Biography:
Elissa Steamer, a trailblazing figure in the world of skateboarding, has made a significant impact on the sport and women’s history. Born in Fort Myers, Florida, United States, Steamer discovered her passion for skateboarding in 1989. She frequented a small city-owned skate park on Grand Avenue, embracing the rebellious nature of the sport from an early age.
In the mid-1990s, Steamer’s talent and dedication caught the attention of renowned skateboarder Lance Mountain. Despite receiving offers from other skateboard companies, Steamer embarked on her professional skateboarding journey with Toy Machine, founded and owned by professional skateboarder Ed Templeton. Spearheaded by Chad Muska, a leading member of the Toy Machine team, Steamer’s sponsorship became a reality. This opportunity solidified her place among the elite skateboarders of the time and marked the beginning of an illustrious career.
One of Steamer’s standout achievements came in 1996 when she filmed her Welcome to Hell video part. Filmed primarily by Jamie Thomas, who temporarily resided with Steamer in Fort Myers, this project showcased her unique style and fearlessness on the skateboard. Steamer remained loyal to Toy Machine even after the departure of Thomas and Muska, contributing to their next film project, Jump Off A Building.
With the departure of several team members from Toy Machine, Steamer decided to explore new horizons. She joined Bootleg, a brand associated with the Baker skateboard company and distributed by NHS, Inc. Building on her personal connections with skateboarders like Andrew Reynolds and Erik Ellington, Steamer’s involvement elevated her status within the skateboarding community. Although Bootleg proved to be a short-lived venture, ending after the release of Bootleg 3000, Steamer treasured her time with the company, mentioning that it resulted in her highest paycheck from skateboard deck royalties.
In 2004, following the demise of Bootleg, Steamer’s future in skateboarding seemed uncertain. However, her resilience and talent caught the attention of Jamie Thomas, who had founded his own skateboard company, Zero. In June 2006, Steamer joined the Zero team, embracing the opportunity to continue her journey with a brand that resonated with her. Although she never released a full-length video part during her time with Zero, Steamer’s contribution to the team was invaluable.
Throughout her career, Elissa Steamer’s influence extended beyond her skateboarding skills. As one of the few prominent female skateboarders at the time, she shattered gender barriers and inspired countless individuals, both male and female, to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Her determination, resilience, and ability to thrive in a male-dominated sport have cemented her status as a pioneer in women’s skateboarding.