Boipelo Awuah’s Winter Skateboarding Workshop empowers Kimberley girls
The 053 Girls Kimberley Winter Skateboarding Workshop, led by none other than Olympic skateboarder Boipelo Awuah, took place on Saturday, where an all-girls group was taught the fundamentals of skating. Coach Keanan Rodgers is in the middle, teaching the girls.
Image: Danie van der Lith
THE KIMBERLEY Skate Plaza was buzzing with energy and excitement this past Saturday as close to 60 girls from across the city took part in the 053 Girls Kimberley Winter Skateboarding Workshop, led by none other than Olympic skateboarder Boipelo Awuah.
The workshop, hosted by Boipelo’s nonprofit organisation 053 Girls Skateboarding, proved to be a massive success. Young girls aged 8 years and older came together for a day of learning, creativity, connection, and confidence-building, all in a safe and supportive, girls-only environment.
From the very first session, the girls were eager to grab their boards and hit the ramps. With Boipelo at the forefront, with assistance from coaches Brad Balie and Keanan Rodgers, the group were taught a range of techniques, from the fundamentals of balancing and pushing off to more advanced turns, kick turns, and even the first steps towards ollies and other tricks. For many, it was their first time on a skateboard.
Coach Brad Balie is seen teaching some of the girls the basics of balancing and kicking yourself away on the board.
Image: Danie van der Lith
“It was amazing to see how quickly the girls picked things up,” Boipelo told the DFA. “Some arrived never having stepped on a board, and by the end of the day, they were rolling with confidence. It just shows what’s possible when you feel safe and supported.”
Throughout the day, laughter echoed around the plaza as the girls not only focused on skating but also built new friendships and cheered one another on. The all-female environment allowed many of them to step out of their comfort zones, ask questions freely, and truly engage with the sport, without the pressure of a male-dominated space.
“This was the first time I ever tried skateboarding,” said one of the girls who attended. “I was scared at first, but everyone was so nice. I even made two new friends, and now I want my own board!”
The workshop also featured skateboarding games and fun challenges that encouraged creativity and teamwork. Later in the afternoon, the focus shifted to arts and crafts, another highlight of the day. The girls got the opportunity to decorate their boards, paint on canvases, and express themselves using spray paint and colour. Some turned their skateboards into works of art, painting bold designs and affirmations.
“We wanted to give the girls a full experience, not just about the sport but the culture, the creativity, and the joy that comes with skateboarding,” Boipelo said.
Parents and supporters gathered at the plaza to cheer on the young skaters. Many were amazed at the confidence and skill shown by the girls. For Boipelo, the day wasn’t just about tricks and training; it was about planting the seeds for a stronger, long-term female skateboarding community in Kimberley.
“Skateboarding has changed my life,” she said. “It’s taken me across the world, taught me discipline, and introduced me to people who have become my second family. I wanted to create a space where more girls can experience that too.”
The workshop forms part of Boipelo’s broader vision for 053 Girls Skateboarding, which aims to host regular follow-up sessions and continue growing the local talent pool. By building a safe, fun, and empowering space for girls, the initiative is not only breaking barriers in sports but also creating lifelong opportunities.
Young skaters were taught how to stand on a board.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Boipelo extended a heartfelt thank you to Exilite Holdings, whose generous sponsorship made a lasting impact on the day’s success. The company provided skateboards, food, art supplies, and branded water bottles for all the participants, ensuring that every girl had the tools and support to fully enjoy the experience.
“Without your support for this event and for skateboarding in general, none of this would have been possible,” Boipelo said. “You helped us create something truly meaningful for these girls.”
She also acknowledged Red Bull for their ongoing commitment to her journey and the local skateboarding scene.
“Thank you to Red Bull for your continued support, not just today, but throughout the years. Your belief in me and in growing skateboarding in Kimberley means the world,” she added.
If Saturday is anything to go by, then Kimberley’s skateboarding culture is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the near future.