Rider Check 10Q: Ayana Pennell
Ayana Pennell, she/her, 14, Hawaii.
Sponsors Chuffed skates, girlz dat shred, rockstar bearings
Photography ©Kenneth Dedeu, Kit Furderer
How did roller skating find you all the way out in Hawaii?
Because of Covid, I had to quit soccer and wasn’t doing much but going to the beach. One night, I saw the outdoor roller rink was open, so I asked my mom if we could go. I brought my rollerblades that my parents got me for Christmas the year before. I met some girls there and they all had rollerskates, so I asked my mom for a pair and eventually my dad got me a cheap pair of white skates.
Handplant in Barcelona, Spain.
What’s it like skating in a place where the scene is still small? How much did the online community shape your journey?
It’s hard skating alone, because there is no rollerskate scene anymore. I mostly skate with skateboarders. But I use videos from instagram and YouTube to help me learn a lot of my tricks and flips. It’s nice to meet up with people from other states and countries to skate and socialize with other skaters that share the same experiences and interests as me.
You travel with your mom for skating. What's one moment from those trips you’ll never forget?
I definitely love all of the time we get to spend traveling together. One moment I'll never forget is when we walked into the Duomo in Milan. I had never seen anything like it. My mom grew up catholic so when I saw things I didn’t know about, she would tell me about it. My other favorite moments would be us shopping together and seeing all the cool places when we were traveling.
5-0 grind.
You’ve grown up on skates, from being a kid to now your teen years. What feels different when you roll today?
When I was younger, I had a whole ton of friends I skated with, but they don’t skate anymore. I’ve learned to be more self motivated and can skate hard, even alone. But most of the time it’s hard not to see other people skate in real life and get inspired. I’m happy I get to travel to skate. Also, I used to be more scared in new skateparks, but now I feel more confident and excited trying new parks.
How did it feel joining the Chuffed junior team? Did it change how you see yourself as a skater or your place in the community?
Before I got sponsored, I think I had 2 of their boots and I loved them. When I got sponsored, I was so excited to be noticed by them and keep skating their boots. It didn’t really change how I saw myself, but I felt like at such a young age, I was definitely proud of myself. I love Chuffed skates and how they support us kids in the rollerskating community.
Barani flip during Blading Camp, Malaga.
What kind of skating feels most like you right now? What are you drawn to these days?
I definitely like mini ramps and bowls, I’m getting into boxes more since the camp I went to in Malaga, called blading camp!
When things get frustrating, what keeps you going?
I always remember when tricks get hard or I’m not motivated to skate, that if I give up easily, I am probably gonna regret not doing the trick or learning it. I also think about how it will be fun to do once I learn a new trick.
Do you think growing up skating in Hawaii has shaped your style in a unique way?
I don’t think skating in particular changes much because I live in Hawaii. Since I live on an island, there’s very limited skateparks and especially street spots. But I’m always grateful for what I have and where I get to live.
If you could wake up tomorrow and skate anywhere in the world, where would you go and who would you bring with you?
I think I would definitely want to go back to Europe, Spain in particular. I loved my last trip and everywhere I went and everyone I met. I would only bring my mom. She's really all I need and would definitely love to meet up with some of the skaters from there again.
What would you say to a young skater starting out somewhere without a local scene?
Just because you don’t skate with people all the time, you can always connect with people online and depending on where you live you can meet up with them!
Lightning round
Loose or tight trucks? Loose for sure
Favorite song to skate to? Tek it
A skater who inspires you?Barbie
Perfect setup: ramps or DIY spots? Ramps
Favorite place to skate? Kapaa skate park
Next destination? Canada - Montreal
A skater people should keep an eye on: Miret
Favorite food? pho
Dream trick? invert
Roller skating needs more? socialization in the world and big things like the Olympics!