This year has seen many sports stars recognised for their contributions to their field, but last weekend saw a slightly different recognition, and a first for female skateboarders, with the induction of a female member into the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) and Skatelab Skateboarding Hall of Fame.
Skateboarding legend Patti McGee has been dubbed ‘The first Betty’ of skateboarding and was the first professional female skateboarder - an influential athlete who raised the bar for all female skaters.
Growing up in Southern California, she was an avid surfer and when skateboarding made the scene she found a new freedom which enabled her to travel as she liked to find that “no hill was too steep, no parking lot too tall, no pavement safe - we couldn’t get enough.”
Since starting out, Patti’s list of achievements has steadily grown. After becoming the Women’s National Skateboard Champion in 1964, she became the Demo Girl for Hobie Skateboards, where she travelled for nearly two years demonstrating the boards on a national level. From magazine appearances to television interviews, her contributions to the skateboarding scene appear endless.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Related stories:
Awards: Ennis named SJA Sportswoman of the Year 2010
Coaching Awards: The cream of UK coaching recognised at 2010 Awards
Hannah Miley crowned Scottish Sportsperson of the Year
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….
This year’s Skateboarding Hall of Fame invite-only event was hosted at The Cooper Building, Los Angeles, where Patti received her induction along with the likes of Torger Johnson, Stacy Peralta, Steve Caballero, Eric Koston and Bob Burnquist.
John Bernards, IASC executive director, commented: “Skateboarding’s rich culture has been built around iconic heroes that have helped to take skateboarding to another level of progression, inspiration and fun.
“IASC recognises the importance of honoring the pros that made skateboarding what it is today. This year’s inductees represent the best, most progressive skateboarding from 1960 to 2010 and we congratulate each of them on their accomplishments.”
In-between juggling various skateboarding related jobs including the skate-inspired screen printed clothing line, ‘First Betty’ and contributing for Skateboardmoms.com, we managed to steal a few moments of Patti’s time to talk about her life of skateboarding stardom.
Congratulations on your induction into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame! How does it feel to be recognised for your contributions?
I’m stoked. Really pleased that the ISAC and SKATELAB have teamed together to finally make the Skateboarding Hall of Fame a reality!
You were inducted into the Malibu Surf Legends in 2004 - how does being inducted to the Hall of Fame for skateboarding compare?
No comparison because the Skateboarding Hall of Fame is huge.
You were only 19 when you became the first woman skateboard champion. What was it like excelling in an incredibly male dominated sport in the 60’s?
I had been surfing since 1958 in a male dominated sport, so skateboarding with the guys was one of my favorite things to do anyways.
Did you get treated any differently because of your sex?
Being 19 was the key to how I was treated. I was able to go head to head with any of the guys at that time. Being a girl wasn’t a handicap.
How do you think it compares now? Is there more or less of a divide between male and female skaters?
There are definitely more girls skating. A whole bunch of the girls are a lot better than many of the guys.
Can you tell us more about how you made it to becoming a skateboarding pro? How did you start out?
I was in the right place at the right time. As far as going “pro”, I was 19 and had to make a living.
What is it about skateboarding that appeals to you?
Speed and that I can skate anywhere. Surfing you could only do at the beach, besides it was really fun!
What was it like touring as the demo girl for HOBIE Skateboards?
Bitchin’.
You’re currently involved with a screen-printing business with your daughter printing skate-inspired clothing - was it important for you to continue a career linked to skateboarding?
Absolutely! I couldn’t be involved with a better bunch of people.
How do you think the scene for women skaters has changed since you first started out?
The girls today around the world have become a new breed of athletes. They have their own championships, age brackets, and skate companies directed specifically towards their gear.
Do you still get time to skateboard now?
Yes I do, but very carefully. The nice skateparks that are springing up these days allow me to just cruise around.
What tips do you have for girls wanting to take skateboarding up?
- Spend all of your money on gear
- Always wear your helmet
- Practice every day
- ‘Take your vitamins and say your prayers’
Jessica Whittington, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
