Girl Skateboards was founded way back in 1993 in Torrance, California by Rick Howard and Mike Carroll from the ashes of World Industries. The company quickly became famous as the skate brand with the ‘ladies’ toilet logo, which you'll find in virtually any skate park around the world. Falling under Crailtap with the likes of Lakai and Chocolate, Girl Skateboards are certified as a legendary skateboard brand.
Girl Skateboards represents the pure essence of skateboarding's creative evolution, engineered specifically to deliver the perfect balance of technical excellence, artistic vision, and cultural authenticity that transformed skateboard companies from corporate enterprises into skater-owned institutions dedicated to preserving skateboarding's integrity. Girl Skateboards UK has evolved from 1993 rebellion against corporate control to global skateboard royalty featuring legendary team riders, groundbreaking video productions, and designs that capture the essence of skateboarding as creative expression rather than mere athletic competition. Like skateboarding itself, Girl design holds authenticity and innovation at its core, creating essential pieces that bridge technical performance with artistic vision while maintaining genuine connection to the professional skaters and cultural pioneers that define skateboarding excellence. Shop the finest in skateboard culture from Girl Skateboards.
Revolutionary since 1993 and constantly evolving with skateboard progression, Girl Skateboards represents the most significant cultural achievement in skateboard company ownership and creative direction. What started as Rick Howard, Mike Carroll, Megan Baltimore, and Spike Jonze's rebellion against World Industries' corporate control has transformed into a cultural institution featuring legendary riders like Eric Koston and Guy Mariano, groundbreaking videos including "Mouse" and "Yeah Right!", and collaborations that elevated skateboard culture into mainstream consciousness. From their initial vision of creating a company that would provide professional skateboarders with genuine futures to contemporary interpretations featuring riders like Sean Malto, Griffin Gass, and the first female team rider Breana Geering, every authentic Girl piece combines skateboard heritage with forward-thinking progression. Whether you're after their iconic simple logo graphics that revolutionised skateboard aesthetics or contemporary models featuring premium construction and artistic collaborations, Girl transforms your skating while providing the authenticity, quality, and cultural credibility that serious skateboarding demands, created by visionaries who understand that the best skate companies should look after their riders rather than exploit them for corporate profits.
Girl Skateboards Brand History & Evolution
Back in 1993, when Mike Carroll and Rick Howard found themselves increasingly frustrated with World Industries owner Steve Rocco's corporate approach to skateboard team management, they began secretly planning what would become skateboarding's most significant rebellion against corporate control over professional skaters' careers and creative freedom. Their collaboration with filmmaker Spike Jonze and Megan Baltimore created the foundation for a company built around the radical idea that professional skateboarders should have genuine futures beyond their competitive years, with ownership stakes and creative input rather than simple sponsorship contracts that expired when their bodies could no longer perform at peak levels. The name "Girl" emerged from Andy Jenkins' suggestion after someone told Rick Howard he "skates like a girl," which they found amusing and appropriately irreverent for contest announcers to proclaim, creating immediate brand recognition through its bold simplicity and willingness to challenge skateboarding's masculine stereotypes. The launch strategy involved wearing Girl shirts during a massive Plan B tour while still technically riding for their previous sponsors, a risky marketing move that generated enormous buzz within skateboard communities while simultaneously infuriating Steve Rocco and World Industries executives who recognised the threat this represented to their business model. The original team including Jovontae Turner, Eric Koston, Guy Mariano, Rudy Johnson, Tim Gavin, Tony Ferguson, Sean Sheffey, and Jeron Wilson represented skateboarding's elite talent choosing creative freedom over guaranteed paychecks, establishing Girl's reputation as a company that attracted the best riders through genuine respect rather than simply the highest financial offers. Industry resistance was immediate and severe, with World Industries creating "Bitch Skateboards" as a direct attack on Girl's founders and team, while using their corporate influence to pressure woodshops and distributors against working with the upstart company through threats of losing lucrative World Industries contracts. The breakthrough came through support from industry legend Fausto Vitello of Thrasher Magazine, who backed Girl despite corporate pressure, providing the credibility and distribution support necessary to establish the company as a legitimate alternative to corporate skateboard ownership models. Their early video productions including "Mouse" (1996) directed by Spike Jonze set new standards for skateboard cinematography through innovative filming techniques, artistic storytelling, and production values that elevated skateboard videos from simple trick documentation into cultural art forms that influenced mainstream media and film production. The expansion into Crailtap distribution family including Chocolate Skateboards, Lakai Footwear, Royal Trucks, and Four Star Clothing demonstrated how skater-owned companies could build sustainable business ecosystems that supported multiple brands while maintaining authentic skateboard culture rather than pursuing pure profit maximisation. The 2003 release of "Yeah Right!" featuring innovative visual effects, celebrity cameos, and cinematic production techniques directed by Spike Jonze proved skateboard videos could achieve mainstream cultural recognition while maintaining authentic skateboard content, inspiring countless filmmakers and establishing Girl as cultural pioneers beyond simple skateboard company operations. Team evolution through additions like Brandon Biebel, Sean Malto, Mike Mo Capaldi, and Alex Olson maintained Girl's reputation for supporting the most creative and technically gifted riders while adapting to contemporary skateboard progression and cultural changes without compromising their founding principles. The 2019 addition of Breana Geering as their first female team rider represented Girl's commitment to skateboard progression and inclusivity, demonstrating how authentic skateboard companies can evolve with culture while maintaining their core values of supporting exceptional skateboarding regardless of traditional demographic boundaries. Recent developments including "Doll" (2018) and continued video production showcase Girl's commitment to documenting skateboard culture through high-quality filmmaking, maintaining their position as cultural leaders who understand that great skateboard companies should inspire creativity and preserve skateboard history rather than simply selling products. From those early secret planning sessions to today's position as skateboard culture's most respected company, Girl Skateboards has grown by consistently maintaining their commitment to skater ownership, creative freedom, and that distinctive approach to business that serves skateboarding culture rather than corporate shareholders or fashion market trends.
Girl Skate Decks Key Features & Construction
What separates Girl Skateboards from corporate skateboard companies comes down to specific construction elements and design philosophy developed through genuine understanding of professional skateboarding demands rather than market research or trend analysis. Premium Girl decks feature quality 7-ply Canadian maple construction with carefully engineered concave specifications developed through team rider feedback, ensuring boards provide the pop, control, and durability that professional street skating requires while maintaining the board feel essential for technical trick execution. Modern deck construction includes advanced pressing techniques that create consistent concave profiles across different sizes, with attention to nose and tail dimensions that enhance flip trick performance while maintaining the strength necessary for street obstacle abuse. The graphic application process uses high-quality screen printing techniques with fade-resistant inks that preserve artwork integrity through repeated grip tape application and skateboard abuse, creating boards that maintain their visual impact while providing authentic skateboard functionality. Contemporary Girl aesthetics embrace artistic collaboration through partnerships with established artists and designers who understand skateboard culture deeply enough to create graphics that enhance rather than simply decorate skateboard decks, resulting in artwork that serves cultural purposes beyond simple brand identification. Quality details include proper wood selection that prioritises performance characteristics over cost reduction, consistent graphic registration that maintains design integrity, and construction standards that reflect decades of professional skateboard feedback rather than generic manufacturing processes. The design philosophy extends beyond graphics into overall brand presentation, collaborative partnerships that prioritise creativity over commercial appeal, and team selection based on skateboarding excellence rather than marketing demographics or social media followings. Pro model development involves genuine collaboration between riders and designers, ensuring signature boards reflect individual skating styles and preferences rather than generic templates with different graphics, creating authentic performance equipment rather than simple marketing tools. Heritage model preservation maintains classic graphics and constructions that define Girl's historical significance while incorporating contemporary materials and techniques that enhance durability and performance without compromising the aesthetic integrity that makes these boards culturally important. Whether featuring classic simple logo designs that revolutionised skateboard graphics or contemporary artistic collaborations that push creative boundaries, authentic Girl products represent the intersection of skateboard functionality, artistic vision, and decades of construction refinement by creators who understand that great skateboard companies should enhance rather than exploit skateboard culture for commercial purposes.
Girl Skateboards Skate Team
The Girl Skateboards team represents skateboarding's evolution from corporate control to skater-owned excellence, featuring riders who embody technical mastery, creative vision, and authentic commitment to skateboarding progression rather than purely commercial considerations.
Mike Carroll:
Co-founder and skateboarding legend whose technical street skating and business vision established Girl's foundation. His parts in classic videos like "Yeah Right!" showcase the perfect balance of technical ability and creative spot selection that defines authentic skateboard progression.
Rick Howard:
Co-founder whose strategic leadership and skateboard expertise guided Girl from rebellious startup to cultural institution. His commitment to providing professional skateboarders with genuine futures continues to influence the company's approach to team development and business operations.
Sean Malto:
Contemporary street skating master whose consistent video output and technical precision represent Girl's ongoing relevance within modern skateboard culture. His approach to street obstacles demonstrates the creative problem-solving that defines authentic skateboard progression.
Griffin Gass:
Rising talent whose video parts showcase the next generation of Girl skateboarding. His technical abilities combined with creative spot utilisation demonstrate how Girl continues to attract and develop exceptional skateboard talent through authentic support rather than purely commercial considerations.
Breana Geering:
Historic addition as Girl's first female team rider, representing the brand's commitment to skateboard progression and inclusivity. Her technical abilities and video contributions demonstrate that exceptional skateboarding transcends traditional demographic boundaries while maintaining authentic street credibility.
Simon Bannerot:
European street skating talent whose international perspective brings global credibility to Girl's roster. His approach to skateboard progression reflects the brand's commitment to supporting diverse skateboard styles while maintaining consistent quality standards.
Tyler "Manchild" Pacheco:
Creative street skater whose unique approach and personality perfectly embody Girl's philosophy of supporting individual expression within professional skateboarding. His video contributions showcase the brand's continued commitment to artistic skateboard culture.
Niels Bennett:
Technical precision meets creative interpretation through Bennett's approach to contemporary street skating. His progression from amateur to professional status demonstrates Girl's dedication to developing talent through genuine support rather than purely commercial exploitation.
Girl Skate Deck Styles We Stock
Explore our comprehensive range of Girl Skateboards UK at The Vines Supply Co., featuring skateboard heritage, premium construction, and authentic culture that represents the finest in professional skateboard equipment.
Girl 93 Til Classic Logo Decks:
The iconic simple logo graphics that revolutionised skateboard aesthetics featuring clean design, quality construction, and timeless appeal. Available in various sizes with professional-grade concave specifications developed through decades of team rider feedback.
Girl Pro Model Series:
Team signature boards developed through genuine rider collaboration including Sean Malto, Griffin Gass, and other team members. Each model reflects individual skating styles and preferences rather than generic templates with different graphics.
Girl Artist Collaboration Series:
Limited releases featuring partnerships with established artists who understand skateboard culture. These graphics demonstrate Girl's commitment to artistic collaboration that enhances rather than simply decorates skateboard decks.
Girl Heritage Collection:
Classic graphics and constructions that define Girl's historical significance including vintage team models and iconic designs that showcase the brand's cultural importance within skateboard progression.
Girl Apparel & Lifestyle:
Premium cotton construction featuring subtle branding, artistic graphics, and designs that extend Girl's cultural vision into daily wear. From graphic tees to hoodies, these pieces maintain the brand's authentic skateboard heritage.
Girl Video Merchandise:
Special releases celebrating landmark video projects like "Mouse," "Yeah Right!" and "Doll." These items commemorate significant cultural contributions while providing collectible pieces for serious skateboard culture enthusiasts.
Girl Skateboards Buying Guide
Choosing Girl Skateboards depends on your appreciation for skateboard heritage, quality construction, and understanding of professional skateboard culture's authentic progression rather than commercial trend-following. For authentic skateboard performance, focus on their classic logo decks that showcase premium construction, team-developed specifications, and graphics that represent skateboard culture's evolution from corporate control to skater-owned excellence. Consider their pro model series for genuine rider collaboration, custom specifications that reflect individual skating styles, and construction quality that handles professional street skating demands while supporting authentic skateboard talent development. Quality matters significantly with Girl, premium materials and skater-owned construction justify pricing through superior performance, authentic cultural significance, and commitment to supporting genuine skateboard progression rather than mass-produced alternatives that lack authentic foundation. Sizing follows standard skateboard dimensions with options from 7.5" to 8.5" widths, allowing selection based on individual skating style and preference while maintaining construction standards that serve both technical street skating and transition applications. Graphic selection reflects appreciation for skateboard culture, classic logo designs for timeless authenticity, artist collaborations for creative expression, and heritage models that connect to skateboard history and cultural progression rather than temporary fashion trends. Cultural context enhances appreciation, understanding Girl's role in establishing skater-owned company models, their influence on skateboard video production and team development, and their commitment to providing professional skateboarders with genuine futures creates deeper connection to authentic skateboard business philosophy. Pro model choices should align with individual skating styles, Sean Malto for technical precision, Griffin Gass for contemporary progression, and historical models that connect to skateboard legends while maintaining contemporary performance standards. Collaboration pieces represent exceptional value through combination of Girl's skateboard expertise with artistic vision, limited availability that makes them collectible, and creative applications that demonstrate sophisticated approach to skateboard culture preservation. Consider long-term investment value through supporting genuinely skater-owned companies, products that maintain cultural significance through consistent quality and authentic skateboard heritage, and brands that prioritise skateboard progression over purely commercial considerations. Most importantly, choose Girl Skateboards when you appreciate skateboard culture's authentic progression and skater-owned business models, as the company represents genuine celebration of professional skateboard excellence by creators who understand that great skateboard companies should serve their riders and preserve skateboard culture rather than exploit it for corporate profits or fashion market trends.
Girl Skateboards FAQs
What makes Girl different from corporate skateboard brands? Girl represents authentic skater ownership and creative control, founded by professional skateboarders Rick Howard and Mike Carroll to provide riders with genuine futures beyond their competitive years. The company prioritises team rider collaboration, artistic vision, and cultural authenticity over purely commercial considerations.
Why was Girl Skateboards considered revolutionary in 1993? Girl challenged corporate control over professional skateboarding by creating a skater-owned company that gave riders equity stakes and creative input. This contrasted with World Industries' corporate model where riders were simply sponsored athletes with no long-term security or business involvement.
Are Girl decks suitable for serious street skating? Yeah, Girl decks use premium 7-ply Canadian maple construction with concave specifications developed through professional rider feedback. The brand's commitment to supporting elite street skaters ensures their boards handle the technical demands of contemporary skateboarding.
What is the significance of videos like "Mouse" and "Yeah Right!"? These videos revolutionised skateboard cinematography through Spike Jonze's artistic direction, innovative filming techniques, and production values that elevated skateboard videos from simple trick documentation into cultural art forms that influenced mainstream media.
How does Girl's team selection process work? Girl prioritises skateboarding excellence, creativity, and cultural fit over demographic considerations or social media followings. Team additions like Breana Geering demonstrate commitment to progression while maintaining authentic skateboard credibility and performance standards.
What role did Megan Baltimore play in Girl's success? Megan Baltimore co-founded Girl and became fundamental to Crailtap's success as the parent company overseeing Girl, Chocolate, and Royal. Her business leadership since the 1990s demonstrates how authentic skateboard companies can be built on diverse expertise and collaboration.
Why choose Girl over newer skateboard brands? Girl offers 30 years of skateboard heritage, proven commitment to rider support, cultural authenticity, and premium construction developed through genuine professional feedback. The brand represents skateboard culture's authentic progression rather than trend-driven fashion consumption or corporate exploitation.
Shop our complete Girl Skateboards collection, featuring skateboard heritage, premium construction, and authentic culture from the company that revolutionised professional skateboard ownership. Enjoy fast, free UK premium delivery on orders over £70, with free next-day delivery available for orders placed before 4pm.