Under a warm California sun, the world’s best skaters gathered from all over the world for more than just a competition. Sure, they competed. But these women did so much more than that.

Exposure Skate isn’t just a competition. It’s a movement creating VISibility for women’s skateboarding and inspiring young girls everywhere to join the sport. 

The Organization

Exposure Skate is a nonprofit dedicated to empowerment through skateboarding and compassion through service. Its year-round programs focus not only on skating but also on leadership, inclusion, social and emotional development, and community service. 

Co-founder and Olympic skateboarder Amelia Brodka launched Exposure to highlight women’s skating—a sport that gets little recognition—and to bring women skaters from around the world together. 

Giving back has always been a core value for Brodka. Exposure Skate has raised over $292,000 for services aiding survivors of domestic violence and has continued to support Carol’s House, a local emergency shelter through donations. For this year's initiative, Exposure presented a donation to the San Diego Community Resource Center for families in need. 

“That’s what pushes the sport—new girls see what’s possible at an event like this, get inspired, and take it even further. It’s just really special that this event exists.”

Alisa Fessl

The Event

What began with just 32 female competitors has grown to more than 200 athletes representing countries as far as South Africa and Japan, all competing for a $57,000 prize. The event shines a spotlight on both professional and amateur women skaters while inspiring the next generation to step onto a board for the first time.

Now in its 14th year, Exposure Skate returns to Encinitas Community Park in Encinitas, CA, as more than a competition. It’s a movement that amplifies VISvisibility and community for women in skateboarding and fosters connections through purpose. 

The Athlete

At just 24 years old, Alisa Fessl, Austria’s top-ranked skater and reigning champion, embodies everything that Exposure Skate represents. This year, she finished 31st in the Bowl Open Pro Qualifiers encouraging more girls to step on the board and join Exposure in its movement to elevate the community in women’s skateboarding. 

Her skate journey began with friends from her snowboard club who introduced her to a local skatepark. “I a snowboarder at first, but once l learned my first tricks on a skateboard, I loved it even more,” Fessl said. 

What started as just having fun with her friends has fueled her journey ever since and has driven her from local skate parks to international competitions. 

“It’s amazing to see girls from all over the world come together, compete, and make connections,” she said. “That’s what pushes the sport—new girls see what’s possible at an event like this, get inspired, and take it even further. It’s just really special that this event exists.”

Competing in Exposure isn’t just another event for Fessl. It's a reminder of why she started her skating career and how she is able to stay so passionate about this sport: the community. And that community—where women support one another and lift each other up— is exactly what Exposure represents.

Exposure Skate is redefining what’s possible for women in skateboarding. This community, much like VIS, is providing a space where women athletes are being supported and celebrated to bring a stronger future for women’s sports.