Who Invented Skateboarding?
Skateboarding has come a long way since its humble beginnings. From the streets of southern California to the global stage, skateboarding has become one of the most popular outdoor activities in the world. But who was responsible for this incredible invention? Let’s take a look!
The Early Days of Skateboarding
In 1962, Larry Stevenson, who founded and managed one of the earliest skateboard companies – Makaha Skateboards & Apparel – was influential in the development of skateboarding. He believed that it would help surfers practice their moves on land when there were no waves (aka sidewalk surfing.)
His invention was made up of 2 components: wooden boards with four wheels attached (which were typically wheels from old roller skates.) It quickly gained momentum and soon everyone wanted one.
He was instrumental in creating a professional skating scene by introducing competitive events and offering sponsored riders prizes and merchandise. In addition, he designed innovative boards with improved steering systems that allowed riders to conquer difficult tricks.
His influence helped popularize skateboarding and today his company is considered one of the pioneers of the sport.
Skateboarding Becomes Popular
The popularity of Stevenson’s invention continued to grow and, by 1965, skateboarding had become an official sport with organized competitions held across America.
Eventually, skateboarders began pushing themselves to do more aerial tricks and maneuvers, something that hadn’t been seen before in any sport. Skateboarding’s rise to fame was largely due to the efforts of dedicated professionals like Frank Nasworthy, Skip Engblom, and Shawn Stussy.
The Roller Derby Skateboard was the first mass-produced skateboard. The company that created this skateboard was owned and operated by Barry Jacobs.
Frank Nasworthy is credited with inventing the polyurethane wheel which allowed skaters to control their boards much more effectively than before. Turns out, metal wheels (and clay wheels) just weren’t the greatest.
Skip Engblom founded the legendary Z-Boys skate crew who revolutionized skateboarding with their bold new tricks and set the stage for an entire generation of skaters.
Shawn Stussy was a successful surfboard shaper who applied his craftsmanship to deck designs for skateboards, popularizing a graphic aesthetic that still exists today. These are just a few of the influential pioneers who helped shape the sport we know today.
Skate Culture Emerges
As skateboarding grew in popularity, so did its culture. By the late 1970s, skate parks had sprung up all over America and skaters had begun forming their own subculture complete with its own fashion style and language.
This period saw some iconic names emerge such as Tony Hawk who became an icon in his own right after winning several championships throughout his career as well as becoming a successful entrepreneur with his line of video games and clothing brands.
In Conclusion
While Larry Stevenson was certainly responsible for inventing modern-day skateboards, it’s safe to say that he couldn’t have imagined what his invention would turn into today—an international phenomenon with millions of fans around the world!
Though many people have contributed to its evolution over the years—from Tony Hawk to Rodney Mullen—it’s clear that without Larry Stevenson’s Makaha Skateboard none of this would have been possible! So next time you’re out there shredding it up on your board remember where it all started!
FAQs
Where Did Skateboarding Originate?
Skateboarding has been around since the 1950s when surfers in California wanted something to do when the waves were flat. It wasn’t until the 1970s that it started to gain mainstream popularity.
When Was The First Skateboard Created?
The first modern skateboard was created in 1958 by Bill Richards but earlier versions go back to the 1930s. These skateboards were simply wooden crates or boards with skate wheels attached.
How Did Skateboarding Start?
Skateboarding began as a way to surf on land in the 1950s. Growing out of the popular surf culture and lifestyle in California, kids would put roller skate wheels onto boxes and planks of wood.
Who Actually Invented The Skateboard?
The inventor of the skateboard is believed to be a man named Larry Stevenson. He created Makaha Skateboards & Apparel in the 1960s and was the first to successfully engineer a reliable skateboard.
