From Downhill Races to Hall of Fame: Judi’s Influential Journey in Skateboarding

Judi has always been deeply involved in competitions, starting with her first downhill race in Capitola in the 1970s when she was just 15 years old. Since then, she has been a prominent figure in the local skate scene and eventually landed a job with the Santa Cruz skateboard company NHS, where she honed her skills in graphic design by airbrushing surfboards and creating window displays for the company.

Despite being a mother of two young children at the time, Judi didn’t let anything stop her from pursuing her passion for skateboarding. In 2001, a friend informed her that official races had started up again, prompting her to jump back into competitive skateboarding. Her early 40s saw her still breastfeeding while competing with her kids in diapers by her side.

Judi quickly rose to the top once she re-entered the competitive skateboarding scene and earned a spot in the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2018. She played a crucial role in curating the NHS Skate Museum in Santa Cruz, where visitors can see artifacts from her skateboarding career such as her original team bag and vintage skate gear. Her early skateboard and helmet are also on display in prestigious places like the museum and Smithsonian Institution Archives, showcasing her lasting impact on the industry.

Judi’s contributions to skateboarding history are truly remarkable, solidifying her place as one of the most influential figures in the sport. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of skaters today.