The skateboarding landscape is evolving, and while some might see new trends as a departure from tradition, it’s more accurate to say that the culture is expanding. Amidst the rise of viral content and new styles, figures like Una Farrar, also known as Lil Tubsy, are demonstrating that the future of skateboarding is in capable hands. This 21-year-old Canadian from Vancouver is not only a talented skater but also an insightful voice shaping the sport’s evolution.
Una’s journey is a testament to the changing face of skateboarding. From opening parts in Vans’ videos to creating her own content and riding for major brands like Krooked, Spitfire, and Thunder, she exemplifies the modern skater. Her story is not just about her skill, but also her intellect and warm personality, which have helped her become a respected figure in the skateboarding community.
From Pizza Delivery to Pro Skating
Una’s path wasn’t always paved with skate parks and sponsorships. She had her share of struggles, working at a skate shop and even delivering pizzas for Domino’s on an electric bike. “I was delivering pizza on a fucking bike,” she recalls. “It was one of the most interesting jobs because people who work there always have some crazy shit stories.” The job was far from glamorous, especially during the rainy season in Victoria, but Una persevered, delivering pizzas in her “little soggy wet dog” state.
Una shared some hilarious delivery stories. One time, a kid tipped her $60 on a $15 order, which led to a comical phone call with his parents. She also delivered to a customer who had passed out, and ended up having pizza and watching TV with his parents. These anecdotes highlight the relatable and down-to-earth nature that makes her so well-loved.
Moving to Vancouver and a Life Dedicated to Skateboarding
Now, Una’s life revolves around skateboarding. She is among the fortunate few who can make a living from the sport. A year ago, Vans contacted her and Breana Geering, setting them up with sponsorships. “I used to live on Vancouver Island, and we started getting paid and I was like, ‘Okay, I’m moving to Vancouver,’” she explained. “Nothing is permanent so I’m just appreciating every day that I don’t have to work, skating doesn’t feel like work to me.”
Living in a skate house with other skaters like Shari White and Norma Ibarra, Una is constantly immersed in the skateboarding world. The collaborative environment allows for spontaneous photoshoots and clip sessions, and helps facilitate a strong sense of community. “If one of us has an idea for a photo or a clip we can just plan it or go out on our bikes and get it that day,” she says.
Growing Up in Canada and Skateboarding’s Rising Scene
Growing up, Una was inspired by her older brother and a best friend who lived nearby, both of whom skated. She initially found it challenging, even admitting that skateboarding was the first thing that made her swear. She was always around guys and had few close female friends. However, a unique experience in middle and high school saw her skating alongside ten other skaters in her small town, including two who built mini ramps.
Una’s journey also intersects with the larger narrative of Canadian skateboarding. She believes that social media platforms have played a key role in its rise. “Once it wasn’t just how far your print mag reached…maybe that had something to do with people staying where they were rather than having to be at the contests in California.” This shift has allowed skaters from different regions to gain recognition and for people to appreciate various styles and new spots. She also mentioned bobtapes, a skater in Halifax, as an example of the diverse and unique skating happening in Canada.
Evolving Beliefs and Embracing Inclusivity
As Una has matured, she’s also gained a broader perspective on the world. She acknowledges the privilege she experienced growing up in a suburban white area, and having had the opportunity to travel to countries like Indonesia and Brazil exposed her to issues like poverty, racism, and addiction. These experiences have made her realize the extent of poverty around the world, which has had a profound impact on her.
Her views on gender and sexuality have also evolved, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated sport. She remembers feeling self-conscious about being labeled a “tomboy” and trying to avoid stereotypes. Meeting Poppy Starr Olsen and finding acceptance within the skateboarding community have been transformative. “I was like, shit I fell right into it,” she laughs. She emphasizes that “sexuality doesn’t really have any relevance to your skateboarding,” and that now she feels free to post what she wants online.
Shaping the Future: Gender Equity and Mental Battles
Una’s influence extends beyond her skating. She works with Canada Skateboard as their gender equity lead. Her role involves ensuring that decisions made by the organization consider gender equity. She’s gained an understanding of the mental approach to risk and activity, explaining how “social acceptance creates comfort, which is good for training, which then creates a positive outcome.”
Una recounted an incident at Street League in Brazil, where she questioned the lack of female judges. The next season, Vanessa Torres was a judge, and Canada Skateboard took notice of Una’s involvement in advocacy. This led to her current role, where she works to further gender equity in the sport. She recognizes the different approach women may have to risk, often opting for a more calculated approach rather than taking huge leaps, highlighting that “women will do that more, like hit a rail, then go one stair bigger, then another stair, then another, then master that before they move on to something else.”
She also agrees with Nora Vasconcellos’s observation that women may find it more challenging to skate due to the instinct to avoid harm. “Every skater has mental battles,” she admits, “but it’s different when you’re trying a trick and all you could see is the worst possible scenarios.” She believes that hormonal differences can influence how people approach risk, and that women often have a stronger internal voice telling them to stop.
Fingerboarding Champion and Beyond
Una’s experiences in skateboarding aren’t just about serious issues. She also has a fun side, like her victory in a fingerboarding contest at Wheels of Fortune, where she beat a group of 12-year-old girls. “It was my most proud contest moment ever,” she said proudly. This shows her lighthearted attitude and her ability to laugh at herself.
Una Farrar is a symbol of skateboarding’s evolution. Her journey from delivering pizzas to becoming a professional skater and gender equity advocate is inspiring. She combines skill, intelligence, and a down-to-earth personality, making her not just a role model but a catalyst for change in the skateboarding community. Her story shows that the future of skateboarding is diverse, inclusive, and in good hands.
