This week we are excited to feature Katarina Marlett! She has been an incredible supporter of females in skateboarding and of Kateboards as well. We love her kind, bold, and courageous spirit. We asked her questions about when she started out in skateboarding, what advice she would give other women looking to get started in skateboarding, her favorite pro athletes, and more! Read the full interview below…
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Nowadays I’m a self employed mom of two crazy awesome little boys! Before that title I was a full time fashion model since the age of 14. I was able to travel the world and learn a lot from those experiences. It ultimately led me to a surfing contract with Reef and a team member for Arbor skateboards. That’s how i met the one and only Kate of Kateboards! It brought me to the mecca of action sports, California and I found my happy home here.
When did you start skateboarding and how did you get involved?
I started skating when I was young but I truly got into it in my late teens, early 20’s. I was living and working in South Beach, Florida at that time and the waves were mostly flat. So i started longboard skating with a group of girlfriends. We would find empty parking garages to skate and it just became a lifestyle of skating to and from everything. It filled the void between swells and was a great escape at the time.
What draws you to skateboarding?
Feeling like a kid again, doing something just for the joy of it. The part that makes you feel alive. Few things do that for me, skateboarding is one of the few. It always brings a smile to my face.
What are some of your interests outside of skateboarding?
I’m a surfer at heart, and love to spend any free time doing that or something active.
Who or what constantly inspires you?
I am really inspired by people who step outside their comfort zones. Whether it be in friendships, work, art, sports, whatever it is I am always inspired by that. I’m originally from a small town in North Carolina and am a triplet with two identical brothers. I was shy growing up and always hid behind my brothers until I was introduced to the modeling world and started traveling abroad at a young age. It made me confront and battle that fear. Doing it on my own with no one to hide behind. If I wanted it, I had to make it happen. It doesn’t come easy for me and something I’ve always admired in others when they can step up to the plate like that. To me it’s the ultimate sign of a badass! Those people inspire me everyday.
Favorite book of all time or favorite recent read? Truthfully I don’t get to read much because of my kids, but when I do I prefer light hearted, funny reads to shut my brain off. The last book I read was by comedian Celeste Barber, Challenge Accepted!
Are there any professional athletes you look up to? If so, who and why?
I really admire the female surfers leading the way on the world tour right now. Not only are they absolutely killing it, they have become the most positive role models for young girls in so many ways and are really proving that there are no limits on how much you can accomplish in the sport. The thing I like most is how positive and kind they all are to one another, even in a loss. Using their talent and platform for greater causes other than their own. Truly impressive stuff in my opinion.
What is something that people may be surprised to know about you?
That i had my second son, Orion in the back seat of my jeep at the curb of the hospital. It was the most exhilarating, intense, incredible experience.
What are your thoughts on the progression of females in skateboarding in recent years?
It has blown me away. What women are doing in all sports today. Growing up there were a lot of firsts for women in action sports and still unusual for a girl to be doing what the boys were. In North Carolina, I was part of the first all girls soccer team at my school and I’m not that old! We had to campaign for it with petitions and all. Doesn’t that seem crazy?! But it didn’t exist until we made it. I loved being able to keep up with my brothers, and all the guys. I loved shoving it in their face that i could do whatever they could too! It was the ultimate feeling, always! Today i see so much inclusivity in the skating world and a more normal curve to see the girls doing just what the guys are. I just love it and seeing it continue is incredible!
What advice would you give women (of any age) who want to get into skateboarding but are feeling nervous or intimidated?
I think most of us can remember being nervous at the start and a little scared but always having a lot of want. When it comes down to it make it simple, if it’s worth it to you and it matters then take that first step. Judgment is someone else’s ego getting in the way and maybe our own most times. You will be surprised how many people will be there in your corner ready to root for you. The best way, i feel is to meet a buddy who is on the same path as you, who can help you see it through. Keep a smile on your face. Keep it light and others will see it that way too, because the fun of it is why we all started skating in the first place! Just like work, networking in the sport you want will keep you fighting for your end goal. Skating or not!