YNDIARA ASP Talkin' The Evolution of Women's Skateboarding

In this heartfelt episode of Talkin' Schmit, host Schmitty sits down with professional skateboarder Yndiara Asp, a trailblazer in women's skateboarding from Florianopolis, Brazil. Yndiara reflects on her journey from her first skate in 2016 to becoming a pro for Santa Cruz, sharing the cultural significance of that milestone in a country where few Brazilian women have achieved such recognition. She discusses the evolution of women's skateboarding, particularly the rise of Japanese skaters like Kokona and Sakura, and contrasts the current Olympic-focused, high-pressure competition scene with the joyful, community-driven culture she grew up in—centered around the RTMF crew and spontaneous skate sessions. Yndiara expresses concern that the sport’s fun and camaraderie are being overshadowed by performance-driven mindsets, especially in the Olympics, where she felt disconnected from the energy. She also shares personal stories of resilience, including breaking her foot and hand during intense competition periods, and how those setbacks became part of her narrative. The conversation turns playful with a 'This or That' segment, and ends with a warm exchange of Portuguese phrases and a promise to film together in California. The episode closes with a celebration of community, creativity, and the enduring spirit of skateboarding.