National Skateboard Day

Teenage skateboarder in baggy jeans, flannel shirt, skating at a local park with graffiti-covered ramps in the background.. — National skateboard day illustration

Are you ready to shred the streets and take on gravity with your board? Well, mark your calendars because it's National Skateboard Day!

When is Skateboard Day?

It's national skateboard day on the 21st June.

The Birth of Skateboarding:

Skateboarding was born out of the need for surfers to catch the wave when the ocean was flat. Surfing on land? Can you believe it? But hey, desperate times call for radical measures. So, in the 1950s, surfers in California grabbed a wooden plank, attached roller skate wheels to it, and voila - the skateboard was born!

Over the years, skateboarding evolved into a full-blown trend and cultural phenomenon. From empty swimming pools to ramps and skate parks, skaters took the streets by storm, flipping and sliding their way into our hearts.

A Digital Revolution:

As the internet became an integral part of our lives, skateboard enthusiasts from all over the world flocked online to share tricks, tips, and incredible wipeouts. And that's when National Skateboard Day got a digital makeover.

On June 21, 2017, skaters took to the virtual streets, flooding social media with epic videos of their boarding skills. With 22 online mentions, it was the most talked-about celebration of this rad day.

Skateboard Day Fun Fact:

Did you know that Tony Hawk, one of the most legendary skateboarders of all time, landed the first-ever documented 900-degree spin at the 1999 X Games? It was an epic moment that pushed the boundaries of what's possible on a skateboard, and it still gives us chills thinking about it!

History behind the term 'Skateboard'

1959

The Birth of the Skateboard

In 1959, the term 'skateboard' was coined to describe a new contraption that resembled a surfboard on wheels. It was originally created by surfers in California as a way to stay entertained when the waves were flat. These early skateboards consisted of a simple wooden plank with roller skate wheels attached to the bottom.

1959

Early Inception: The First Skateboard

In 1959, the term 'skateboard' came into existence with the creation of the first modern skateboard. A man named Bill Richards was the first to develop a skateboard by attaching roller skate wheels to a wooden plank. This was a significant step towards the creation of a new and thrilling recreational activity.

1960

Surf's Up: Skateboarding's Surfing Influence

In the early 1960s, skateboarding began to gain popularity and evolve as riders started to emulate the movements of surfers. Skateboarders were often referred to as 'sidewalk surfers' due to their carving and wave-like riding style. This connection to surfing became intertwined with skateboarding culture and helped shape the sport's identity.

1963

The First Skateboard Company

In 1963, the first skateboard company, called Makaha, was established. Makaha produced the world's first commercial skateboard, designed by Larry Stevenson. This new skateboard featured clay wheels, metal trucks, and a kicktail, allowing riders to perform tricks and turns more easily. The term 'skateboard' began to gain popularity as the sport started to evolve.

1972

The Skateboarding Boom

By 1972, skateboarding had gained widespread popularity and the term 'skateboard' became firmly established in popular culture. The sport had evolved with the introduction of polyurethane wheels, which provided better traction and allowed for smoother rides. Skateboard parks started to emerge, attracting skateboarders from all over the world.

1970

Polyurethane Wheels: A Game-Changer for Skateboarding

In the 1970s, the invention of polyurethane wheels revolutionized skateboarding. These new wheels provided superior grip and control on various surfaces, allowing skaters to perform tricks and maneuvers with more ease. The improved performance and durability of polyurethane wheels paved the way for the emergence of professional skateboarding and the growth of skateboarding as a legitimate sport.

1973

Skateboarding's Big Break: The Z-Boys

The 1970s marked a turning point in skateboarding history with the rise of the Zephyr Skateboard Team, better known as the Z-Boys. This group of talented young skaters, including Stacy Peralta and Tony Alva, showcased their skills in local skateboarding competitions and made a significant impact on the sport. Their innovative tricks and aggressive style brought a new level of artistry and creativity to skateboarding, propelling it into the mainstream.

1982

The Birth of Street Skateboarding

In 1982, the term 'skateboarding' took on a new meaning with the emergence of street skateboarding. Skateboarders started to explore urban environments, using public structures such as stairs, rails, and ledges as their playground. This style of skateboarding brought a new level of creativity and technicality to the sport and popularized the term 'skateboard' even further.

1995

The X Games and Skateboarding's Mainstream Success

In 1995, skateboarding reached new heights of mainstream success with the introduction of the X Games, an extreme sports competition that showcased skateboarding to a global audience. The term 'skateboard' became synonymous with adrenaline-pumping tricks and impressive aerial maneuvers. Skateboarding became a legitimate professional sport, with athletes gaining sponsorship deals and international recognition.

1976

Skateboarding Goes Vertical: The Invention of the Vert Ramp

In 1976, skateboard legend Tony Alva collaborated with skateboard ramp builder Frank Nasworthy to create the first vertical ramp, also known as a 'vert ramp.' This revolutionary development allowed skateboarders to defy gravity and perform aerial maneuvers. The inclusion of vert ramps in skateboarding competitions and events further elevated the sport's popularity and pushed boundaries in terms of what could be achieved on a skateboard.

1995

Street Skating and Cultural Impact

The 1990s witnessed the rise of street skating, a style of skateboarding that focused on urban environments and utilizing public structures for tricks and stunts. This cultural shift brought skateboarding into mainstream media, as the sport began to be featured in movies, video games, and music videos. Street skating's influence was felt worldwide, and it played a significant role in the globalization of skateboarding culture.

2021

Skateboarding in the Olympics

After being a part of alternative and underground culture for decades, skateboarding reached a monumental milestone in 2021. It became an official Olympic sport, debuting at the Tokyo Olympic Games. The inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics provided further recognition and validation of the sport's athletic prowess and cultural impact, solidifying its place in the ever-evolving world of sports.