Who Invented the Skateboard

There are probably more skaters in the world than snowboarders, surfers, or rollerbladers. And while skateboarding is a relatively new craze, it’s grown into an inherently challenging sport that requires balance, agility, and an acute sense of spatial awareness to master.

Given its growing popularity and seemingly endless possibilities, you might think that the person who invented the first skate was some kind of skating genius. In this article we’ll go over everything you ever wanted to know about the man who invented the skateboard.

Who Invented the Skateboard?

The skateboard was invented by a man named Larry Stevenson [1] in 1963. Stevenson was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up surfing and skating in the area. He was an avid surfer and was always looking for ways to surf when the waves were flat. He is also credited with inventing the first kicktail board, which allowed for more maneuverability and tricks.

WeSkate 35inch Electric Longboard with Remote Controller

What Was the First Skateboard?

The first skateboard was made out of plywood and had roller skate wheels attached to it. The deck was concave, which allowed for better control while riding. It wasn’t until 1965 that the first mass-produced skateboards were made, which were called “Banana Boards”.

When Did Skateboarding Become Popular?

Skateboarding started to become popular in the early 1970s, with the release of the movie “Dogtown and Z-Boys”. The movie documented the rise of a group of young skateboarders in Venice Beach, California who revolutionized the sport. Skateboarding continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with the invention of new tricks and the rise of professional skateboarders.

Who Invented Skateboarding Tricks?

Many of the first skateboarding tricks were invented by a man named Rodney Mullen. Mullen is considered to be one of the most influential skateboarders of all time and has invented numerous ground-breaking tricks. He is credited with inventing the ollie, kickflip, heelflip, and many others.

What Did Tony Hawk Invent?

Tony Hawk is a professional skateboarder who is considered to be one of the most successful and influential skateboarders of all time. He has won numerous competitions and has been instrumental in the growth of skateboarding. He is also the owner of a successful skateboarding company called Birdhouse. While Tony Hawk didn’t invent any particular tricks, he did help to popularize many of the tricks that are now considered staples of the sport.

Who Invented Ollie?

The ollie was invented by a man named Alan “Ollie” Gelfand in 1978. Gelfand was born in Miami, Florida, and started skating at a young age. He is credited with inventing the ollie while attempting to perform a trick called an “airwalk”. The ollie quickly became one of the most popular tricks in skateboarding and is still widely used today.

How Has Skateboarding Changed Over the Years?

The skateboard has changed a lot since it was first invented. The boards are now made out of different materials, such as polyurethane, and the wheels are made out of different materials as well. The decks are also now available in different shapes and sizes to accommodate different riding styles.

Conclusion

Today, skateboarding is enjoyed by people of all ages and is a popular form of transportation in many cities around the world. Thanks to its inventor, Larry Stevenson, we can all enjoy the thrill of riding a skateboard.

Writer

Lucas Travis
Lucas Travis
Lucas is far from your regular skater boy—he is knowledgeable beyond riding basics and tricks; he knows the technicalities and specifics of every type of modern skateboards, bikes, and scooters. His passion for skateboarding inspired him to bring together a team of skateboard-lovers and experts to test new and popular models and come up with recommendations that will help every skateboard, bike or scooter enthusiasts like them.
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