🛹 Skateboarding

Skateboarding is scored on the tricks a rider lands, not on speed, and the two contest formats are park in a bowl and street on rails, ledges and stairs. The ollie, a jump with no hands, is the move nearly every other trick is built on.

🚀 Start Here

• Skateboarding Equipment List
• Skateboarding Terms and Slang
• Best Skateboarding Athletes of All Time
• Where Skateboarding Is Most Popular
• The Tournaments That Matter

⏳ Skateboarding History

• 1940s to 1950s: Surfing enthusiasts in Southern California created skateboarding as an alternative to surfing during times of small waves. Companies like Roller Derby created the first commercial skateboards.
• 1960s: The National Skateboarding Championship was established, and the kicktail was introduced, revolutionizing the sport and increasing its popularity.
• 1970s: The urethane wheel and the Ollie were invented, further enhancing the sport. The first skateparks were created and influential magazines like “Skateboarder” and “Thrasher” were launched.
• 1980s: Skating subcultures arose, and the sport extended into street skating. Companies like Powell Peralta and Vision gained prominence, and legendary skateboarders like Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen brought further prominence to the sport.
• 1990s: A do-it-yourself ethos led to numerous skateboard companies being founded by skateboarders themselves and the rise of streetwear fashion. The inaugural ESPN X Games provided global exposure to the sport.
• 2000s: Continued evolution with new tricks and improved skateboard designs. Skateboarding events like the Vans Park Series and SLS grew in popularity. Skateboarding’s influence spread globally, with influential skateboarders hailing from a variety of countries.
• 2010s to Present: Skateboarding continues to thrive as an individualistic and creative sport. Digital platforms, such as YouTube and Instagram, create new ways to share and promote the sport. Skateboarding’s inclusion in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics encapsulates its global impact and growth.