Skateboarding originally came from humble beginnings during the middle of the last century. At that time, young people took a do-it-yourself approach to making boards with wheels they could ride out of spare parts. Since then, skateboarding has grown into a mainstream sport with wide recognition. The skateboard has also changed over the years to accommodate the growth of the sport to become a highly specialized and precision piece of sports equipment.
Origins
Skateboards originated from homemade scooters constructed of a fruit crate or soap box and a wooden crossbar attached to a 2-by-4 with metal roller skate wheels nailed to the bottom. These scooters, popular among kids during the 1940s and '50s, set the stage for the skateboard craze to come.
Early Designs
The 1950s and 60s saw the growth of surfing among young people that greatly influenced skateboarding, which could provide a similar experience to surfing on land. Small manufacturers began producing limited quantities of skateboards, sometimes referred to as "sidewalk surf boards." These new boards were narrow at 6 or 7 inches wide and continued to use metal wheels similar to those on adjustable skates.
Manufacturing
With the introduction of the "Roller Derby Skateboard" in 1959, the term skateboard was coined. Later on in the 1960s, manufacturers, such as surfboard makers Hobie and Makaha, produced boards with clay wheels. Though better trucks and decks during this time made skateboarding easier, later innovations would revolutionize the sport.
Later Improvements
To significant improvements revitalized the sport of skateboarding in the early 1970s. In 1971, Richard Stevenson invented the kicktail on a skateboard deck, and upturned back end that provided a higher level of control over the board itself. During this time, the polyurethane the wheel was also invented by Richard Nasworthy. The urethane wheel was tough and resilient, with good traction and better shock absorption, and the older metal or ceramic wheels. Over time the skateboard deck was also widened to 9 inches or more to provide a more stable platform.
Recognition
As skateboarding waned in the 1970s, a small group of enthusiasts began developing new tricks that pushed their skills to the limit. Alan "Ollie" Gelfand figured out how to get his skateboard airborne, developing the trick named after him called the "Ollie." This, and other tricks opened up a whole new world for skateboarders. The National Skateboarding Association, established in 1981, helped to make skateboarding more respectable. During the 1980s, manufacturers of skateboards responded with more substantial board decks with custom-designed artwork and trucks, bearings and wheels made with high tolerances to more exacting specifications.
Continued Changes
In the 1990s, skateboarding became a widely recognized sport, particularly when ESPN sponsored the 1995 X-Games, with skateboarding is a featured competition. The acceptance of skateboarding into the mainstream continues to increase its popularity and influence manufacturers to produce faster, more maneuverable and durable skateboards. Decks became thinner, more narrow, concave and more flexible with upturns on both ends. Trucks and bearings also improved. During this time and up to today, many professional riders have moved into a design and development role to continue creating innovative changes that will keep the sport alive.
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