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History Of Skateboarding: Freestyle And Alan Ollie Gelfand
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Published: November 1, 2006
Skateboarding is a worldwide phenomenon.
Its history and early development started in the 1950s in California. It is not evident whether one specific person came up with the idea of skateboarding or several people with similar ideas at the same time. California surfers got the idea to “surf the streets,” hence the name sidewalk surfing (the original name for skateboarding). When these ideas came about, skateboarding was born.
The first skateboards were developed by using wooden boxes or boards with wheels attached to the bottom. These early skateboards were more like scooters with wheels attached to a two-by-four. Companies soon began to grow along with the popularity, producing decks of pressed layers wood similar to the decks used today. Skateboarding was considered as a leisure activity during this time; it was something to do after surfing.
Skateboarding, particularly downhill slalom or freestyle, was at its most popular in 1963. The term freestyle is completely different from today's image of freestyle. The earlier freestyle was more of a dance, evoking direct comparisons to ballet or ice-skating with a skateboard. Different companies such as Jack's, Hobie and Makaha started holding skateboard competitions during this time. By 1965 the skateboard buzz had died down and was considered a fad of the time.
Eight years later in 1973, skateboarding had its second coming. Manufacturers began developing new and innovated technology for skateboards. Trucks- tools used to hold the wheels at the bottom of a board- were made specifically for skateboards and better, tighter ball bearings were invented to help the wheels spin more effortlessly.
In 1975 skateboarding publications began printing stories for enthusiasts. By 1978 the ollie, a no-hands aerial, was invented by Alan Gelfand. This revolutionized the world of skateboarding, causing skaters to move to flatland for vertical tricks. This avant guard style of skateboarding also became associated with punk and new wave music. Soon, different images and designs appeared on decks giving skateboards a fashionable new edge.
By the early 1980s the skateboarding fad had once again died. Skateboarding went underground, making room for the rise of other sports such as BMX biking. Skateboarding was once again in the shadows. Skateboarders were forced to skate in backyard-built half-pipes as more skate parks closed. Many skateboard publications were forced to stop printing, which caused the popularity of skateboarding to diminish.
Today, skateboarding is at its most popular due to famous skateboarders like Tony Hawk and Bam Margera. These professionals are able to get reality television shows, sponsor products and attain the exposure needed to keep the sport alive. The X-Games also contributed to the growth of skateboarding in 1995.
Over the past 40 years, skateboarding has run into many ups and downs. The main reason it has enjoyed this longevity and success is due to the fact that it is a fun and enjoyable sport.
Its history and early development started in the 1950s in California. It is not evident whether one specific person came up with the idea of skateboarding or several people with similar ideas at the same time. California surfers got the idea to “surf the streets,” hence the name sidewalk surfing (the original name for skateboarding). When these ideas came about, skateboarding was born.
The first skateboards were developed by using wooden boxes or boards with wheels attached to the bottom. These early skateboards were more like scooters with wheels attached to a two-by-four. Companies soon began to grow along with the popularity, producing decks of pressed layers wood similar to the decks used today. Skateboarding was considered as a leisure activity during this time; it was something to do after surfing.
Skateboarding, particularly downhill slalom or freestyle, was at its most popular in 1963. The term freestyle is completely different from today's image of freestyle. The earlier freestyle was more of a dance, evoking direct comparisons to ballet or ice-skating with a skateboard. Different companies such as Jack's, Hobie and Makaha started holding skateboard competitions during this time. By 1965 the skateboard buzz had died down and was considered a fad of the time.
Eight years later in 1973, skateboarding had its second coming. Manufacturers began developing new and innovated technology for skateboards. Trucks- tools used to hold the wheels at the bottom of a board- were made specifically for skateboards and better, tighter ball bearings were invented to help the wheels spin more effortlessly.
In 1975 skateboarding publications began printing stories for enthusiasts. By 1978 the ollie, a no-hands aerial, was invented by Alan Gelfand. This revolutionized the world of skateboarding, causing skaters to move to flatland for vertical tricks. This avant guard style of skateboarding also became associated with punk and new wave music. Soon, different images and designs appeared on decks giving skateboards a fashionable new edge.
By the early 1980s the skateboarding fad had once again died. Skateboarding went underground, making room for the rise of other sports such as BMX biking. Skateboarding was once again in the shadows. Skateboarders were forced to skate in backyard-built half-pipes as more skate parks closed. Many skateboard publications were forced to stop printing, which caused the popularity of skateboarding to diminish.
Today, skateboarding is at its most popular due to famous skateboarders like Tony Hawk and Bam Margera. These professionals are able to get reality television shows, sponsor products and attain the exposure needed to keep the sport alive. The X-Games also contributed to the growth of skateboarding in 1995.
Over the past 40 years, skateboarding has run into many ups and downs. The main reason it has enjoyed this longevity and success is due to the fact that it is a fun and enjoyable sport.
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