“I’m Susan Reekers, thirty-five years old, from the Netherlands — skateboarder, international judge, lecturer, entrepreneur, video content creator and strategist… and also a mum.” With this straightforward introduction, Susan Reekers sums up who she is: a woman who has made skateboarding her way of life, balancing family, travel, education and a strong commitment to the international sports community.
As part of the World Skate interview series In The Booth, Reekers shares a slice of her story — one that blends passion and purpose. A skater who grew up in a male-dominated scene and now paves the way from the judges’ table and the classroom alike.
Sponsored at fourteen
Susan Reekers started skating at the age of twelve in the Netherlands, often as the only girl at the skatepark, and says it was love at first sight. “When I first stepped on a skateboard, I immediately knew: this is who I am.” By fourteen she already had sponsors and was travelling to competitions, becoming one of the most promising young talents on the European scene.
That early competitive stage marked the beginning of a career that evolved into education and representation. Today, Reekers is part of the World Skate team as an international judge and educator — the first Dutch woman officially certified within the federation’s structure and one of the few women judging at the international level.
Her global experience has also led to unexpected moments. “In China, I’m treated like a real VIP. People ask for my autograph… it makes me realise what I do is actually quite special.” Her visibility beyond competition shows how female leadership continues to gain ground in a historically male environment.
From organiser to judge
Reekers began organising local contests while still competing occasionally, gradually moving to the other side of the skatepark. In 2016, skater Candy Jacobs organised the first official Dutch National Championships for women and invited Reekers to join the judging panel. She was the only woman on the jury, sitting alongside experienced Dutch judge Bram Waterman.
A few years later, it was Waterman who encouraged her to submit her profile to World Skate. Her role kept growing, and in 2020 she became the head judge for the Netherlands, at that time the only World Skate-trained judge in the country. “Many people think judging is easy, but it’s one of the most mentally demanding roles there is. You spend hours completely focused.” For Reekers, judging came naturally from her involvement in contests: “I’ve always loved watching skating — not just the tricks, but the whole performance. That analytical side truly speaks to me.”
Turning down the Olympics for the community
Reekers balances her professional life with motherhood — a combination that, she says, has changed her perspective. “Being a mother has made me more patient, more empathetic and more aware of what skateboarding can give people.” That outlook is reflected in her work as a lecturer at NHL Stenden University, where she promotes female leadership and creative education through sport.
Her approach to skateboarding goes far beyond performance. She sees it as a culture that teaches coexistence, resilience and respect. “Skateboarding isn’t just about technique; it’s a community that grows when everyone contributes,” says Reekers, who even turned down an offer to join the Dutch national team when skateboarding became an Olympic discipline. “Don’t wait to be invited. If you see something missing, step in and help build it. That’s how I started.”
