exciting about a blank canvas or a song waiting to be written — just about anything can manifest, and I love the limitlessness of that! Bringing these passions to the forefront of my life in recent years has made me feel grounded and happy. I want to keep seeing what there is to create, and see how I can connect with others in this way!
Where is your favorite place to skate in town?
I love carving around the streets and alleys of Ocean Beach, or practicing my kick turns at the OB skate park. Since moving to Encinitas, I also love going to Poods!
Who or what constantly inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by people who break stereotypes and craft their own futures - in particular, women that do so. The world seems to instill a belief in us that we can only pursue one single thing, or that we should only aspire to what is reasonably attainable. But I find myself surrounded by women who are taking on new and challenging pursuits, who have flourishing side-hustles (and main-hustles), and who are changing the norm left and right. This inspires me to keep creating, and to keep pushing for my unlikely goals!
Most recently, I’ve been so inspired by the surf and skate community of San Diego. I hope to paint more custom skate decks, and to create more artwork inspired by women in the surf/skate community.
What is something people may be surprised to know about you?
While my social media focuses on art and music, there is a math and data side of me too! I work as a data scientist at a biotech company, and am completing a certificate in machine learning through UCSD. I’m also an avid ultimate frisbee player, and am kind of a hermit sometimes.
Where would you like to travel to next?
The wanderlust has certainly been tugging at my mind lately! Outside of the US, I would love to go back to South America. Perhaps Nicaragua holds some surf and skate adventures for me! Within the US, I’d like to visit Austin, Texas. I’ve been told that it has a vibrant art and music scene.
What is something courageous you have done that you’re proud of?
It may not be the biggest deal, but going to the skate park on my own has taken a bit of courage. The last few times I’ve gone, I’ve been the only girl in the park. It’s difficult to have confidence, especially when I’m garbed in my bulky pads and helmet. It’s pretty funny, but I’ve totally been teased about being a newb at skating by little kids who are half my height! But it’s something you just have to get over if you want to improve. As I do get better, it’s so gratifying to chip away at the mindsets of guys in the skate park — girls skate too!
What is a great book you have read recently?
I recently read The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss — it’s the second in a fantasy trilogy called The Kingkiller Chronicle. His prose is clever, rich, and addicting. I am also constantly rereading The Lord of the Rings!
Do you have a favorite quote or words you live by that you’d like to share?
“When your determination changes, everything else will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success.” — Daisaku Ikeda
(Also: “Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line” — The Princess Bride)
What advice would you give women who are feeling nervous or intimidated to get into skateboarding?
I recommend getting connected with the amazing lady skate collectives in San Diego (or in your area)! Kateboards, She Skates Here, Babes n Boards, and Exposure Skate hold meet ups and clinics for lady skaters of all levels! While intimidating, skating is a sport that is made up of really joyful and welcoming people. I am so incredibly grateful for the women that have created the space for other ladies to grow and support each other in skateboarding, and for the opportunity they have created to change the norms in the skate community.
Where can people see you perform your music? And where can people check out your art?
I often play at bars and restaurants in North County! In the next month, I’ll be playing at Priority Public House in Leucadia on December 11th, and at The Roxy in Encinitas on December 26th. You can find my artwork on my instagram, @artbyaura, or on my website, at www.aurawalmer.com. I also have a music instagram, @songsbyaura.
Thanks, Aura! Make sure to check out Aura’s instagram and website to learn more. And for those who live nearby, we hope to see you at the next skate meet up! Check back next week for the featured Skater of the Week.