Top female skateboarders, including Mimi Knoop and Cara-Beth Burnside recently showed off the moves that earned them second- and third-place wins in August’s X Games vert skateboarding finals.
Knoop and Burnside are among the athletes who attended the exhibition presented by Core Action Sports, a new Denver-based online retailer of women’s clothing and equipment. After the skating demonstration, models showcased such brands as Nikita, Orage and Roxy in a runway show. The event also featured entertainment by Dressy Bessy and a silent auction to benefit Boarders for Breast Cancer.
“We think it is a great opportunity to showcase the styles out there and the women in sports, and do it for a good cause,” said Courtney Pugh, 27, who with her sister Lisa, 29, created the company.
“We were both competitive skiers, and we found it difficult to find gear that was both fashionable and functional,” says Courtney, who used to compete in moguls for the Winter Park Freestyle Ski Team. “We thought about starting our own skiwear line, but then more apparel, outerwear and equipment brands were taking it to the next level, so we decided to create an online store.”
The website features athlete profiles, listings of camps and clinics, and information forums, as well as clothing and equipment.
Courtney, who has a degree in business administration, handles the financial side of Core Action Sports, while Lisa, who is in law school, works on operations and legal matters. The sisters are Denver natives dedicated to outdoor lifestyles and sports.
Even though participation by women in action athletics has increased dramatically, skating and snow sports marketing is still heavily targeted to men. The Pugh sisters aim to change that. “We want girls everywhere to be able to find the gear they need to compete in style,” Courtney says.
Suzanne S. Brown: 303-954-1697
CLAIRE HEWITT-DEMEYER
Age: 20
Sport: Snowboarding
Lives: In Steamboat Springs, but grew up in Aspen. Studies outdoor education at Colorado Mountain College.
Why I ride: My passion for snowboarding and other solo sports lets me control the situation at hand, leaving endless opportunities for my mind to travel and think. I love the mountains, and I love the freedom the mountains provide me whenever there is any negativity in my life. Even though the sport is based on individual choice and decision,it’s a great way to interact and get to know all different kinds of people.
My style is: Casual. I like to look good when I’m on the mountain.
The next piece of gear I’m going to buy: Orage’s Kai pinstriped jacket with the pinstripe pants to match. It’s really steezy*. Check out more of their apparel at .
I wouldn’t be caught dead: Riding in jeans. It’s like wearing jeans to a private country club; it just doesn’t fly.
When I’m not snowboarding, I am: Either longboardiing, cliff-jumping or skydiving.
When I’m not snowboarding, I like to dress: Fashionably. It’s like my style when riding; I dress to impress.
I listen to: The Sounds, Shiny Toy Guns and reggae. Basically anything that gets my head in the right state of appreciation when riding. You never want to take anything in your surroundings for granted.
I stay in shape for my sport with: Three to four workouts a week, and I longboard every day.
Look for me in: Shred Betties magazine, Powzilla website, Core Action Sports’ website or USASA competitions.
She wears: Orage’s Kai pinstripe jacket and pants; Roxy Envi snowboard.
* style + ease = steeze in snowboard and skate lexicon
Sister act Two competitive skiers launch Core Action Sports, an online retail clothing and equipment company geared to women who demand cutting-edge fashion and function.
KATIE SHACKELFORD
Age: 27
Sport: Skiing and skiercross
Lives: In Jackson, Wyo., but grew up in Park City, Utah; works at Stanwood & Partners, which does public relations for many sports and outdoor companies. A racer in college, she has competed in Winter X Games in skiercross.
Why I ski: It’s a love affair and such a big part of my life. I’ve skied since I was 4 years old. It was a wonderful thing to be able to do growing up. It lets me experience and explore the outdoors.
My style: Changes from day to day. I’ll do urban, hippie, trendy, basic.
Next piece of gear I’m going to buy is: Jeans. I love Silvers.
I wouldn’t be caught dead in: Flats
When I’m not skiing I: Hike, bike, kayak, hang out with friends, play soccer and softball, read.
I listen to: Beth Orton, Imogen Heap, Neko Case.
I stay in shape for skiing: Doing outdoor sports, but the gym is necessary sometimes. I’ll get on the bike and do ab work there.
Look for me: On the slopes at Jackson Hole and doing events with Salomon, which has sponsored me for 15 years.
She wears: Salomon Temptress Jacket and pants, Salomon Idol 8 boots and Jade skis; Coal hat; Von Zipper goggles.
ANNIE SULLIVAN
Age: 19
Sport: Skateboarding
Lives: In Boulder, but grew up in San Diego. She is a sophomore at the University of Colorado and plans to study advertising and marketing.
Why I skate: There are no rules to follow or boundaries to worry about. Skateboarding is always changing, and there are endless possibilites. It allows me to be creative and gives me freedom from the rest of the world.
My style is: Laid-back surf/skate steeze. I am a bright, fun, unique person, and I think what I wear and how I skate definitely let that show. I try to keep it classy, look like a lady, but still have that edgy skater/surfer look.
Next gear I’m going to buy is: I am looking forward to Sector 9’s new line of organic clothing, Osiris’ stylish new girl’s shoes, and Nixon’s elegant new watches.
I wouldn’t be caught dead in: The whole spandex trend kinda freaks me out.
When I’m not skating I like to: Surf, snowboard, play music and party.
When I’m not skating I wear: Designer jeans, cute tops or tees, and either slip-ons or sandals.
I listen to: Xavier Rudd, Diego Roots, Matt Costa, Agent Orange, Dare Devil Jane.
I stay in shape for my sport with: Yoga to get my mind and body back to center, swimming to strengthen my core, and snowboarding and surfing to stay on point. A healthy diet keeps me going strong every day and helps me power through injuries.
Look for me in: The new Sector 9 video “The Short Bus Chronicles,” , and . I will also be competing at summer X-games, and most of the bowl contests in the World Cup series.
She wears: Sector 9 baseball hat and T-shirt, Session jeans, Osiris shoes, Nixon watch, ScullCandy headphones, Sector 9 skateboard.
Wherever you go, if you’re a skier, there’s always a commonality when meeting strangers.
My style is: Fashion and function go hand in hand. I am always sporting the fashion-inspired looks, but if they don’t work well and keep me warm, I’m not interested. This year I will be wearing tons of Nikita and Roxy gear – big bold prints and tons of fun fabrics.
Next gear I’m going to buy is: A helmet.
I wouldn’t be caught dead in: Tight black ski pants. I love leggings, but not on the slopes.
When I’m not skiing, I like to: Play with my baby girl, who is about to turn 1.
When I’m not skiing, I wear: Jeans and funky, fun clothes – usually tees from my favorite brands with tons of layers. I love to mix and match styles and add my own flavor to any outfit. I am a huge fan of the retro-’80s throwback look.
I listen to: Everything. But my all-time favorite band is Counting Crows, and right now I’m digging the Plain White Tees, Imogen Heap, The Fray and Gwen Stefani.
I stay in shape for my sport: Working out at the gym three or four days a week, usually lifting weights or interval training, which is amazing for skiing. I also love to hike and backpack, which is a great way to stay in shape. I did my first triathlon this summer, and I’m hooked!
Look for me on: Drunken Frenchman at Mary Jane (or in the park, shoots, backcountry), and of course I will be at all Core Action Sports events, including the upcoming Winter Fashion Flurry on Friday.
She wears: Frenchy jacket and Broom Stix ski, both from Roxy.
Clothes and equipment: Core Action Sports. Location: Red Rocks Park and
Amphitheatre and Boulder Skatepark at Scott Carpenter Skate Park
Makeup: Katelyn Simkins
