Cindy Whitehead (born June 15, 1962) is an American professional skateboarder and activist. She is widely recognized as a pioneer of vertical skateboarding and has made significant contributions to the sport. In 2016, Whitehead was rightfully inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as an influential figure in skateboarding history.
Whitehead’s journey in skateboarding began at the Hermosa Beach Pier in California, where she first embraced freestyle skateboarding. It was here that she rubbed shoulders with notable skateboarders like Steve Rocco, forming a deep passion for the sport and laying the foundations for her remarkable career.
As her skills progressed, Whitehead shifted her focus to halfpipe skateboarding after the opening of Skateboard World Skatepark in Torrance, California. Her dedication to mastering this discipline was evident when she competed in the Hang Ten Olympics at Magic Mountain in early 1978. Representing Skateboard World Skatepark, Whitehead performed a mesmerizing freestyle skateboarding routine to the tune of The Steve Miller Band’s Swingtown and secured a commendable third-place finish among girls ages 13-17.
Whitehead’s breakthrough moment came when she caught the attention of photographer Bruce Hazelton. He approached her to capture a series of photographs showcasing her exceptional skills on the plexiglass 360 ramp at Fountain Valley Skatepark for Wild World of Skateboarding Magazine. The resulting photo and accompanying article, published in the June 1978 issue, made Whitehead the first woman to receive a prominent center photographic feature and a two-page profile in a skateboarding publication. This achievement not only celebrated her talent but also paved the way for future generations of female skateboarders.
Continuing to defy expectations, Whitehead showcased her prowess at the 1978 Skateboarding Nationals, where she placed an impressive fourth among women in her age group. Her achievements did not go unnoticed, and in 1980 she joined the prestigious Sims Skateboard team, owned by Tom Sims. As the only female team rider at the time, Whitehead broke barriers and inspired countless girls to pursue their passion for skateboarding. She further cemented her reputation by competing as a professional in The Gold Cup Series in 1980 and securing an impressive third-place finish overall.
After retiring from professional skateboarding in 1984, Whitehead embarked on a successful career as a sports stylist, working with renowned athletes and brands like Nike and Adidas. Her talent and unique insight into the world of sports fashion allowed her to make a significant impact in the industry.
In 2013, Whitehead channeled her passion for skateboarding into a new direction by creating the Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word brand. This empowering initiative, in collaboration with Dwindle Distribution, aimed to support and promote women skateboarders. Whitehead’s project extended into the production of a line of signature boards under the Dusters California brand, which gained substantial popularity. She continued her efforts to uplift and empower female skateboarders in 2014 with the release of a signature helmet in collaboration with XS Helmets.
Whitehead’s dedication to supporting women skateboarders remains unwavering. In 2017, she took a bold step by displaying female skateboarding images on two billboards along Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles. This act was a powerful statement of recognition and celebration of females in the sport. In 2019, Whitehead expanded her advocacy by placing advertisements featuring female skateboarders on electronic billboards in Times Square, New York, with the impactful message: GIRLS SKATE TOO.
Beyond her phenomenal achievements in skateboarding and activism, Whitehead is also an author. Her book, titled It’s Not About Pretty: A Book About Radical Women in Skateboarding, shines a light on the stories of trailblazing women who have made significant contributions to the skateboarding world. Through her writing, Whitehead ensures that the legacies of these remarkable women are preserved and celebrated.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2016