History of SKATEBOARD

Origins
Skateboarding originated in California as a response to the popularity of surfing. It was commonly referred to as "sidewalk surfing" and was conceived of as something for surfers to do when there were no waves. The first skateboards were homemade and consisted of clay or steel roller-skate wheels attached to planks of wood. In 1959, the "Roller Derby Skateboard" appeared on the market. It was the first mass-produced skateboard.

1960s
In the early 1960s surfboard manufacturers such as Hobie and Makaha began producing skateboards that resembled small surfboards. The boards themselves were wooden and the wheels were typically made of clay. The popularity of skateboarding grew, and the first skateboarding contest was held in Hermosa, California, in 1963. By the mid-1960s skateboarding was decried as unsafe and its popularity began to wane. Many still interested in the activity again resorted to making their own boards at home.

1970s
In 1972, Frank Nasworthy revolutionized skateboarding with his invention of the urethane skateboard wheel. Nasworthy named his invention "Cadillac" wheels. Due to the increased stability, maneuverability and speed allowed by urethane wheels, the popularity of skateboarding began to grow. Advancements were made in board construction. Mass-produced skateboards were offered in a wider variety of shapes and materials, such as wood, plastic, aluminum and fiberglass.

A California drought in 1976 resulted in many empty swimming pools. Enterprising skateboarders would skate inside the empty pools creating new styles and maneuvers. Skateboarding was no longer just for flat ground as skateboarders were now skating on vertical surfaces and performing aerial tricks. The first skate park was built in Florida in 1976 to accommodate the new styles of skateboarding.

1980s
Many skate parks were forced to close in the early 1980s due to the high cost of insurance. Skaters began to build their own ramps with vertical surfaces and the style of skateboarding on such ramps and performing aerial maneuvers became known as vert skating. Concurrent with the development of the vert style was freestyle skating, which involved intricate tricks performed on the flat ground. The new and varied styles of skateboarding resulted in the development of new board shapes and equipment specific to each style. "Street" style skateboarding arose in the mid-1980s as skateboarders developed maneuvers suited to such urban terrain as stairs, handrails and banks.

1990s
Skateboarding was brought into the mainstream in 1995 when the sport was included in the ESPN-sponsored X-Games in Rhode Island. Skateboarding thus became very popular as a spectator sport and a big money maker for an increasing number of new companies and corporate sponsors. Professional skateboarders began to earn higher salaries than before for their endorsements and participation in contests.

2000s
Skateboarding currently includes the many forms and styles developed throughout its history. Many types of boards and wheels are widely available to suit any style. The sport enjoys more mainstream legitimacy and visibility than ever before.