Girls on Shred visits Malta

Skateboarding enthusiasts of all ages had a chance to come out and be a part of a free clinic put on by Girls on Shred last Thursday, August 12, at the Malta Skatepark.

The PCN had the chance to talk to a couple of members of Girls on Shred during the event.

"I am a teacher and a skateboarder, so I love getting out to skateparks and helping kids learn," said Girls on Shred instructor Kim Petersen.

Though they spend much of their time at the numerous parks in Missoula and other nearby towns, this summer the group was intentional on seeing more of the state.

"We have always had a goal to reach rural skateparks in Montana," Petersen said. "In Missoula, there are many parks that we can get to in an hour or two, but we have a harder time reaching more rural skateparks."

The group hit several towns on their weeklong trip including Lincoln, Big Sandy, Box Elder, Havre, Shelby, Browning, and Whitefish.

Though the group's name is Girls on Shred, the event was not limited to girls, but to skateboarders of all ages and genders.

"Everyone is welcome," Petersen said.

The clinic was put on for those that want to skate but can be intimidated by skating at the skatepark. Malta's event also featured a few local seasoned veterans that helped instruct during the event.

"It can be such a male-dominated sport," Petersen said. "So, we just want to create a safe space for anyone that may be hesitant about getting in there."

Peterson also said that lately, girls are starting to utilize skateparks more and evening the numbers and that their group expands to everyone regardless of sexual orientation that may not feel comfortable skating amongst "the dudes."

Originally focusing on snowboarding, the group started working with skateboarders in 2016, and along for that first clinic was Samantha Veysey-Gibbons.

"This has really been inspiring; coming to these communities and seeing the budding skate communities and seeing how they come together," Veysey-Gibbons said. "Malta Parks and Recreation brought down some water and a ton of locals spread the word to help introduce us to these new places and faces, so we are pretty hyped."

The group provided gear for those that needed to borrow it. That gear included helmets, pads, and custom skateboards.

According to Veysey-Gibbons, the group plans on being back in the spring of 2022.