At first, it was just an old skateboard sitting forgotten in the spare room at home. Now, it’s taking Isla Bower around the world. 

The St Francis Xavier’s College, Hamilton, student has competed internationally, travelled to some of the world’s biggest skateboarding events and been selected for the World Skate Asia Skateboarding Championships in China. 

Isla says it all started when she found her dad’s old skateboard in the wardrobe.  

“We were never really allowed on anything apart from bikes and scooters, but I told my mum if I could use the skateboard, I’d be safe. I taught myself from YouTube,” she said. 

Only three months after stepping on a board for the first time, Isla entered her first competition at the age of 11. 

“I came last in that comp, but it was the first one I had ever done and I had no tricks, and that’s when I realised it’s something I really want to pursue,” she said. 

From there, skateboarding quickly became more than a hobby. Isla began taking lessons at a local skate shop and training with experienced skaters. 

“The coaches there were really good, they were really helpful. But I also had private lessons with a local skater who would just give me tips and tricks,” she said. 

Then came her first taste of international competition during COVID-19. 

“It was an online video comp called Exposure Skate. It’s an all-girls skate comp and I came sixth in it. You would make a video clip because no one could travel,” she said. 

“But a year later I went overseas for the comp, which was when I started realising that I want to go far with skating.” 

It didn’t take long for Isla to consider skating as a profession. 

“It’s my first option for after school. I want to travel and skate around spots that are really well known.” 

But, while skateboarding is her passion, Isla is mindful of keeping her options open. Alongside training and competitions, she’s studying a Certificate III in Entertainment. 

“I want to work backstage in the entertainment industry or work on the sound and lighting of performances,” she said. 

She is also a drummer and says music is another creative outlet. 

“I do music for the fun of it. Being able to learn an instrument is a really good skill to have,” she said.  

What Isla loves most about skateboarding though is the sense of belonging that comes with it. 

“I love the community of skateboarding. Everyone’s kind of like a massive family; everyone is treated equally and everyone is supported.” 

She points to major competitions, such as Canberra’s Belco Bowl Jam, as proof of that culture. 

“They hype each other up. You push to the next limit when you’re skating with a whole crowd of skaters.” 

Like many young athletes, Isla has drawn inspiration from those who came before her. Newcastle Olympian Poppy Starr Olsen was one of the first skaters she admired. 

“She was one of the reasons I started skating because I used to go down to Bar Beach and watch her,” Isla said.  

Before women’s divisions became more common, Isla regularly competed against older boys and men. 

“I started competitions when there was no open women’s comp, so I used to have to skate in the open men’s,” she said.  

“One time I made it to the finals of the under 15 boys and I was in third, so I beat about 30 of the boys.

“Someone who was sitting behind me, one of the open men’s competitors said: ‘Oh, why is there a girl in the boys comp?’ Thankfully my male coach was sitting next to him and he said: ‘Because the girl’s better than half the boys!’” 

Despite those experiences, Isla says the culture of the sport has improved significantly. 

“Around Australia, they’ve now kind of gotten used to me. We now have open women’s comps and you are able to compete against your own gender now.” 

Her determination is something she credits, in part, to navigating life with autism and ADHD. 

“I will keep going at something until I get it. I don’t give up. I bring a good attitude towards skating,” Isla said. 

“I want to see more kids who are like me, who have additional needs, to be able to be able to ride a board because it’s really good for your mental health.” 

For Isla, skateboarding is not only about competition.  

“My main goal in every comp isn’t to win. I aim for getting into the top five, and I’m happy with that. But if I lose, that’s okay – there’s always next time,” she said. 

That mindset has been important as she represented the country in China in April. Isla was the flag bearer for Australia at the 2026 Asian Championships in Meishan.

“My main goal in skating was to, at least once, no matter what it was, skate for Australia in a competition. So, when I found out I got selected it was big news because you are not going there to represent yourself, you’re going there to represent your country.” 

Back at school, Isla says the support of the St Francis Xavier’s College community has helped her balance the demands of study, travel and competition. 

“They’ve definitely been really supportive of it. The school was really helpful with keeping me ahead in class, or keeping me on track, and if I fall behind from travelling, I can catch myself back up.” 

Isla remains grounded in the things that matter most to her: learning, improving and enjoying the ride. 

“The main thing I do from the start of the year to the end of the year is, every two weeks, I try and learn something new, something harder from last week, and build up from that.” 

With her board under her feet and her future wide open, Isla is carving out a path entirely her own.