I first met Amelia while working at Arbor Skateboards in 2011. I remember being inspired by her talents and stoked to have female representation on our skate team. It has been a joy and an honor to watch Amelia progress as a skateboarder, but also in the ways she commits herself to the progression of female skateboarders through Exposure Skate that she co-founded. Kateboards launched at Exposure in 2018 and I could not imagine a better setting. Amelia has had a huge impact on the skateboarding world especially for females and we are proud to feature her. We hope you feel inspired and connected to skateboarding after reading her interview and checking out her social media. @ameliabrodka @exposureskate @skaterising
Thanks for everything, Amelia!
Can you give us some background on who you are?
I’m a skateboarder and the co-founder of Exposure Skate.
When did you start skateboarding and how did you get involved?
I started skateboarding when I was 12. At the time, the X Games and Tony Hawk video games were everywhere and those thinks piqued my interest. Then, when I saw a women’s vert demo at the Philly X-Games it felt as though skateboarding was something I could pursue as well. From that moment on I became obsessed with it.
What is one of your fondest memories of skateboarding?
Meeting my now husband at the skatepark
What advice would you give someone who is looking to start skateboarding, but may be feeling unsure or intimidated?
Push those feelings aside and go for what you want. You will be surprised to find how supportive other skaters are so just go to the park and go for it.
What is Exposure Skate and how did it come to be?
Exposure Skate is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and girls through skateboarding . Lesli Cohen and I confounded it in 2012 where there seemed to be virtually no opportunities for women in skateboarding. We started with the first ever Exposure event and we continued to do that each year since. We also added other programs such as Skate Rising along the way.
How has skateboarding impacted your life?
In every way you can possibly imagine.
What are some health measures you take so you can perform at the level you do?
I try to eat as healthy as possible, foam roll religiously, work out outside of skateboarding as well as do yoga.
What are some of your hobbies outside of skateboarding?
Reading, ceramics, surfing, snowboarding
What are your thoughts on the progression of female skateboarders and female representation in skateboarding?
The rate of progression and representation within women’s skateboarding has been unreal. It is amazing to see how many amazing changes have happened in the endemic and non-endemic industry and how much it has fueled the growth and progression of the sport.
What is something you can’t live without?
Skateboarding
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I graduated from USC with a double major.
What is something courageous you have done that you’re proud of?
Creating the Underexposed Documentary. It’s scary to put your heart and soul into a project you feel like you have no business doing. Then to put it out in the world makes you feel quite vulnerable.
What is one of the best trips you’ve been on?
I spent a month in Australia competing and was able to take some side trips to New Zealand and Fiji. It was quite an adventure and I love that part of the world- the people the parks and the surroundings were all amazing!
What are some words (quote, mantra, etc) you live by?
Follow your passion - I believe it serves as the road map for your life .
What does an ideal day look like for Amelia Brodka Beck?
Meditate, do some yoga, skate, eat at Peace Pies, skate some more and then surf and play scrabble with my husband. Sleep and repeat!
Thanks, Amelia!