Carving It Out: Women's Skate Stories

EP021 - Elise Crigar

Florida skater and digital creator Elise Crigar talks about her role as a sports marketer and advocate for women’s skate sports. Elise shares her insights on Florida and California skate culture, the evolution of the industry and empowering the next generation of female skaters through the reach of social media. Keep up with Elise at elise_crigar [https://www.instagram.com/elise_crigar] on Instagram. Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits and Music 00:15 Intro to Elise and Early Days of Skating 01:41 Inspired by Skate and Surf Magazines 03:26 Fostering the Creative Spirit from an Early Age 04:57 Encouraged by Skater Friends 05:34 The Stoke of Connecting with Another Skater Girl 08:05 Having a Front Seat to the Evolution of Girls' Skateboarding 10:20 Connecting with Cindy Whitehead to Create 'It's Not About Pretty' Book 14:20 Designing the Smithsonian Skateboarding Book 15:26 Dreams Come True-Living in California 18:18 Working at Octagon Agency in Sports Marketing and Social Media 21:04 Working Skate Trips Into Work Travel 22:36 Skateboarding as a Superpower 25:19 Mentoring Opportunities in Sports Marketing 28:39 Return to Florida and Current Skate Scene 32:35 Loving Nora's Board as Current Skate Setup 33:46 Warm-Up and Health as a Mature Skater 37:08 Favorite Tricks 38:33 The Positive Effects of Social Media on Girls' Skateboarding 41:26 LA 2028 Dreams 42:33 Dream Skatepark Features 43:51 Dream Skate Sesh Partner 45:36 Advice for Supporting Girls' Skateboarding 47:16 Closing Credits and Music

EP020 - Norma Ibarra

Inspiring skate photographer and activist Norma Ibarra shares her journey from a shy schoolgirl in Mexico to a globally recognized skate photographer and community organizer in Canada and beyond. Discover Norma’s insights on the importance of representation, community, travel, and how skateboarding transformed her life. See Norma’s work at normaibarra.com [http://normaibarra.com] and follow her adventures on Instagram at @lapir0 [https://www.instagram.com/lapir0]. Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits and Music 00:15 Intro to Norma 00:58 Establishing Roots in Canada and Adopting a Nomadic Lifestyle 04:40 Spending Time in Mexico and the U Can Skate Community 05:55 A Heart for Activism and Discovering the Skate Community Through the Lens 09:29 Shooting the Women's Skate Groups in Canada 11:57 Transition from Shy Girl to Confident Skate Photographer and Activist 16:06 The Importance of a Support System 17:47 From Mexico to Canada, an Adventure! 23:12 Gratitude to the Skate Community During Mom's Time of Need 27:40 Inspiring Young Skaters in Mexico 28:59 Finding a Welcome Home in the Skate Community 31:50 Representation Matters in Skateboarding 35:49 An Impressive Client List and Memorable Photoshoots 37:58 Travel to Bolivia with ImiliaSkate 39:26 Worldwide Recognition for Her Work 40:13 Olympic Dreams 42:44 The Importance of Women Behind the Lens 44:56 WOF Experiences 46:49 Celebrating the New Generation While Honoring the Pioneers 49:52 Recognition and Awards in the Skate Community 52:08 Looking Behind the Scenes on Social Media 53:08 Finding Balance: Rest and Recovery 54:42 Photo Gear Norma Uses (A Canon Girl!) 56:27 Dream Collaborations and Future Projects 58:40 Embracing Her Inner Fan When Photographing Pros 01:00:22 Advice for Stepping Out of Comfort Zones 01:02:50 Closing Credits and Music

EP019 - Megan Faber, ATC, LAT

Megan Faber, ATC, LAT, is a certified athletic trainer who specializes in helping skaters stay healthy, progress faster and extend their careers through strength training and injury management. Megan reignited her childhood love of skateboarding serving skaters at Woodward West and now provides Florida skaters and athletes with high-level performance training and injury prevention strategies. Explore Megan’s training videos and injury assessments on Instagram at @actionsportsatc [http://instagram.com/actionsportsatc].   Medical Disclaimer: The content of this podcast episode is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or podcast. Listening to this episode does not create a provider–patient relationship. Always seek the advice of a qualified, licensed healthcare professional regarding any medical condition, injury, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you have heard on this podcast. Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits and Music 00:34 Intro to Megan Faber, ATC, LAT 01:22 Discovering a Passion for Athletic Training 03:05 Education and Training Required for Athletic Training 05:32 Camp Woodward Experience 07:46 The Importance of Rest and Rehab After Injury 10:05 Importance of Strength Training for Skaters 12:44 Advice for Young Skaters and Parents 14:40 Gender Differences in Skateboarding Injuries 17:17 Strength and Flexibility for Mature Skaters 20:45 Taking Time to Rehab and Recover 22:19 Megan Following in Her Big Brother's Footsteps 24:12 Best Supplies to Keep in Your Backpack to Combat Injury 25:28 Understanding Compression and Support Gear 26:48 The Role of Ice in Injury Recovery (Not What You Think!) 28:28 Elevation and Anti-Inflammatories 29:45 Ankle Sprain Recovery vs. Break 33:25 Recognizing When to Rest 34:52 Taking Care of Your Body as a Skater 35:45 Athletic Training Resources for Skaters 36:52 Considering Athletic Training as a Career 38:27 Closing Credits and Music

EP018 - Nora Baker

Nora Baker grew up in a skateboarding family and is now making a name for herself as a member of Leo Baker’s Tacky Joy Factory team. Skating out of Fort Collins, Colorado, Nora shares her experiences of skating contests, filming video parts, and making the decision to transition from a big skateboard company to a startup company, where she feels more seen and heard. Episode 001 guest and friend Olivia Torres stops by the podcast to say hello and share some fun stories from Exposure 2025, too. Keep up with Nora on Instagram at @norathenorwal [https://www.instagram.com/norathenorwal] and watch her skate career continue to grow. Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits and Music 00:15 Introduction to Nora Baker and Skating in Snowy Colorado 01:57 Nora's Beginnings in Skateboarding 02:54 A Long History of Skating in the Baker Family 03:59 Getting Started and Learning Tricks 06:21 Favorite Style of Skating 06:45 Skate Scene in Fort Collins, CO 07:38 Handling the Stress of Hitting New Parks 08:54 Getting Used to Skating with Other Girls 10:18 Challenging Herself to Talk to Other People 11:09 Hanging Out with Florida Friends at Exposure 12:13 Thoughts on Moving to Cali for Skating 12:52 Past Travel to California for Contests & Filming 14:10 Skating Contests 14:55 Olivia Torres Joins the Convo 16:35 Fun (and Embarrassing) Moments at Exposure 2025 18:40 Nora's Sponsors 21:26 Filming Video Part for Tacky Joy 23:13 Nora's Filmers 24:08 Not Eating on Filming Days 25:43 New York Premiere of Welcome to the Circus 28:04 Nora's Skate Style (and Questionable Music Choices) 29:30 Additional Sponsor Shoutouts 32:29 Attending Wheels of Fortune 33:45 Pros Who Inspire Nora 36:17 Best Ways to Continue to Grow Girls' Skating 39:15 Balancing Life and Skating 40:26 New Work Opportunities in Caregiving 43:31 Advice for New Skaters 44:23 How Parents Can Support Young Skaters 45:53 Future Projects and Video Parts 48:18 Designing the Perfect Skate Park 48:44 Favorite Tricks to Land 49:16 Dream Skate Sessions with Legends 49:55 Wrap Up and Goodbye 51:40 End Credits and Music

EP017 - Mazel Paris

Mazel Paris is a talented 11-year-old skater from California who is proud to represent Team Philippines in international skateboarding competitions. In Episode 17 of Carving it Out, we chat with Mazel about discovering skateboarding at age 5 and quickly progressing to one of the best young bowl and vert skaters today. Mazel emphasizes the significance of having fun while competing and offers more great advice to young skaters who may be inspired to become competitors. Follow Mazel’s skate adventures on Instagram at @mazelparis [https://www.instagram.com/mazelparis]. Chapters 00:00 Opening Credits and Music 00:15 Welcome Mazel Paris and Goals for New Year 02:19 Discovering Skateboarding at Age 5 03:20 From Beginning Skater to Super Skater! 04:01 Pushing Herself Mentally 04:39 How Mazel Learns Her Tricks 06:22 Discovering a Love of Park and Vert 07:27 So Many Parks to Skate and Learn in Cali 08:36 Representing Team Philippines 09:35 Winning Gold at SEA Games 11:16 Winning at Exposure and Hyping the Crowd 12:47 Being a Part of Girl is Not a 4-Letter Word 13:53 What She Likes Best About Contests 14:55 What's Most Challenging About Contests 15:56 Skating Contests in the Future, Including the Olympics 16:21 Filming Her First Video Part, This is Eleven 17:39 Mazel's Long List of Sponsors 18:23 Working with Sponsors 19:02 Mazel's Current Board Setup 19:58 Traveling with a Skateboard 21:26 Managing Middle School and Skating Around the World 23:07 Skating and Training Schedule (and a Mini Microwave!) 24:27 Handling Boys Who Give Her Grief at the Park 25:13 Mazel's Skate Crew & Favorite Skateparks 25:53 Tricks She's Currently Working On 26:59 Preparing for Competition at SEA Games 29:23 Listening to Music While Skating 30:06 Skater Tanlines 31:51 Social Media for Fun and Friendship 33:24 Supporting Sponsors on Social 34:18 Working with Vogue Magazine 35:12 Using Prayer to Connect, Focus and Calm 36:13 Growing Girls' Skateboarding 37:42 Advice to Parents of Skater Girls 38:48 Advice to a Girls Trying Skateboarding for the First Time 39:18 Skate Inspirations 40:37 Working With Coaches 41:33 Mazel's Dream Skatepark Features 43:15 Favorite Trick to Do When's She's Having a Rough Day 43:45 Dream Session Skaters 44:33 Mazel's Shoutouts 45:32 Wrap-Up and Thank You! 45:56 End Credits and Music