Cindy Whitehead is more than a pro skateboarder, and that’s just how she likes it. This legend is an activist, skate historian and founder of the nonprofit ‘Girl Is Not a 4-Letter Word’. In this chat with Cindy, we explore her deep connection to skate history through her involvement with Hermosa Beach Museum and the Smithsonian, and how she values activism in skate culture. Cindy also shares insights on the influence of her family on her confidence, the evolution of skate sponsorships, and the balance between competition and personal expression for young skaters. This discussion highlights the evolution of women’s roles in skateboarding since its early days and the importance of visibility and support for the next generation of girl skaters.Chapters

00:00 Opening Credits and Music

00:15 Intro to Cindy Whitehead

00:51 Cindy's Skate History at Hermosa Museum

05:23 Involvement with the Smithsonian and Skateboarding at the Museum

11:47 Skating is the Vehicle; Activism is What Matters

15:01 Family's Influence Matters

18:52 Individualism and Independence of Skaters

20:48 How Skateboarding is Changing with the Olympics

22:12 Skating is Freedom

24:31 Supporting and Mentoring the Next Generation of Female Skaters

28:27 The Evolution of Sponsorship in Skateboarding

31:12 Finding Your Place in the Skateboarding Community

32:45 Freestyle in the Early Days

37:07 Redefining Success: Skating Beyond Competitions

38:27 The Pressure of Winning in Sports

40:33 Role Models and Mentorship in Skating

44:44 The Importance of Representation in History

49:56 Making Skateboarding What You Want It to Be - Outside Sponsors and Setting the Example for Others

52:57 The Challenge of Being the First and Handling Social Media Criticism

56:31 Supporting Girl is Not a 4-Letter Word

57:51 Building Community and Support in Local Skate Culture

01:00:39 Bringing the Book, It's Not About Pretty, to Life

01:05:18 Tapping Into New Markets with Skating

01:08:08 End Credits and Music