First Female Inducted into
Skateboarding Hall of Fame

by Jana K. Hoffman

BettyLife could not pass up the opportunity to applaud the first-ever pro female skateboarder, Patti McGee, who will be inducted into this year’s 2nd Annual Skateboarding Hall of Fame on December 4.

McGee, who grew up in Southern California, was an avid surfer and begged her mom to take her to the beach to catch the waves. When skateboarding entered the scene, McGee found a new freedom. She was able to travel as she liked only to find that “no hill was too steep, no parking lot too tall, no pavement safe; we couldn’t get enough.”

As the first professional female skateboarder, McGee has certainly claimed many notable moments in her life including becoming the “Women’s National Skateboard Champion” in 1964. Following that achievement, she became the Demo Girl for HOBIE Skateboards and traveled for nearly two years demonstrating the boards on a national level. She has also appeared on the cover of “Life” and on The Johnny Carson Show among a list of other accomplishments.

“The first Betty” of skateboarding, McGee is still actively involved in the sport as a member of skateboardmom.com and assisting her daughter, Haily Villa, create the skate-inspired, screen-printed clothing line “First Betty.”

This year, she will stand beside skateboarding inductees and icons including Torger Johnson, Stacy Peralta, Steve Caballero, Eric Koston and Bob Burnquist.

The invite-only event will feature both a silent and live auction including a selection of invaluable memorabilia, a live musical performance and more. Proceeds will benefit the Go Skateboarding Foundation, which sends kids to skate camp on scholarships and supports skateboarding-related charities.

“IASC recognizes the importance of honoring the pros that made skateboarding what it is today,” said John Bernards, IASC executive director. “Without those icons and legends, the tricks skateboarders are doing today would not exist. This year’s inductees represent the best, most progressive skateboarding from 1960 to 2010, and we congratulate each of them on their accomplishments.”

Because of women like McGee, skateboarding has become more than a just a sport for the dudes. She has certainly paved the way for other female shredders. While it’s true the industry caters toward our counterparts, it’s nice to see McGee will receive the recognition she deserves.