Most people don’t know exactly what you mean when and if you say the words “women’s skateboarding.” It’s still just beginning to blossom like skateboarding did for males so many years ago… There had not been a full-length girl-only skate video in over a decade, but that has been changed for the better because of the passion and dedication of two producers, Monique O’Toole and Erik Sandoval.
The vision for this era’s all-female skateboarding video was an ambitious one and a brave move. Even men often don’t get paid well to ride a skateboard, and their female counterparts (generally) are at least twenty years behind on that curve. All those long nights at lit up spots and weeks on the couch nursing injuries are rewarded with nothing but the love of skateboarding. I don’t mean to imply that the love of skateboarding isn’t freaking amazing. It is, and otherwise no one would be breaking themselves without getting a check in the mail. But it’s important to acknowledge the drive and perseverance required to keep skating hard, day in and day out for an eventual shot at a career in this thing.
Quit Your Day Job is the most recent and best attempt at an all-female skate video: they absolutely nailed it. The vision of Monique & Erik coupled with the raw talent of so many skaters made it everything we all want in a full-length video. With an opener from Mariah Duran, they booted it up with some serious skating (and she turned pro at the premiere!). We’re not going to give away the full line-up and ender, but there are solid full parts from young shredders like Samarria Brevard and Savannah Headden, alongside veterans like Vanessa Torres. The vibe of the video is quasi-early 2000s, with structured parts and a solid soundtrack. The editing is almost flawless, coordinated with music and b-roll in a playful yet real way. And the skill level of these girls is fully mind-blowing! To be honest, there is a difference in the skill level of professional skateboarding by guys and girls, but this video will blow you away. Almost every single minute, you will see something that draws a reaction. You’ll want more of it, and at the end of the feature you’ll be wondering when the sequel will be released.
Get your hands on a copy somehow! Their crowdfunding campaign was a success, so check out that page for more info. See for yourself how real and rad women’s skateboarding has become! It’ll stoke you out more than you know, we’re sure.
At the end of the day, we’re all skateboarders, and we all deserve similar opportunities for our craft. As a pro skater, it’s crucial to be supported while living the dream, and we hope that skateboarding grows to be more inclusive of all the girls growing up now, in the skateparks and the streets alike!
Now Monique, where’s Quit Your Day Job II?!?!