History Skateboarding originally evolved in 1960 from Surfers in
southern California looking for a faster way to get around
town. The first skateboards were constructed of a old metal
roller skate strapped to a short piece of 2 x 4. They were
not used for any tricks, just to get around fast. In the
1970's the skateboard scene advanced with a new type of
board, the "bannana board". Bannana boards were the first
type of boards that were used for tricks. When trick
skateboarding started there were to types: half-pipe/pool
and freestyle. Half-Pipe skateboarding has evolved into what
we know as vert skateboarding. Thanks to skateboarders like
Rodney Mullen freestyle skateboarding has evolved into
street skateboarding. When Skateboarders got bored of just to freestyle flip
tricks they started using obstacles on the streets like
benches and ledges to do grinds. The ollie is the one main
trick that has helped skateboarding become what it is today.
An ollie is when you smack down on the tail with one foot
and drag the other foot to get air. Skateboarders began to
ollie into their airs and they also learned how to do flip
tricks. Many of the flip tricks skateboarders still use
today like the kickflip, heelflip and 360 flip were all
created by Rodney Mullen. Skatboarding has gone through its
ups and downs but in the past few years it has reached its
peak in popularity. Some reasons for its popularity are the
hundreds of skateboard videos and major contests such as the
X-Games. The following picture shows how the skateboard has
evolved since the early days. The following picture shows
how the skateboard has changed in size and in shape. The
board on the left is the type that would have been used in
the 70's and 80's. The board on the right is the type that
is currently used.
