Local Skateboarder Judi Oyama: A Trailblazer in the Skateboarding Community

Judi’s love for skateboarding began in the 1970s when she did her first downhill race at the age of 15 in Capitola. She has been a part of the local skate scene ever since, and one of her early jobs was with the Santa Cruz skateboard company NHS, where she learned how to silkscreen skateboards and airbrush surfboards. This job kickstarted her career in graphic design.

For many years, there were few slalom skateboarding races to attend, but Oyama continued to skateboard for fun and transportation around town. In 2001, she received a call from a friend informing her that official races had started up again. Despite having two young children at the time, Oyama eagerly dove back into the world of racing. Her kids even accompanied her to the races when they were still in diapers and while she was breastfeeding in her early 40s.

Upon reentering the racing scene, Oyama began winning and has continued to do so without slowing down. In 2018, she was honored with an induction into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame. Oyama played a role in curating the NHS Skate Museum when it opened in Santa Cruz, which features photos and videos of old competitions, colorful skateboards, and vintage skate art. Her original Santa Cruz skateboard team bag is displayed in the museum alongside other skateboarding gear from the 1970s.

One of Oyama’s early skateboards, a Santa Cruz brand board made of deep red fiberglass with red wheels and yellow block lettering, is highlighted in the museum. Additionally, one of her helmets from her early skating days is housed in the Smithsonian Institution Archives. Oyama jokingly remarks that having her items in a museum makes her realize she’s getting older.