The Evolution of Skateboarding

Examining the Sport's Origins and Growth Over the Decades

From what was deemed a trivial hobby to an Olympic sport, skateboarding has come a long way.

Skateboarding isn't just a sport. For many, it's a way of life. That's why those that skateboard today are eternally grateful for those that paved the way and allow them to do what they do best. In retrospect, skateboarding has certainly come a long way, but merely mentioning the fact doesn't do the process (or the game itself for that matter) any justice. That's why a timeline of skateboarding is necessary. Without further ado, here's a look back at its humble beginnings and how it came to be the phenomenon that it is today:

The '50s

It's believed that at some point in the 1950's, skateboarding emerged in the golden state of California. To this day, nobody can pinpoint the exact year in which it originated, or the first face behind it, but that doesn't stop many from trying to take credit for it. What we can definitively conclude from this period is that skateboarding was designed as some form of alternative to surfing, which dominated the decade at the time.

The '60s

Skateboarding starts to experience an upswing in popularity as many non-surfers start to skate. The activity develops from street and pool riding to downhill slalom and freestyle, which features strategic forms of skateboarding performed to music. For a period of time, skateboarding reaches the apex of its popularity as brands grow and competitions are held. Skateboarding then experiences a decline in popularity, with the public assuming that it is just a fad. As a result, companies begin to go belly-up. Those that stick with it are forced to create their own equipment.

The '70s

An individual by the name of Frank Nasworthy invents urethane skateboard wheels, which become the successor to clay and metal, and spark newfound interest in skateboarding. Held in Del Mar, California, a freestyle contest known as "The Ocean Festival" arrives on the scene. A group known as "The Zephyr team" is introduced and trounces the competition with a unique style of skateboarding.

The '80s

Those infatuated with skateboarding continue to skate, but in a more "underground" way. Stacy Peralta, member of Zephyr, creates the first skateboarding video called "The Bones Brigade Video Show". Not long after, the movie "Gleaming the Cube" is released and stars Christian Slater as a skateboarding teen. The motion picture includes cameos from skating legend Tony Hawk, and after fluctuating for some time, skateboarding steadily grows in popularity as it carves out a strong image.

The '90s

The first X Games are held, giving a lot of attention to skateboarding. Tony Hawk cements his status as the face of the sport after successfully attempting the first 900. To the dismay of its enthusiasts, skateboarding later becomes identified as an "Extreme Sport" as it reaches the mainstream.

The Noughties/Present Day

Skateboarding goes mainstream however it manages to keep its anti-establishment identity. Tony Hawk launches his own video game series, which is a massive commercial success, and puts more eyeballs on skateboarding than perhaps ever before. The International Skateboarding Federation is created, and talks about adding skateboarding to the Olympics begin to take shape. The sport is expected to make its Olympic debut in 2020.