
Gabrielle Brownfield grew up skateboarding with her dad and has been a big part of the Ohio skate scene for most of her life. As a young adult, Gabby had the opportunity to take part in several high-profile skate competitions in California, including Combi and Exposure. In this episode, she shares her experience with competitive skateboarding, self-confidence and skating as an adult. She also talks about the amazing backyard bowl that she built with her dad and herhusband, Nic. In 2025, her family hosted their first Midwest Betty Bowl Jam, inviting female and LGTBQ+ skateboarders and quad skaters from around the country. Get to know Gabrielle Brownfield and follow her at @imjustgabs on Instagram.
Chapters
00:00 Opening Credits and Music
00:15 Welcome Gabrielle Brownfield from Ohio
01:11 Early Beginnings in Skateboarding and the Influence ofHer Dad
06:05 The Importance of Allowing Kids to Have Fun
07:37 Pressure in Skate Contests
14:43 Adult Skate Buds and Mentors as a Kid
19:33 Influence of Lance Mountain and Her First Invert
21:20 Building Their At-Home Bowl
24:33 Hosting the Midwest Betty Bowl Jam
27:19 Skating and Meeting People at FDR Queen of the Park
29:57 Local Skate Community in Ohio
33:09 Dropping In on Vert for the First Time
34:42 Skatepark Etiquette for Kids
39:50 Contest Experience at Exposure and Combi
46:02 Perfecting Tricks and the Importance ofStyle
47:36 Navigating Personal Challenges and Confidence
49:30 Learning Leadership from Her Dad and Family Support
51:33 An Amazing Skater... and Artist!
53:19 Designing Wheel Art for Speedlab
54:35 Riding for American Nomad
55:16 Welfare Line and Bill Danforth
56:07 Eric Dressen and Jim Gray Visit the Bowl
57:33 Amazing Mature Skaters and Gabby's Thoughts on Skating Into Her 60s
58:29 Gabby's History in the Underground Skate Scene
59:41 Meeting a Young Ruby Lilley
01:01:04 Going to Queen of the Park and Judging
01:04:10 Beyond Competition - Opportunities for Girls Today
01:06:04 Skating as a Grown-Up, There's a Difference
01:08:04 Embracing Diversity in Body Types
01:11:17 Mental Health and the Stress of Event Organizing
01:16:27 Planning Future Midwest Bowl Jams
01:20:22 Dream Skate Session
01:21:36 End Credits and Music