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USA Slalom Skateboarding

2026 USA SLALOM SKATEBOARDING TEAM

The 2026 USA Slalom Skateboarding National Team was selected through a combination of ISSA World Ranking pre-qualification and results from three designated National Team qualifying events.

Athletes who finished in the ISSA World Ranking Top 10 in 2024 or 2025 earned individual pre-qualified positions for the 2026 World Skate Games in Asunción, Paraguay. These positions are exclusive to the athletes who earned them and are separate from the USA national quota.

An additional five men and five women qualified through results at three designated events:

2025 US Nationals — Mile High Massacre, Colorado: 2 men / 2 women

2025 International Championships (Worlds) — Brazil: 1 man / 1 woman

2026 Texas Sizzler: 2 men / 2 women

Because ISSA pre-qualified athletes had already secured their individual positions, they were not eligible to take one of the national quota spots. When a pre-qualified athlete placed in a qualifying position at one of these events, the team position passed to the next eligible non-pre-qualified USA athlete in the overall results.

The athletes listed below earned eligibility for the 2026 USA Slalom Skateboarding National Team through these two qualification pathways.

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. Current Sponsors: Venom, Rogue, Mids, Flyaway

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. Current Sponsors: Sk8kings, 161slalomtrucks

Ashland, KY

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. Current Sponsors: Seismic Skate Systems, Landyachtz, Fiend Skate, Soulgrind Skateshop, Old Bones Therapy

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.

 

Current Sponsorships: Riptide, Pavel, ByrdDogz, Race Lab

Event-qualified Pro Men

Neptune Beach, FL

Will Fogel

My parents moved a ton when I was young. They bought me a skateboard when I was 12. I started in LDP. Quickly fell in love with downhill. Travelled in my van to every race I could find. Fellow travellers have helped me with lodging and odd jobs. Lucky to have the support of My wife. Martin from Kona has allowed me to grow my craft. I am passionate about growing the community. I now enjoy skating with my kids. Current Sponsors: Kona Skatepark, The learning Yard, Autoline, Premier Exteriors

 

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Orlando, FL

Chuck Dinkins

Chuck Dinkins’ roots in skateboarding trace back to 1975 in Hawaii and Southern California, as part of a military family, before he moved east and made a name for himself throughout the 1980s in the street and transition scenes. Sponsored by iconic brands including Vans, Tracker Trucks, Santa Cruz Speed Wheels, and A1 Meats, Chuck captured the 1987 Eastern Skateboard Association (ESA) Streetstyle Championship and turned pro later that year at the Savannah Slamma II with Walker Skateboards. He first introduced and participated in slalom with world champion Keith Hollien in the late ’80s, adding this discipline to his quiver as a well-rounded skateboarder. In 1991, Chuck introduced Soul Trip Skateboards—a Walker Skateboards side project born from a shared passion for the activities and lifestyle that make life worth living. For Chuck, a “soul trip” is whatever brings pure joy and a reason to get up in the morning, which centers on every aspect of skateboarding and the community built around it.

Chuck’s contributions to the sport led to his induction into the Florida Skateboard Hall of Fame in 2009. His dedicated slalom journey reignited during the 2020 pandemic when he began setting up soccer-cone courses with his local crew, the 8th Day SkateVentist, before upgrading to high-performance components and refining his racing technique.

In 2025, Chuck took 1st place in the banked slalom contest at the historic Kona Classic at Kona Skate Park in Jacksonville, FL. Encouraged by Keith Hollien to step onto the official race circuit, Chuck made an immediate impact—finishing his rookie season ranked #7 in the Masters Division worldwide. Continuing that momentum into 2026 with strong finishes, including 2nd Overall in the Masters Division at the US Nationals, Chuck is honored to represent the USA Slalom Skateboarding racing team on both classic and modern courses.

 

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Boulder, CO

George Pappas

Commerce City, CO

Adam Mercado

Love to skate fast and love to skate everything. Super thankful for every moment on the board. Love to push my self and others! I been at it for about 22 years now! I plan on ripping for many years to come!! Current Sponsors: Pavel, 161, Seismic, Timeship, Skeleton key, Conspiracy

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! Current Sponsors: Sector9, Sk8kings, SoulGrind Skateshop

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.

Current Sponsors :

Sk8Kings, Rogue Trucks, Turbo Wheels, Old Bones Therapy, Timeship Racing, Venom Bushings, La Costa Racing Team

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. Current Sponsors: sk8kings Skateboards, Logan Earth Ski, Old Bones Therapy, S1 Helmets, RipTide Sports, 161 Slalom Trucks, Badass Skatemoms, WearHappyFaced, Queen of the Point, Water Logged Adventures, Hybrid Fitness Training, Kyoto Bags, ET Surfshop, La Costa Racing Team, San Pedro Skate Association, Yukari Advanced Healthcare, Art of Holistic Healing, Coppa Woodworking

Nashville, TN

Sarah Byrd

Sarah Byrd 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.

Sponsors: S1 Helmets, Santa Cruz Boardroom, Aloha Fresh Poke, Snowtime Desserts, Kaiolohia Consulting, Puahina Hawaiʻi, Lume Six
Teams: Sk8kings, Girl is NOT a 4 Letter Word, Norcal Slalom Skateboard Team, La Costa Racing Team

Oceanside, CA

Francesca Rosario

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. Current Sponsors: Sk8kings, C/V Beauty Collective, Seismic, La Costa Racing, Pinchpunk, Khanga

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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Glendora, CA

Yesenia De Casas

I started skating on and off since the pandemic; It was a time when I finally let myself pursue what would bring me joy despite everyone around me making fun of me for it. Skating was one of those things that was shrouded in shame for whatever reason, but the elation and purpose it gave me was so undeniable. Board sports and the community around them have been my saving grace in some of the darkest periods in my life. I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into that meaning on a world stage.

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.