Some forms of transportation are merely functional, allowing us to get from place to place with a minimum of hassle. Other forms of transportation are more fun, allowing us to have a great time while traveling around our towns and our cities. Skateboards belong squarely in the latter category, and these unique forms of transportation have a long and fascinating history.

The first skateboard concept was designed and developed by a company known as External, but the first skateboard was not actually built until much later in 1958. This first skateboard was built at a surf shop in California, designed as a way for surfers to ply their trade when the waves were not cooperative.

The owner of this forward looking surf shop made a deal with a roller skate company to provide the wheels, and those wheels were then attached to simple square wood boards. The trend caught on quickly and soon surfers from around the area were flocking to the surf shop to try out this unique form of recreation.

The connection to traditional surfing was clear from the start, and in fact the sport of skateboarding was originally known as sidewalk surfing. These early skateboarders copied much of their style from the surfers of the day, as well as many surfer moves and other tricks.

The surfing connection was further in evidence when manufacturers started to manufacture skateboards designed to look like tiny surfboards. Skateboarding soon became a popular new sport, complete with skateboard competitions and teams pushing various barnds and models of skatebaods. The sport became so popular that many competitions were televised, including the international skateboard championships in 1965.

By the early 1970’s skateboards began to use polyurethane wheels, which developer Frank Nasworthy hoped would provide a smoother ride. The new wheels did indeed provide superior performance, and led to a further increase in the popularity of skateboarding, both as a sport and a fun pastime.

As the popularity of the skateboard continued to grow, a number of manufacturers began to develop axles designed especially for the sport. These new designs provided greater maneuverability, allowing for wider skateboard decks and greater levels of control by the rider.

As the sport continued to grow skateboard manufacturers began to experiment with newer composites and different materials, including aluminum and fiberglass, but the most commonly used skateboards were still made using traditional maple. The new designs and greater stability they provided allowed skateboarders to invent a number of new tricks, and the popularity of skateboarding as a spectator sport grew as a result. Skateboard ramps also allowed skilled riders to show off their stuff, and skate parks were constructed in many cities to allow skateboarders a safe place to ride.

These skate parks helped to keep skateboarders off the streets and away from private property where skateboard tricks were not welcome, but high costs for liability insurance caused many of these parks to ultimately close. Even with the closure of many skate parks and other venues, however, the sport continues to be a popular one, and young and old alike are still learning new tricks.