What went down at the first annual Bay Jam

The first annual Bay Jam went down in the Bay Area, CA October 17th-19th and was JAM packed with energy and excitement.

The weekend started off with ALLYSK8, a new program offered by Skate Like a Girl, which includes facilitated discussions around topics ranging from pronouns to receiving feedback. Afterward, we had a blast skating together and debriefing all the new concepts and ideas floating around in our heads. Big shout out to DLX for hosting and bringing out so many of your staff, as well as other participating groups from 510 Skate Shop in Berkeley, Town Park, Berkeley Skate Park, and more!

Skate Like A Girl's Bay Jam ALLYSK8 session — Jane talking to the other allies at Skate Like A Girl's ALLYSK8 session.

The following day was the Welcome Party at 510 Skate Shop, where skaters filled the shop, to throw tickets in raffle jars, scoop up the latest The Skate Witches zine, and watch Aussie Adelaide Norris‘ new flick, Appointment. Thanks to Dandy and crew for being the hosts with the most!

Skate Like A Girl's Bay Jam opening party — It was a full house at 510 Skate Shop for the Welcome Party.

Finally, Saturday rolled around, and the official Bay Jam event day went down at Town Park Skatepark at Lil Bobby Hutton Park, as part of the 12th annual Life is Living Festival hosted by Youth Speaks. The day kicked off with a massive skate clinic for all ages, abilities, and genders, lead by volunteers and staff alike.

Skate Like A Girl's Bay Jam skate clinic — Getting the pushes down.

Following folks learning how to kick and push, was the showcase, a non-competitive opportunity for skaters to show off their tricks without judges or strict rules. Stand out maneuvers included Shari White hippy jumping Alex White in push-up position, and fingerboards making their way onto the course along with their life-sized counterparts.

Skate Like A Girl's Bay Jam contest — Shari White hippy jumps over Alex White.

The contest came next, featuring 5 divisions of rippers who absolutely annihilated the ‘crete. Although this was the more serious division of the day it was truly all about community and friendship, as Una Farrar and Ashley Rehfeld both boosted the bump to bar after time had expired in their jam. In the end, the fast and free style of Dayana Young helped her clench the victory, backed up by Aster Arkin and Poppy Starr Olsen, respectively.

To cap off the day, all genders gave it their best effort over the bump to bar feature, sending home Tyrone Henderson, Chris Jatoft, and Terell Newell with top honors.

Bay Jam was only 3 days, but these memories will last a lifetime. Big ups to the Skate Like a Girl SF Bay crew, Vans, 510 Skate Shop, K-Dub and everyone else who helped make this event possible!

Words: Kristin Ebeling
Photos: Norma Ibarra