Article by : Isabel Derungs. / Photos : Francisco Chavez.
Skateboarding has an extraordinary potential to bring people together. Regardless of level, age, origin and other personal backgrounds, skateboarding is already practiced collectively all over the world. Skaters live an open and welcoming culture in which even less experienced skaters and vulnerable groups often quickly find access to the community. In addition to the open community, skateboarding is also a very technical sport that offers a challenge for every level.
Isabel Derungs / frontside rockn roll at Wäscherei Skatepark.
This means that all levels can have fun in one place at the same time and only a small amount of equipment is required. In addition, the acceptance of freestyle sports is very high, especially among young people.
In our view, this enormous potential is still not being exploited enough. Experience shows that vulnerable groups in particular are often not sufficiently informed about existing offers or that initial measures and peers are needed to further promote entry into a community and break down barriers.
Miniramp coaching during a Queenpin session at Lettyramp.
More than 90% oft he people on skateparks are still boys and men (own estimate). This naturally creates an atmosphere in which the boys inspire and challenge each other and continue to develop together. Girls and women* are greatly outnumbered and therefore do not benefit to the same extent from this stimulating environment.
Irene Schweizer / frontside feeble at Lettyramp.
We wanted to create a similar atmosphere in skateboarding for girls and women that promotes mutual inspiration, shared learning and growth as well as group cohesion.
This is how QUEENPIN Skateboarding was born.
A free and open skateboarding session takes place every Tuesday evening from 6-8pm. Valuable tips and tricks are provided by the coaches on site. The aim of the sessions is to boost participants’ self-confidence**
All levels and ages are welcome. The location is communicated via Instagram (@queenpin_skateboard) and WhatsApp.
Beginners and advanced skaters can share a pressure-free session and learn from each other.
Billie May working on her ollie.
In summer in particular, we deliberately visit different locations to skate together so that participants can then venture out to the various skate parks on their own.
The girls are helping and inspiring each other.
Our vision is for people to come together and pursue their passion more often and on a long-term basis, regardless of their origin, culture and other (personal) backgrounds.
Leandra Müller / Hurricane at LettyRamp.
Girls and women* should be empowered to position themselves together in the male-dominated sport of skateboarding. The next generation of female skateboarders should be inspired so that the proportion of girls in skateboarding clubs also increases.
Mona Mesotten / fakie kickflip at Lettyramp
In addition, female skaters act as role models and strengthen the self-confidence of girls and women* beyond the skateboarding scene. The program was successfully launched in May 2024 with Freestylehalle Zürich as the implementation partner and financially supported by Sportamt Stadt Zürich. It has since been attended by around 12-15 participants per event. QUEENPIN’s focus on the integration of socio-economically disadvantaged young people is financially supported by Migros Kulturprozent.
Different age or level is not a barrier to learning together.
We are very happy with the successful start of QUEENPIN and are convinced that the program has not yet reached its full potential. The participation of the coaches, participants and project partners is very important. We would like to thank everyone for their valuable input and look forward to continuing our journey together!
Livia Tannò / boardslide at Wäscherei Skatepark.
With Love,
The Queens.
Article by : Isabel Derungs
Photos by : Francisco Chavez