History of Skateboarding

Skateboarding started as early as the 1950's and 1960's as an alternative to surfing. The skateboards were constructed of a single plank of oak with trucks and wheels taken from rollerskates. Through the 1970's 'banana boards' became more available. They were made of polyethylene, and narrow and short in shape.

Early skateboards. Trucks and wheels from rollerskates.

The movie Dogtown and Z-boys: The Documentary. This movie covers a lot of the early pioneers of skateboarding.

During the 80's and 90's street style skateboarding developed. It first started with the lords of dogtown era hunting out empty pools to skate in. This change in skateboarding style demanded new boards. The d ecks became wider and longer. The addition of 'concave' an

d 'kicktail's' gave the rider more control over the deck as well. From here street style skateboarding developed.

Early boards for skating pool

Street skating changed board design as well. Boards became symmetrical and kicktail's on both ends. This way riders could perform tricks either way. These decks are very light, making them more maneuverable.

Street Style Skateboard

Longboarding has been around for sometime now, but recently has gained a lot of popularity. Everyone can jump on a longboard and enjoy 'cruising' along a local footpath. Longboards can also handle higher speeds than a freestyle skateboard. This is many due to the larger wheelbase. However the larger wheels and stronger trucks help.

Sugar Boards Longboard

Downhill Longboarding

Downhill racing longboards feature deep concave across the board. This helps the rider to 'grip' to the board, giving the rider more control and ability to hit tighter faster corners. The decks are very stiff which prevents speed wobbles and increase the control the rider has. This concept is very similar to stiff suspension in sport cars. Longboard wheels are very wide compared to freestyle skateboards as well.

Dirtsurfer-two wheeled all-terrain board

The 'Dirtsurfer' features two bicycle style wheels. The front wheel is mounted on an angle which is sprung. This translates any lean the rider put on the board to turning.

Pictures sourced :

http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/archives/2009/12/more-on-the-boa.html

http://hubpages.com/hub/The-1960s-Hobie-Alter-Skateboard

http://www.surfingvancouverisland.com/skate/st406.htm

http://www.gridcrasher.com/index.php/2008/04/16/f1-merch-watch-ferrari-skateboard
http://www.sugarboards.co.nz/gallery/boards/?nggpage=2
http://www.mrtn.ch/almabtrieb_07.html