Biography:
Kim Cespedes, born and raised in San Diego, California, is a legendary figure in the skateboarding world. She is known for her remarkable skills and contributions to the sport, especially during the 1970s. Kim emerged as one of the gnarliest girl skaters of her time, making a significant impact on the skateboarding community.
At a time when many female skateboarders focused on freestyle and its choreographed gymnastics routines, Kim took a different path. She directed her energy towards parks, pools, ditches, and downhill slalom racing, showcasing her versatility and fearlessness. Her dedication and passion for the sport quickly caught the attention of the skateboarding community.
In 1977, Kim achieved a remarkable feat when she became the world champion of women’s giant slalom at the World Championships in Carlsbad. The event was televised on ABC’s Wide World of Sports, solidifying her status as a top athlete in the skateboarding world. This victory not only highlighted her exceptional skills but also inspired a generation of female skateboarders.
Kim’s talent and achievements led her to travel the world, representing various renowned skateboarding brands such as Hobie, Tracker, Pepsi, and Nike. She became a global ambassador for the sport, showcasing her skills and passion to audiences worldwide. One of her notable appearances was in the traveling Skateboard Mania show, where she captivated crowds with her incredible tricks and style.
Adding to her list of accomplishments, Kim was one of the first women to perform airs on vert ramps. In 1979, just a year after male skateboarders had introduced backside airs, Kim was already excelling at this daring maneuver. Photos of her pulling off backside airs in pools further solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in the sport.
Kim’s journey in skateboarding began at the age of 14 when her younger brother brought home a Hobie board with clay wheels. She quickly fell in love with the sport and dedicated herself to honing her skills on San Diego’s challenging hills. By the time urethane wheels arrived in the form of Cadillac Wheels, her skills had reached an impressive level, catching the attention of the Hobie team. She was asked to join as the first female member, an opportunity that left her astonished and thrilled.
Furthermore, Kim Cespedes made a significant impact on the skateboarding scene as a resident pro at the famous Del Mar Skate Ranch. Her presence and influence resonated with fellow skateboarders, especially aspiring female athletes who looked up to her as a role model.
Although Kim’s professional skateboarding career eventually transitioned to other endeavors, she remains closely connected to the skateboarding and surfing communities. Today, she occasionally surfs and skateboards, reflecting her enduring love for these exhilarating sports. Kim currently resides in Leucadia, continuing to inspire and empower future generations of skateboarders.
Awards:
– World Champion of Women’s Giant Slalom at the World Championships in Carlsbad (1977)