The Comprehensive History of By Skylar Summers

o Skateboards created so when surfing wasn’t feasible, “Sidewalk Surfing” was available. o Skateboards were made from roller skates and.. Well.. Boards. o 1959, Roller derby skateboards put into production o over 50 million skateboards put into production o 1965 Safety officials deem skateboarding “unsafe” and skate recession starts o Skateboarding seems as though it was just a fad and dies as quick as it was born. “The Craze and Menace of Skateboards” Life Magazine May 1965

"There was so much aggression...they were more like a street gang than a skate team“ – Skateboarder Magazine Photo: z-boys 1975 o With the skate recession still in effect, Derbys and Style Competitions are in few numbers. o 1973, Polyurethane Wheels invented skating is popularized again. o “Z-boys” introduce an aggressive skate style that many accept as the birth of modern skating. o 1976, the “Ollie” introduced by Alan Gelfield o Insurance costs and dimming crowds slowed the sport down, it’s second remission hits.

 Vertical ramps revive the sport again  “Vert” skating dominates the sport in the early 80’s  Superstars are made. (Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero)  In later 80’s, “Street” skating dominates and new superstars are made (Mike Valley, Rodney Mullen)  Skateboarding is still considered an “underground sport” Above: Tony Hawk performs a ‘Layback” Right: Rodney Mullen demonstrates a Fingerflip

 The 90’s bring skateboarding out of obscurity with more televised competition.  1995, the first X-Games relays skateboarding to millions and gains general acceptance. X-Games test both “Vert” and “Street” disciplines. Pictured is Shaun White X-Games 2007

 Skateboarding is still alive and well.  Different boards for different disiplines  Vertical, Street, Freestyle and Slalom  The following video illustrates the amazing advances that we have made in the last 60 years  mo mo Rider: Knox Heslop, Photo Skylar Summers

 “The Concrete Wave” – Michael Brooks Sept 1, 1999 Pgs 30-35,47-56, 110,  “The Impossible: Rodney Mullen, Ryan Sheckler and the Fantastic History of Skateboarding.” – Cole Louison 2011  Skatelog.com – Kathie Fry; 1950’s and 1960’s  Salt Lake City Longboarders Group – All local Skater’s pictures  Transworld Magazine – Images of Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen Riders: JP Masters, Blake Fronk. Photo: Skylar Summers