Finding Their Flow
SKATEBOARDING AS A HEALING PRACTICE
Kim Horton’s journey hasn’t been linear — but like many skateboarders, they’ve learned to embrace every bump and curve along the way. As a painter, sculptor, and photographer, Kim spent years expressing themselves through art. But after suffering a traumatic concussion, even picking up a brush became overwhelming.
“I spent three years just trying to get through the day,” Kim shared. “Everything felt like too much.” Through occupational and physical therapy, Kim rebuilt their strength, but it wasn’t until they stepped onto a skateboard that things truly shifted.
“Skateboarding gave me something back when art felt overwhelming,” Kim says. “It became meditative — a way to move through trauma and reconnect with myself.”
Skateboarding gave me something back when art felt overwhelming. It became meditative, a way to move through trauma and reconnect with myself.
What started as part of the healing process soon became a passion. In the skateparks, Kim found more than tricks and lines — they found community. The supportive nature of skating, where every small victory is cheered on, resonated deeply. And within queer-centered spaces like Skate Like a Girl, Kim discovered an even more profound sense of belonging.
“Skating has this beautiful, inclusive energy,” they explain. “There’s always room for you — no matter when you start or who you are.”
Now in their 30s, Kim is still pushing themselves to learn, recently working on mastering hand plants. Their story is a reminder that it’s never too late to try something new, and that community and creativity can show up in the most unexpected places. They explain, "I picked up skating later in life and still found my place. There’s always room for you, no matter when you start."
Skateboarding is endlessly welcoming — no matter your age or background. Every little win is celebrated here.
As part of our Babes In The Wild series, Kim’s story celebrates resilience, queer joy, and the power of movement. Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight inspiring voices from our community.
Spaces like Skate Like a Girl make skateboarding even more special. It’s where queer folks can show up fully and feel seen.
