The Board List: Lost for Words
Aren't we all struggling a little to see what's next in the world?
It’s been a weird week. Grappling with school holidays plus work, trying to tee up some time off without losing my mind with stress. But beneath it all a slow, low hum of ‘how the actual f**k is this happening in the world’.
I am, of course, talking about Gaza. My feed is flooded with images I never thought would make their way into reality. I’m torn between avidly following and sharing them, because awareness is crucial, trying to drive change together is crucial; but also not wanting these images impregnated on my brain.
I’ve been trying to explain to my kids why what is going on is so important, that we all need to use our voice. There was a demonstration on Friday that we all went to, my kids potentially more engaged because it involved banging spoons on pans than truly understanding the true implications of starving children and families. I was proud of the turnout locally, but also can’t help thinking ‘I’ve signed so many petitions. I’ve been to demonstrations. The whole world is in uproar and nothing seems to change’. What will make a difference if the current level of public opinion and distress doesn’t?
But we plough on. And we do our day to day things. We keep our families safe, and we try to make a difference alongside the normality. A skate, or a surf might be part of that journey, and in the stark reality of it all, sometimes these things help.
This post by David Gate sums all of this up brilliantly, take a read here:
I don’t have much more to add to this, because as I said at the outset, I am lost for words. I hope you like this week’s newsletter. It will be the last one until September, as I am having a little time out. Time to hug my kids, to have a rest, and to fully appreciate the great privilege we have here, every day. Before we go, we’ve got an interview with the amazing Lucy Adams dropping on wednesday, and when we return, we have author and skater / snowboard Emylia Hall (of the Shellhouse Diaries) coming on the podcast.
Have a good week all
Caroline x
Founder, Board Women
Don’t be Board
Pipe Dreams: The next series of Surf Girls on Prime Video
I’ve been watching this bad ass group of girls in the Surf Girls season and lamenting why I wasn’t brought up in Hawaii, and why I will never have this level of expertise of surfing. This lot are seriously inspirational.
The Career Comedown: the latest book from @fbeinghumble
We’ve had Stef on the podcast before, listen here, and she’s excellent. I like the shift she’s made with this book, away from self promotion, to the notion that many of us questioning the role work has and seeking a shift in some way. One to pre-order.
Women who Peaked Late in Life: FiftyandBold
I liked this reminder that it’s never too late to try something new.
The Mega Menopause Survey
Davina McCall has worked pretty tirelessly to ensure the menopause is better understood. Last year this questionnaire got 20,000 replies, and this year they’re aiming for 30,000: get involved.
The Mental Load - Cat Sims (aka @notsosmugnow)
I mentioned this had been released a few weeks ago, and now I’m mid way through, and every page is ringing bells. Definitely one to pick up.
Wild Bare Thoughts: The Quiet Thrill of not being for everyone
I really enjoyed this WILD BARE THOUGHTS substack post by stepfanie tyler on the power of refusing to perform.
“the world doesn’t need another perfectly palatable person. It needs you, in all your specific, untranslatable complexity. The quiet thrill of not being for everyone is really the profound relief of finally being for yourself”
Get on Board
If you’re travelling with your skateboard this summer, check this out
Sister Sessions at The Wave, Bristol, August 13th
These are always on when I’m away! The Sister Sessions seem to have consistent feedback as being brilliant, so check them out for a friendly vibe and the opportunity to meet like minded women.
Skate & Social, August 2nd, Falmouth
Affinity Skateboarding and @faltranscollective have come together for a relaxed skate session and zine making.
Brighton SkateBoard Film Club: 9th August
On for one night only at the World’s End Pub, this is your opportunity to see a cult class, they’re asking for you to vote for your preferred choice.
Women, Girls & Non Binary Session at The Loading Bay, 25th August
The session covers skating, BMX and parkour, lots of fun to be had.
The Board Crew
Sammi Bache is the founder of Girl Skate Mag, a brilliant read reflecting some of the hidden stories in skateboarding. I caught up with her to find out more about why and how she got into skateboarding and what it means to her. Look out for Sammi on the podcast soon.
When and how did you get into board sports?
I got into board sports through surfing—it's actually the first one I tried. I’ve been surfing for as long as I can remember. There hasn’t been a summer growing up where I didn’t surf. My sister and I used to go to Sennen Surf School every single year with Dave, and honestly, she’s probably the better surfer between us!
As for skating, I first started back in school, around Year 10. I used to cruise around my neighbourhood on a Penny Nickel board. I did that for years, right up until college when I bought a skateboard. Then at university, I joined the skateboarding society, and it all just evolved from there. We used to skate every day in the Quarry car park in Falmouth with a group of girls—it was such a fun time and really where it all kicked off properly.
What do you love about skateboarding?
What I love most about board sports is the sense of togetherness—there's such a strong community aspect. Some of my closest friends, the people I truly connect with, I’ve met through skateboarding. When I first started making my magazine, I didn’t really know anyone outside the Cornwall skate scene. But through traveling and meeting people in different places, I’ve never felt out of place or anxious. You just kind of fit in—because at the end of the day, you all love the same thing: skateboarding.
It's the same with surfing. Even though I don’t fully consider myself a surfer these days, it definitely brought me and my sister closer growing up. There’s also a real sense of looking out for each other in the water—because the sea can be a scary place with the currents and everything.
I haven’t tried snowboarding yet because I have Raynaud’s, but maybe one day!
Describe how it feels when you’re on a board.
It might sound a bit cliché—and I’m sure a lot of people feel this way—but being on a board just feels freeing. These days, I don’t skate to get better or push tricks; I skate because I genuinely enjoy the feeling. I love just cruising, doing a few ollies, a few kickturns—very surf-skate kind of style, I guess.
It’s more about flow than progression for me now. I’m always listening to Fleetwood Mac when I skate, which definitely adds to that smooth, flowy feeling. It’s like the world softens a bit, and you’re just in it, rolling.
What would you say to anyone considering trying?
I’d say just enjoy it. Simple, right? Don’t overthink it, don’t stress about being good. Just show up, have fun, and enjoy it.
