Peggy Turner
12 x 12in., 1.5 x 1.5in, oil on canvas
Peggy began skateboarding in the early 1970s at the age of 14 just for fun! Peggy’s home skatepark was the legendary Kona in Jacksonville, Florida and by the time she got her driver’s license at age 16, she was skating there every day for at least two hours after school and had started to compete.
Then in August of 1979 competing in what was called the Kona US Pro/Am in Jacksonville, Peggy was rewarded first place not only in Women’s Freestyle, Bowl-Riding, and Vertical Wall but also took first place in the Half-Pipe event… a clean sweep! With limited participation from other women, she often competed against the guys and even would place in the top 3 against them!
Her sponsorships expanded to the Kona team, Mad Rats, and Z-Flex East team, which was based out of California.
Near celebrating her 59th birthday, Turner was interviewed by FirstCoast News, where she shared how much she loves the sound of skateboard wheels on concrete. “I so wish I could start over at that age, at this time.” Turner had injured her foot and shoulder before the interview and was evidently deeply upset that her life’s passion was paused. “If I can’t ride, I can at least be part of the scene.” Today, Peggy can still be found at Kona Skatepark mentoring a younger generation.
In 2011, Peggy “The Queen of Kona” was inducted into the Florida Skateboard Hall of Fame. it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.