From Diapers to Hall of Fame: Judi’s Inspiring Journey in Skateboarding

Judi has always had a passion for skateboarding. She started racing at the young age of 15 and has been part of the local skate scene ever since. One of her early jobs was with the Santa Cruz skateboard company NHS, where she packed and shipped skateboard parts and learned how to silkscreen skateboards. This job helped kickstart her career in graphic design, as she also airbrushed surfboards and created window displays for NHS.

In 2001, Judi received a call from a friend informing her that official slalom skateboarding races had started up again. Despite having two young children at the time, Judi eagerly dove back into the world of racing. Her kids even accompanied her to the races when they were still in diapers and while she was breastfeeding in her early 40s.

Upon reentering the racing scene, Judi began winning and has continued to do so without slowing down. In 2018, she was honored with an induction into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame. Judi played a role in curating the NHS Skate Museum when it opened in Santa Cruz, which features photos and videos of old competitions, colorful skateboards, and vintage skate art. Her original Santa Cruz skateboard team bag is displayed in the museum alongside other skateboarding gear from the 1970s.

One of Judi’s early skateboards, a Santa Cruz brand board made of deep red fiberglass with red wheels and yellow block lettering, is highlighted in the museum. Additionally, one of her helmets from her early skating days is housed in the Smithsonian Institution Archives. Judi jokingly remarks that having her items in a museum makes her realize she’s getting older.

Overall, Judi’s journey through competitive slalom skateboarding has been nothing short of remarkable. From her first race at age 15 to being inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame over two decades later, she has proven herself to be a true pioneer in this sport.