Biography:
Ellen Berryman, an influential figure in the world of skateboarding, was born and raised in Encinitas, California. Her journey in skateboarding began in 1975 when her sister introduced her to the vibrant skate scene at La Costa. Inspired by the smooth downhill paradise and the camaraderie of the skaters, Ellen decided to try her hand at skateboarding.
Learning to ride on the wide-open streets of the half-completed housing development, Ellen quickly developed her skills and caught the attention of the skateboarding community. She had the privilege of befriending and skating with the skateboarding royalty of the time, including Ty Page, the Logans – Brian, Bruce, Brad, and Robin – Dennis Shufeldt, and many more.
Within just six months of picking up a skateboard, Ellen joined the team at Bahne and made her mark in the skateboarding world. She placed second at a contest in San Diego, showcasing her talent and determination. A few weeks later, Ellen won her first contest outright in Arizona, solidifying her position as a rising star in the sport.
Ellen’s success came at a time when the skateboarding industry was experiencing an explosion, thanks to the advent of urethane wheels. With her background in gymnastics, Ellen was able to incorporate elements of her training into her freestyle skateboarding. She became known for her signature tricks, which included handstand variations that few other female skateboarders could execute. Her meticulous attention to choreography set her apart from her peers.
In 1976 and 1977, Ellen emerged as the women’s freestyle champion at the California Free Former World Professional Skateboard Championships held at the Long Beach Arena. Her skills and style captivated audiences across the country, as she performed in front of large crowds. Notably, Ellen skated in front of 60,000 enthusiastic onlookers at a Jethro Tull concert, further solidifying her influence in the sport.
After an impressive career in professional skateboarding, Ellen decided to retire from the sport in 1978 and pursue higher education. Coincidentally, her departure coincided with a challenging period for skateboarding, as many skateparks closed down, leading to a decline in the sport’s popularity.
Despite stepping away from professional skateboarding, Ellen’s love and passion for the sport remain strong. She continues to find joy in skateboarding, reminding us that skateboarding is not merely a fleeting hobby but a lifelong expression of creativity and freedom.
Awards:
– Second place at a skateboarding contest in San Diego
– First place in women’s freestyle at the 1976 and 1977 California Free Former World Professional Skateboard Championships