Getting to Know. . . Jen O'Brien
  Pro vert skater Jen O'Brien started skating in her hometown of Daytona Beach, Florida, at a time when few girls were hitting the pavement. Before long she helped open the sport to women—she became the first woman ever to compete in the X Games after she unofficially competed with Bob Burnquist (more on him
in a minute) during the Men's Vert Doubles and then took the silver in Women's Vert at the 2003 X Games. Jen campaigned to have women's skateboarding become an official paid contest and recently formed the Alliance with other fellow female skaters to help continue the trend of independence and success for female skaters. She was named Sports Woman of the Year by the Women's Sports Foundation in 2004 and was also honored by the PETA as one of the Sexiest Vegetarians (it's an all-organic lifestyle for Jen). She shares a home in Southern California with fellow pro skater Burnquist and their daughter Lotus.

Last song you downloaded: "Stupid Girl" by Pink
Best vacation: Hawaii
Last book you read: "Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life" by Thich Nhat Hanh
Guilty pleasure TV show: "Democracy Now"
Favorite comfort food: Bob's mom's cooking
Champagne or beer (or other): Brew!
Last splurge: Black truffles
Advice for beginners: Pain makes you stronger!
Hero: My husband
Worst experience skating: Getting knocked out
I'm most proud of: My friends and family
Favorite rainy day activity: Computer stuff and eating
Pet peeve: Cigs! EEWWW!
The perfect date: Surf all day, go out to eat seafood that night, then wine in the front yard of our beach rental later that evening, listening to the waves and looking at the stars.
Who I'd cast to play me in the movie of my life: Reese Witherspoon
Pets: A cat , two dogs, a rabbit, and a turtle
Why I skate: Because it makes me feel strong and healthy.
Words to live by: Treat others how you would like to be treated!

To see more of Jen, check out The Alliance

Photo: Alliance

We asked Jen what she brings
on an everyday skate session.




Cherry skateboard
Pro-tec helmet
187 Pads
DHC Sunblock
For lip balm, Eco Lips Hemp Vanilla
Trinity water
First aid/bandaids, Arnica gel and tabs
Avocado sandwich
Stretch jeans and tanks

Serena Brooke

Rochelle Ballard

Peggy Oki

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