Skateboarding

History of Skateboarding

Skateboards originated in the United States, first as crates of wood with roller derby skates attached underfoot. The earliest models had handlebars attached like modern scooters, but eventually the boxes were replaced by wooden planks and the handlebars scrapped for an experience more akin to surfing. These scooter-boxes were seen as far back as the late 1800s, but it wasn’t until the 1950s when wooden pallets with clay wheels were popularized on the downhill slopes of Southern California.

Before commercial skateboards began appearing in 1959, the only way you could skate was by making your own board. These home-made skateboards would seed the DIY mentality ingrained in skateboarding today. In a raw and beautiful way, skateboarding began not from an industry but from the intense desire for one's own self expression.

In the early 1960s, skateboard companies began advertising skating as “sidewalk surfing”, or an alternative to surfing when the waves were flat.

A urethane wheel was introduced in 1973, replacing the clunky clay wheels of the 1950 and 1960s. The new wheels gripped the asphalt and pool walls like cleats to the grass. With the addition of a kick-tail (a raised back end of the skateboard), a new definition of a professional skateboard was born. Before the end of the 1970s, skateparks began to appear throughout North and South America, and soon after in the countries of Europe and Asia. With the help of a new skateboard designed for aerial maneuvers, flip tricks and boardslides were invented. Skateboarding evolved from the backyards of ramp builders into the parking lots of grocery stores.

In 1999, Tony Hawk dropped in at the Summer X-Games vert ramp and landed the most recognizable trick in skateboarding history, a 900 (two and a-half rotations). The Tony Hawk Pro Skater video game franchise ensured Tony Hawk and "the ollie" were a household name. 

In the past five to ten years, female skateboarders are the sport’s largest growing demographic, with skateboarding now the largest female sport in Afghanistan. Skateparks are now found on every major continent of the World with countless clips filmed and posted to social media everyday. Skateboarding endures as one of the world’s most inclusive and accessible expressions of freedom.

How to Push on a Skateboard

1. Place your front foot: Position your front foot at a 30-degree angle near your front hardware bolts, about mid-board. 

2. Bend your front knee: To allow your back leg to reach the ground, bend your front knee. This stance should be relaxed and stable. 

3. Push off with your back foot: While balancing all your weight on your front foot, reach down and push off with your back foot. Make sure to push off at a slight angle behind you to get more power and a longer push. 

4. Return your back foot to your board: Once you've completed your push, bring your back foot up to the board and position it at a slight angle near the back hardware bolts. This stance will help you maintain balance and control as you ride. 

5. Bend your knees. Maintaining a low and relaxed stance is essential for skateboarding as it gives you the ability to adjust your balance quickly in any situation. By bending your knees, you can absorb shocks and maintain your balance on the board, making it easier to control and maneuver. 

TIP: A helpful exercise for beginners is to practice balancing only on your front foot. This can help you build strength and stability, making it easier to push and ride. With enough practice, you'll be able to push continuously whenever you need to without losing your balance 

How to Stop on a Skateboard

The most basic way to stop on a skateboard is foot braking, which involves dragging your foot on the ground. Here are the steps to properly execute a foot brake: 

1. Begin by shifting your weight onto your front foot and bring your back foot down to the ground. 

2. Instead of pushing, drag the sole of your shoe gently on the ground while keeping most of your weight on your front foot. 

3. Once your foot makes contact with the ground, you can apply more pressure to slow down more quickly. 

4. Continue to hold this position until you come to a stop or put your foot back on the board once you've reached your desired speed. 

It's important to note that abruptly stomping on the ground can also slow you down quickly, but it's not recommended as it's more likely to throw you off balance and off your board. Always try to execute a smooth and controlled foot brake to avoid any accidents.