Karla Santa Cruz Q&A

Where were you born?

I was born in Lynwood. Both my parents are from Guatemala. I'm first generation American.

Where did you grow up and when/why did you start skating?

I started skating in roller derby in November 2015, then a month later I took my roller skates to the skatepark for the first time.

I started skating in roller derby because I thought it was a pretty unique sport and once I found out that a friend of mine was in a League, I had to try it out! As for the skatepark, I started because I followed a group of girls who rollerskated at the skatepark who were called Bridge Brats, from San Pedro. I thought it was so badass and since skateboarding in the past failed then maybe this would work! So my bf at the time who skateboarded took me and I was immediately hooked. So it became a regular thing, date night at the skatepark.

When did you first meet Toni from Surf City Skates?

I first met Toni at the Vans HB skatepark. A roller derby team member who I looked up too was interested in skating with me at the skatepark. I remember being super nervous about it and agreed to meet up with her. She later told me she was bringing a friend of hers who was showing her how to park skate. I wondered who it could be. When I go to the skatepark I was checking in when this tall blonde lady came rolling up and was so cool the people working in the park already knew her name, all she did was raise her wrist for a wristband. My team member then introduced us and we instantly clicked, like we were long lost sisters because the rest is history!

What is your favorite thing about skating?

My favorite thing about skating is the Community. Not only within rollerskaters but also skateboarders. I've met so many great people. And also roller skating has giving me so much self confidence and had shaped so much of who I am today is because of this amazing sport. And I like carving big bowls very fast!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I have no clue. I have nothing planned. I just hope to get better at skating and visit skateparks from all over.

Do you think you will skate forever?

Hell yes! Skating is my life. With out it I don't think I'll function well in Society.

and what are your top 3?

Food:

Sushi

Pizza

Steak

Band:

The Sounds

Jack White

Bowie

Activities:

Concerts

Skate trips

Sleep

People:

Mom

Dad

Cat

Top 3 Memories:

Dropping in for the first time at the cove in Santa Monica.

Skate trips are always fun memories, but the one that stands out was when the Anti Clique crew and I went to the yard and the nude bowl to get some photos. All I remember besides getting sick pictures was laughing so much that day.

And lastly going to Woodward for the first time. It was like going to Disneyland for the first time.

Dreams and goals:

To always skate, even when I'm old.

Being part in the movement of making rollerskating popular at the skatepark.

And keeping all the friends I've made through this amazing sport for lifelong.

Books:

Brave New World

Love That Dog

Harry Potter series

Places I have traveled:

Loved San Francisco and San Diego and the only out of the country place I've traveled to is Guatemala.

Places I would want to travel to:

Vancouver

Japan

Europe 

Karla wears the S1 Lifer Helmet and S1 Pro Knee Pads.