"Girls shred stereotypes: Fun and Freedom in Tallinn's Krulli Park”

Words and photos by Nicolas Bouvy

While the Estonian community has always been home to rebellious and fearless individuals, with girls sharing sessions with the guys, the Estonian scene is gifted with individuals such as the talented Merje Reisenbuk or the super-active Liidia Maier who runs Pavilion Skatepark in Tartu, most of the women and girls have often felt excluded. Like us, they are drawn to the uncool wooden toy but are unsure of where to ride their urethane.

When we, as men and boys, search for a gnarly session filled with aggressivity, speed, grinds, and all the reckless, macho vibes we crave, sometimes we tend to forget our own humble beginnings. We should be the first to acknowledge that a skateboarding beginner, whether male or female, is often shy and awestruck when they see big, tough guys shredding the spot. The same goes for the girls!

However, every problem has a solution. And the Tallinn girls' skate community has arrived! Now, we can witness a safe environment where everyone can learn to push, ollie, drop in, or whatever they wish to learn without someone telling them to get out and come back when the tough guys are done murdering the park. Yes, it brings a smile to your face, but it's also a sad, true story from not so long ago at the biggest action sports facility in the Baltics. Sometimes, a minimum of respect doesn't hurt.

Pretty much since the opening of Krulli park, every Monday evening has given the ladies the opportunity to feel safe and, most importantly, free to do what they want on their boards. By sharing the skate culture with a feminine approach, they have succeeded in having a great time. As of now, the result is a group of around 25 girls sharing sessions all over the warm season.

The young generation, in particular, is thrilled to discover skateboarding. Sometimes, Merje joins and helps push the group.

So, now you can easily go there and give it a try every Wednesday evenings (from next week) around 7. There's free entrance; just bring your own gear. Thanks to Kaija-Liisa and Kaimai for helping organize these open sessions. They also hosted a successful event during this summer, recognizing the potential of such a community. And more is to come in the future.

Since such an organization requires a lot of time and energy, having a good leader to help with the responsibilities would be great.They are still seeking a dedicated soul ready to move the project forward and find more volunteers for skate advice, etc.

Info: Krulli Park, Volta 1b, Krulli Kvartal