Skateboarding

When the word “skateboarding” pops up, what comes to mind? Skateboarding has been around since the early 1950’s, when surfers wanted a way to mimic surfing without the water. Skateboarding then, was known as “sidewalk surfing” to many local skateboarders. The name “sidewalk surfing” comes from skateboarders wanting to do surfing-like maneuvers while traveling at a high rate of speed. Then 1950’s were the opening era of skateboarding, but it was not very popular at this time. Many people disliked skateboards, because they destroyed property, and nearly ran over people. Skateboarding became most popular in California, where it was founded. Over the years, skateboarding became more advanced, in terms of board shapes. The skateboard was first shaped in an oval form. It was soon changed to a slightly larger, oval wooden board. In these advances, new equipment started to become more efficient. Introducing new helmets, knee pads, and wrist guards. Soon enough, the first tick was preformed on the skateboard, which would be the turning point in the history of skateboarding. The 1960’s were a progressive time of the skateboarding era. At this time, many companies started to produce mass amounts of skateboards, making it a popular item to buy. Skateboarding in the early 1960’s was mostly downhill slalom with a twist of freestyle added in. Competitions were held at these events, making this “dangerous” hobby a competitive challenge. By the end of the 1960’s, skateboarding had died out and was rarely seen for a while. “The skateboarding fad died as quickly as it had started, and the sport had entered its first slump.” (Skatelog.com) The biggest change in skateboarding happened in the 1970’s. Although skateboarding was not seen as much, many companies went down, encouraging kids to make their own skateboards out of wood. Making these skateboards did not require any special materials, which was convenient. While skateboarding was already not safe, it posed as an increased