Desiree Von Essen: A Trailblazer in Skateboarding History

In the vibrant world of skateboarding, few names shine as brightly as Desiree Von Essen. Born in 1958 in Huntington, Long Island, New York, Desiree's journey into the sport began when her family relocated to Ventura, California, in 1968. It was here, on a Black Knight skateboard, that she first discovered her passion for skating, cruising down her driveway alongside her brother.

Desiree's talent quickly caught the attention of the skateboarding community. By 1974, she was receiving product sponsorships from The Skateboard Handbook and Sims. Her career took a significant leap when R.A.C.O., a plastic molding company, offered her a professional contract with a monthly stipend of $250. This marked the beginning of her professional skateboarding journey, which later included sponsorships from California Free Former.

Desiree's love for slalom skateboarding was unparalleled. She mastered the art of traversing entire blocks through pumping alone, without ever pushing off the ground. Her freestyle skills were equally impressive, with tricks like the endover, kickflip, and "walk the dog" becoming her signature moves. Notably, she once executed these tricks at lightning speed during a downhill run at Independence Pass in Aspen, Colorado, under the glow of a full moon.

Her competitive spirit led her to numerous victories, including first-place finishes in slalom and freestyle at the California Free Former 1976 World Championships. She also claimed top honors in freestyle competitions in Ventura and Long Beach. Beyond competitions, Desiree's charisma and talent earned her a feature in the movie Go For It and a spot on a Perry Como TV special.

Desiree's influence extended beyond skateboarding. In 1978, she transitioned her love for turns to the snowy slopes of Snowmass Village, Colorado, where she worked as a ski instructor. Today, she continues to embrace an active lifestyle, enjoying mountain biking, skiing, and snowboarding with her family.

Desiree Von Essen's legacy is a testament to her pioneering spirit and dedication to skateboarding. Her journey from a young girl skating in her driveway to a celebrated professional athlete serves as an inspiration to generations of skaters worldwide.

Russ Howell discusses Desiree Von Essen and other 70s female freestyle skateboarders