The History of Skateboarding Style

Skateboarding has a rich history that spans decades, and it's fascinating to see how the sport and its style have evolved over time. From the early days of cruising around empty swimming pools to the modern era of street skating and vert riding, the history of skateboarding is a story of creativity, individuality, and innovation.

As a Skateboarder, enthusiast or someone interested in the culture, understanding the history of Skateboarding is essential to appreciating the sport and its style. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the history of Skateboarding, from its origins in the 1950s to the present day.

The origins of Skateboarding can be traced back to the 1950s, when surfers in California began experimenting with riding the waves on land. They used planks of wood with roller skate wheels attached to the bottom, and soon discovered that these makeshift boards could be used to perform all sorts of tricks and maneuvers. The first commercially available Skateboards were produced by the Makaha Skateboard Company in 1959, and by the early 1960s, Skateboarding had become a popular pastime among surfers and non-surfers alike.

During the 1960s, Skateboarding was primarily focused on cruising and performing basic tricks. The boards were small and narrow, and the wheels were made of clay, which made for a slow and bumpy ride. Skaters would often ride in empty swimming pools, where they could practice and perform tricks without the fear of getting arrested. This period is often referred to as the "pool riding" era, and it laid the foundation for the more advanced style of Skateboarding that would come in the following decades.

The 1970s saw the introduction of new technology that would revolutionize Skateboarding style. Polyurethane wheels were introduced, which were faster and smoother than the clay wheels of the past. In addition, Skateboard decks began to get wider and longer, which allowed for more stability and control. Skaters began to experiment with new tricks and maneuvers, such as the "ollie", which is considered to be the first true Skateboarding trick.

The 1980s saw the rise of vert riding, which involved riding on half-pipes and other vert-based obstacles. Skaters like Tony Hawk and Christian Hosoi became superstars and helped to bring Skateboarding to the mainstream. Vert riding was a highly technical and acrobatic style of Skateboarding that required a great deal of skill and precision. Many of the tricks and maneuvers developed during this era are still used in modern Skateboarding competitions.

The 1990s saw the rise of street skating, which is the style of Skateboarding that most people are familiar with today. Street skating involves riding on sidewalks, stairs, rails, and other urban obstacles. This style of Skateboarding is characterized by its focus on creativity, style, and individuality. Skaters like Rodney Mullen and Mark Gonzales helped to popularize street skating and bring it to the mainstream.

The 2000s and 2010s saw the continued evolution of Skateboarding style, with the rise of new technologies, such as 3D printing, and new trends, such as longboarding. Skateboarding has become more popular than ever, and it has become a legitimate form of expression and creativity. Skaters are no longer just riders, they are also artists, and they use their boards as a canvas to express their individuality and creativity.

In recent years, the style of Skateboarding has become more diverse and inclusive, with more and more women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community getting involved in the sport. This has led to a more diverse range of perspectives and styles in the Skateboarding community.

As we can see, the history of Skateboarding is a fascinating story of evolution and growth. From its humble beginnings as a pastime for surfers, Skateboarding has grown into a legitimate form of expression and creativity. It's a sport that has been shaped by its riders and the culture that surrounds it. It's amazing to see how much it has grown, and how much it still has to offer in the future.

As a Skateboarder, enthusiast, or someone interested in the culture, understanding the history of Skateboarding is essential to appreciating the sport and its style. It's important to remember that Skateboarding is more than just a hobby, it's a way of life. It's a culture that has been shaped by its riders and the community that surrounds it, and it's a culture that continues to evolve and grow.

In conclusion, the history of Skateboarding is a fascinating story of evolution and growth. From its origins in the 1950s to the present day, the sport has undergone many changes, and it has grown into a legitimate form of expression and creativity. Skateboarding is a sport that has been shaped by its riders and the culture that surrounds it, and it's a sport that continues to evolve and grow. Whether you're a Skateboarder or just an enthusiast, understanding the history of Skateboarding is essential to appreciating the sport and its style.