Born: 1958 (Huntington, Long Island, New York)
Biography:
Desiree Von Essen Harrington, born in Huntington, Long Island, New York in 1958, emerged as one of the most prominent female skateboarders of the mid-1970s. Her unique style and determination made her a trailblazer in the male-dominated skateboarding community.
Desiree’s skateboarding journey began when she moved to Ventura, California in 1968. It was there that she first discovered her love for skateboarding, skating down a big driveway on a Black Knight alongside her brother. Her natural talent and passion for the sport quickly became evident.
In 1974, at the young age of 16, Desiree started receiving product sponsorships from The Skateboard Handbook and Sims. This marked a turning point in her career as a skateboarder. Shortly after, a plastic molding company called R.A.C.O. offered her a monthly salary of $250.00, effectively turning her into a professional skateboarder. This was a life-changing moment for Desiree, who described it as winning the lottery.
During her two-year career as a sponsored pro from 1974 to 1976, Desiree excelled in various disciplines of skateboarding. Her first love was slalom, where she displayed incredible skill and precision. She learned to traverse an entire block by pumping alone, without having to push. In addition to slalom, Desiree also became proficient in freestyle skateboarding and enjoyed cruising in big, open park bowls. Her favorite spot was the La Brea spillway.
Desiree’s ability to perform tricks with ease and grace was unparalleled. She perfected the endover to such a degree that she could effortlessly execute 300 in rapid succession. Her repertoire of tricks also included the kickflip and walk the dog. In a daring display of skill, she once threw in a lightning-fast walk the dog during a high-speed downhill run at Independence Pass in Aspen, Colorado, under the light of a full moon.
Desiree’s talent and competitive nature did not go unnoticed. In 1976, she was recognized as Who’s Hot in the June issue of Skateboarder magazine, which accurately described her skating style as a blend of wheelies, 360s, and fast and flawless endovers. She also made appearances in the movie Go For It and had the honor of being part of a Perry Como TV special, which further solidified her status as a skateboarding icon.
In terms of competition, Desiree consistently rose to the top. She took first place in slalom at the California Free Former 1976 World Championships and secured first place in freestyle at events in Ventura and Long Beach. Her dominance on the skateboard was undeniable.
After her skateboarding career, Desiree shifted her focus to the mountains. In 1978, she relocated to Snowmass Village, Colorado, where she worked tirelessly as a ski instructor, further demonstrating her passion for outdoor sports.
For the past two decades, Desiree has dedicated her time to raising her two sons, Cooper and Bryce, with her husband Mark. As her children grew older, Desiree continued to pursue her love for outdoor activities, including mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding. In summer 2019, Desiree and her family made the decision to move to Bend, Oregon, where she plans to dedicate even more time to these outdoor pursuits.
Desiree Von Essen Harrington’s impact on women’s skateboarding cannot be overstated. As one of the few prominent female skateboarders of her time, she not only broke gender barriers but also inspired generations of young girls to pursue their passions fearlessly. Her contributions to the sport and her dedication to pushing boundaries have left an indelible mark on the history of women’s skateboarding.
Awards:
– California Free Former 1976 World Championships: First place in slalom
– Ventura Freestyle Competition: First place in freestyle
– Long Beach Freestyle Competition: First place in freestyle and slalom