BLACK SKATER CHICK would like to send out a Special Thank You to our friends at Afro-Punk for sharing our stories on Shanazae Reade and Samarria Brevard. The Afro-Punk movement has been outlet for young black people to meet, interact and be informed about black sub-culture in music, film, the arts and extreme sports. For the latest in black subculture, check out Afro-Punk and the join movement.
Parkour is an extreme sport that i've always wanted to try. All one needs is their body, a good pair of running shoes, confidence and motivation (completely environmentally friendly).
A few days ago, I read an article in Parkulture about five leading female athletes in parkour. Parkour and freerunning trains one's mind and body to overcome obstacles in the built environment through running,jumping, climbing and vaulting over objects. Parkour also builds one's agility,strength and concentration. One of the featured athletes, Erica Nicole Madrid a gymnast and skateboarder likes parkour and freerunning because it is so "versatile and really allows you to express yourself in any way, shape, or form."
Over the past few years, Parkour has gained popularity in action movies such as, Casino Royale and the Bourne films.There are various Parkour clubs and organizations throughout the USA and Europe (check the Parkulture Directory and Resources). If you live in NYC area, NY Parkour offers classes and training and training sessions. A student at Parkour Generations in London, Karen Palmer, describes the sport as an adventurous and spiritual journey for the body in "overcoming your fear."
Take a Look At Karen's Journey in Parkour Training!
You're sadly mistaken if you thought there was just one BLACK SKATER CHICK cruising around. Another young lady, Christiana Smith, has been competing in the ranks of Samarria Brevard and is now skating for another popular girl skater team, the Girl Riders Organization (GRO). Christiana, a 15-year old native to Southfield, Michigan has been skating for almost five years now. Her advice to other girls who want to skate is to "...just do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t just because you’re a girl. Even if you’re not good at first just keep trying and practicing and HAVE FUN!" Well Spoken. Christina surely sounds like she's got a good head on her shoulders and let's not forget a full package of wicked board skills.
Check out Christiana Effortlessly Tackle a Street and Vert Course!
GRO Profile
Local park - Modern Skate Park, Royal Oak,MI
Interests - Skateboarding, Filming Music - MGMT, Phoenix, of Montreal, Passion Pit, Animal Collective, Metric, Matt & Kim, Cults,Kid Cudi, Wavves, Crystal Castles, and Arcade Fire Other sports - Snowboarding, Basketball
Goals - Travel, meet girl skaters, enter & win contests, get more sponsors, and have a good time.
Source: Girls Riders Association,2012
Major props to Christiana and other young girls making a name for themselves in the male dominated world of skateboarding. Lets keep this movement going ladies.
Samarria Brevard was just signed to the infamous Hoopla Skateboards team out of CA. Samarria is now teamed up with some of the veterans in the industry such as, Cara-Beth Burnside and Mimi Knoop. A native to Riverside,CA, the teen had been ripping for about four years now. She recently won the Supergirl Am-Jam in August an event that reconginzes street skills and solid techniques. As Samarria says "yolo," you do only live once, so let's get out there ladies and start cruising.
Check out Samarria's smooth style.
Hoopla Profile
Years Skating: 4
Favorite Skate Spot: Pirates In San Bernadino Greatest Achievement
Skating: Winning 1st Place
In The Supergirl Am Jam Favorite Music: Dubstep Favorite Food: Coney Island Hot Dogs Why Skateboarding?Skateboarding Is The Only Sport That I Can Be
Free Without The Stress
Samarria is certainly making strides in the industry, our friends at BLACK SKATER CHICK wish her the best!
