Science of Skateboards

Check out this timeline of how skateboarding has changed over the past 60 years and what there is now in truck and deck design!

1950s/1960s
- skateboards first created from scooters
- wheels from old roller skates, very stiff
- boards made of plywood
- first trucks invented with manoeuvrability
- skaters known as “sidewalk surfers”
- some cities ban skateboarding from public places

1970s
- kicktail invented so tricks could be attempted
- urethane wheel – a MAJOR breakthrough – more traction, more speed
- empty swimming pools and cylindrical pipes used for tricks and practice
- concrete skateparks begin to open
- late 1970s, skateboarding popularity reduced, skateparks close

1980s
- skateboarders start to build do-it-yourself ramps
- tricks begin on hand rails and walls
- street skating becomes popular
- baggy clothing and retro tennis shoes are fashion choices
- hard-edge punk music popular among skaters
- MAJOR invention of the trick known as the “ollie”, a no-handed aerial lift, now the foundation of 80% of street tricks and 60% of vert tricks
- more technical tricks develop to push limits

1990s
- skateboarding becomes more mainstream
- big sports networks host events for millions of television viewers
- small boards and tiny wheels

2000s
- wheel diameters larger
- deck widths continue to grow
- longboards gain popularity for cruising and as transport
- downhill skateboarding popular thanks to street luge being more visible
- skaters well-known, considered athletes
- competitions are fierce

2010s
- trucks are invented with optimal manoeuvrability for specific tricks
- skaters now have more than one board for more than one purpose
- big prize money available for top skaters
- decks sometimes have other materials inserted into the wood, such as Kevlar.

What else will come?