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USA Slalom Skateboarding

2026 USA SLALOM SKATEBOARDING TEAM

Qualifying for the 2026 USA Slalom Skateboarding Team is a feat that requires exceptional skill and determination. To secure a spot on this team, aspiring athletes must meet rigorous criteria. Athletes earned their spot by excelling in ISSA Main and Major races based on their 3 best performances using race points. This system was designated by the USA Slalom Skateboarding committee. In addition to these athletes who qualified through 2025’s ISSA ranking, 10 athletes were able to qualify through exceptional performance at 3 major events over the past year. Only those who exhibit exceptional talent and prove their determination with slalom skateboarding will have the opportunity to proudly represent the United States on the world stage.

Pre-qualified Pro Men

Superior, CO

Joe McLaren

Joe McLaren, hailing from Boulder, Colorado, a force to be reckoned with in the world of slalom skateboarding. With an illustrious track record boasting nine World Championship title, including 2024 World Skate Games Champion, and sixteen US National Championship titles, Joe dominates the men’s pro world racing circuit with unparalleled finesse and power. Setting new benchmarks each season, his relentless pursuit of excellence has rewritten the history of slalom racing.

San Diego, CA

Orion Lehrmann

From San Diego, CA. Started slalom skateboarding at 10 years old. Learned to slalom with the help of coaching from Lynn Kramer and support from Richy and Maria at Sk8kings. Learned alongside his dad and brother who both still race at a high level. Loves racing because of the racing, but also everything else that comes with it. 6 world championships podium results. Surfs a lot, which maybe helps with the slalom…who knows.
Charleston, WV

Joseph Kyle Smith

San Diego, CA

Collin Kruse

I’m 36 years old and was born and raised in San Diego, ca. I love skateboarding, hanging out with my friends, watching movies, trying new foods, and going on adventures with my girlfriend. I’m a community leader and enjoy giving back by hosting events, meetups and clinics
Nashville, TN

Josh Byrd

Josh Byrd, originally from Mississippi and now residing in Nashville, Tennessee, is a prominent figure in the world of slalom skateboarding. Serving as the Secretary of USA Slalom Skateboarding, Josh has been deeply involved in the sport since 2000. He secured the Junior World Champion title in 2003 before retiring from the sport a few years later. Josh made a triumphant return in 2022 at the US Nationals, securing an impressive 5th place. The following year, 2023, proved to be a remarkable racing season for Josh, as he achieved notable placements, including 3rd place at the Texas Sizzler, 6th place in the Pro class at the US National Championship, and 11th place in the Pro class at the World Championship. Riding a JBH/PG board while partnersing with Robot Oblivion trucks, RipTide bushings, and Pat’s Risers, Josh’s equipment reflects his dedication to precision and performance. Byrd is also representing Old Bones Therapy, TN Slalom Skateboarding, RoadKill Racing, La Costa Racing Team and Stoke Slalom Collective, Josh Byrd continues to leave his mark on the slalom skateboarding community with his skill, determination, and passion for the sport.

Event-qualified Pro Men

Denver, CO

Zak Maytum

Windsor, CO

Kyle McLaren

My skateboarding journey started when I was a kid, and it didn’t take long before it became a huge part of my life. I spent years competing on the junior slalom circuit, and in 2010, I travelled to Czech Republic to win the Junior World Championships.

After that, I took a step back from competition to focus on other parts of life, but I never lost my love for skateboarding. I still skated from time to time, just for the fun of it. I got back into training in 2025 and helped organize the US Nationals in Broomfield, Colorado. It also marked my first professional competition, where I was proud to qualify for USA Slalom Skateboarding National at my home race—a full-circle moment that meant a lot to me.

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Boulder, CO

George Pappas

Sacramento, CA

Oshean Lehrmann

San Diego, CA

Brandon Sanchez

Brando here! I’m 36 years old and live in San Diego California. Originally from Northern California. Started competing in Las Vegas around 2009 and kept the fire going ever since. LETS GO PADRES!

Pre-qualified Pro Women

San Diego, CA

Lynn Kramer

Lynn Kramer, from San Diego, California, has been skating the streets since 1985, mastering various disciplines including street, mini-ramp, ditches, vert, downhill, bowls, and slalom. Engaged in the skate scene since the late 80s, she was an integral part of the Ready to Shred Skateboard Club of UCSD and the Womens Skateboard Network. Lynn’s competitive spirit led her to participate in events like the All Girl Skate Jam and World Cup Skateboarding. Transitioning into serious racing in 2002, she’s made remarkable strides, boasting an impressive 17-time Women’s World Champion title in Slalom Skateboarding. Beyond her own achievements, Lynn serves as the Head Coach of the La Costa Racing Team, a volunteer for Exposure Skate, and a skipper to the Sea Scouts, all while owning two engineering companies. Her journey is supported by sponsors including Sk8Kings, Turbo Wheels, Oust Bearings, Rogue Trucks, Venom, and Old Bones Therapy. Lynn Kramer epitomizes the essence of dedication and success in the world of skateboarding.

Sponsors 2024:

Sk8kings Skateboards, Turbo Wheels, Riptide Bushings, Rogue Trucks, Oust Bearings, Old Bones Therapy

Lynn Kramer – Skateboard-Related Career Highlights:

Skating since 1985. Street, mini-ramp, ditches, vert, downhill, bowls, and slalom.
Late-1980’s – Ready to Shred Skateboard Club of UCSD, the Womens Skateboard Network and Volunteer for Exposure Skate
Competed in the All Girl Skate Jam and World Cup Skateboarding in 2001
World Speed Record (22.43 sec) – 100 Cone Slalom – 2008

17-Time Overall World Champion Slalom – Women
2003 Morro Bay, CA USA
2004 Morro Bay, CA USA
2005 Morro Bay, CA USA
2006 Brixlegg, Austria
2007 Statesville, NC USA
2008 Gothenburg, Sweden
2009 Hood River, OR USA
2010 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
2011 Ottawa, Canada
2013 Houston, TX USA
2014 Policka, Czech Republic
2016 Riga & Priekuli, Latvia
2017 Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
2018 Policka, Czech Republic
2019 Winston-Salem, NC USA
2022 WSG – San Juan, Argentina
2023 Salem, OR USA

La Costa Racing Team (2004 to present) – Treasurer/Founding Director when incorporated 2019
USA National Slalom Team 2022 (Qualified) – World Skate Games Argentina
USA National Slalom Team 2024 (Qualified) – World Skate Games Italia
USA Skateboarding Slalom Hall of Fame Inductee 2023
SHoF Skateboarding Hall of Fame Inductee 2024

San Pedro, CA

Jennifer Coppa

Jennifer Coppa, skating from San Pedro, California, boasts an impressive 52 years of experience on the board. At 55, Jennifer continues to push her limits and pursue new challenges in the skateboarding world. Her recent accomplishments in 2023 include bravely dropping in off the start ramp for the first time at the Nationals and clinching a commendable 3rd place in the amateur Women hybrid category at the World’s. Among her cherished moments is securing another 3rd place at the Mecca Ditch event in 2023. Jennifer’s dedication to the sport is evident not only in her accomplishments but also in her enduring passion for skateboarding history, as evidenced by her involvement in Womxn skateboard history. Supported by sponsors Sk8kings Skateboards and Turbo Wheels, as well as the continuous support of her family and friends, Jennifer Coppa remains an inspiration to skateboarders of all ages.

Nashville, TN

Sarah Byrd

Sarah Byrd-Compton is a lifelong skateboarder from Mississippi whom started skateboarding at the age of 5 years old. As the Junior Girls World Champion in 2005, she traveled the US competing in slalom skateboard races. After a hiatus in competing, Sarah made a triumphant return to slalom racing in 2023 and has since achieved a ranking of 6th in the world on ISSA. Currently racing for Mississippi Grass Roots Slalom Skateboarding’s Roadkill Racing team and residing in Nashville, she plays an active role in promoting the sport within the Tennessee community. As a co-organizer of TN Slalom Skateboarding, Sarah contributes to teaching and hosting slalom events across the state. She is also a proud member of the Ladies Skate Nashville crew, dedicated to fostering inclusivity and representation for women and the LGBTQ+ community in skateboarding. Additionally, Sarah is a valued member of the La Costa Racing Team and Stoke Slalom Collective. When she’s not dominating the slalom circuit, Sarah enjoys indulging in her love for coffee, shredding bowls, and spending time with her beloved dogs.

Campbell, CA

Leiola Kahaku

2025 Overall Women’s World Slalom Skateboarding Champion and USA Slalom “Skater of the Year,” Leiola Kahaku is part of the next generation leading the resurgence of slalom skateboarding in the US. The 17-year-old from Campbell, CA ended the 2025 season ranked 3rd in the world and pre-seeded for the World Skate Games 2026 in Asuncion, Paraguay.

Leiola began skating parks with her uncles on the weekends almost 11 years ago. During the pandemic is when her love of skateboarding grew, and she spent most of her days at the skatepark. In September of 2023, a friend from one of the skate sessions invited Leiola to a slalom practice to run cones. Leiola was instantly hooked. It was at that practice that she met her future mentor and coach, Skateboarding Hall of Fame inductee, World Champion and Guinness World Record holder, Judi Oyama.

Leiola skated her first 25-Cone-Cyber Slalom race at the end of January 2024. Judi Oyama encouraged Leiola to travel two months later to the Texas Sizzler, a qualifier for the USA Slalom Skateboarding Team where she earned a spot on the women’s team and qualified to compete at the World Skate Games 2024 in Italy.

In two years Leiola has become both a national and international champion. She is not only a member of the US Slalom Skateboarding Team, but a team rider for Sk8kings, Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word, NorCal Slalom Skateboard Racing Team, La Costa Racing Team and N-Men Racing. In 2025 she was a recipient of the Support Women Athlete’s Grant by Lume Six and is sponsored by S1 Helmets, Santa Cruz Boardroom, Ace Trucks, Badass Skatemom, Snowtime Desserts, Aloha Fresh Poke, Kaiolohia Consulting, and Puahina Hawaiʻi.

When Leiola is not on her board, she enjoys traveling with her family, spending time at her family’s hula hālau, or creating recycled art and stop-motion animation films.

Oceanside, CA

Francesca Rosario-Custodio

Francesca Rosario-Custodio has been skating for the past 14 years, exploring all disciplines of skateboarding. She started with freestyle and transition, then ventured into the downhill race scene, traveling to races throughout the USA, Mexico, and the Philippines, at one point reaching #5 in the world. During this time, she participated in a couple of small slalom events and enjoyed skating slalom for fun. Francesca has worked in the skate industry for several years, including stints at a skate shop and for a board manufacturer, where she helped design prototype longboards. Through her industry experience, she had the opportunity to meet some of her skateboard heroes, including Lynn Kramer, the 17th world women’s slalom champion. Lynn and Francesca became friends, traveling to Maryhill together. Lynn has served as a role model, mentor, and coach to Francesca over the years. After overcoming several injuries in downhill skating, Francesca is now returning to the slalom skating scene. When she is not skating with the La Costa Racing team or friends, she enjoys bowl riding, sailboat racing, and performing skateboarding stunt work in the film industry.

Event-qualified Pro Women

Santa Fe, NM

Isa Ruiz

Isa Ruiz is a second-generation slalom skateboarder from Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she currently lives and trains. She began racing at age 10 with Timeship Racing, founded by her father, Joe Lehm, and quickly developed a passion for slalom competition. After an early racing career as a junior, Isa returned to the sport as an adult in 2022 and has since competed internationally in Argentina, Italy, the Czech Republic, and across the United States. The upcoming World Skate Games will mark Isa’s third time representing the U.S. National Team. She rides for Timeship Racing, Comet Skateboards, Venom, Rogue, S1 Helmets, and is a member of the La Costa Racing team.

Beyond competition, Isa is deeply involved in growing the sport. She is a certified skate instructor, helps coach youth camps and clinics, and plays an active role in organizing events to promote slalom skateboarding and strengthen the community. Professionally, Isa works in Marketing with Calroy Health Sciences.

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Austin, TX

Maggie Harrison

Maggie’s skateboarding journey began at age four, swiftly progressing to slalom skateboarding by kindergarten and culminating in victory at her debut U.S. Nationals race. Mentored by world champion Lou Statman, she has since competed internationally, securing sponsorships from Sk8Kings, La Costa Racing, and Toyota of Cedar Park. Notably, Maggie claimed first place in the Women’s category at the 25 Cone World Series and eagerly anticipates the upcoming World Skate Games in Rome. Maggie loves all forms of skateboarding including skating transitions and park. When she’s not on wheels, you can find her acting in theater competitions and making art.

Aptos, CA

Judi Oyama

Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, Judi Oyama is a pioneer in skateboarding. Rising through the ranks in the 1970s and 1980s, Oyama became a prominent female skateboarder, breaking new ground in downhill racing, vert and slalom competitions. Being one of the few women competing in a predominantly male sport, she broke barriers and inspired a new generation of female skaters, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport. Judi, an original N-Men icon, has achieved two Slalom Skateboard World Championship titles, induction into the Skateboard Hall of Fame in 2018, and recognition in the Sports Hall of Fame at Aptos High School. Judi represents a diverse array of sponsors such as RipTide Sports, Catto’s Graphics, The Wrigley Building, GORUCK, Insta360, Yeti, KT Tape, Momentous, S1 Helmet, Girl Is NOT A 4 Letter Word, Lenz Arts, Santa Cruz Skateboards, Bronson Bearings, MOB Grip, River Birchall Foundation, Santa Cruz Boardroom, Sk8Kings Skateboards, Turbo Skate Wheels, Badass Skatemom, Greg Foy Construction, Santa Cruz Pavers, Art Factory Studios, Aptos Chiropractic Center, Laird Superfood, Helinox, West Fitness, Vans Shoes, LaCosta Racing Team and Noso Patches. She continues to inspire and influence the skateboarding community with her passion, skill, and unwavering dedication.

San Diego, CA

Leah Hazelden

I’m from San Diego, California, where I enjoy skateboarding with my friends, family and my dog. I enjoy a chill pumptrack session, carving around in a bowl, cruising a neighborhood and recently loving slalom skateboarding! Skateboarding is my favorite way to constantly challenge myself little by little, both physically and socially thanks to the amazing sport and unmatched skateboarding community.
Salem, OR

Lari Rupp