This timeline of the history of skateboarding should help you understand the history of skateboarding, and how skateboarding has evolved. This timeline covers the biggest and most impacting events. For a more detailed story of the history of skateboarding, read
The History of Skateboarding. If you think anything should be added to this timeline, feel free to let me know!
1950s
At some point in the 1950's, skateboarding is born in California. No one knows the exact year, or who was the first to do it, though many claim credit. All we know for sure is that skateboarding has its roots in the culture of surfing.1960+
The popularity of skateboarding grows rapidly as many non-surfers begin to skate. Skateboarding grows from street and pool riding to downhill slalom and freestyle (choreographed skateboarding to music).1963
Skateboarding reaches a peak in popularity. Skateboard brands have grown up, and start holding skateboarding competitions.1965
Skateboarding takes a sudden dive in popularity. Many people assume that skateboarding was just a fad.1966+
Skateboarding continues, but with a lot fewer people skating. Skateboard companies die out one at a time, and skaters are forced to create much of their own equipment.1972
Frank Nasworthy invents urethane skateboard wheels. Until this point, skaters used clay, or even metal wheels. These wheels spark new interest in skateboarding.1975
The Ocean Festival is held in Del Mar, California. It's a traditional freestyle and slalom contest, but the Zephyr team arrived and blew the contest away with a new agressive, innovative style of skateboarding. This event catapults skateboarding into the public eye. The most famous of these Zephyr team riders were Tony Alva, Jay Adams and Stacy Peralta (
Read more about the Zephyr team).
1978
Alan Gelfand invents the Ollie.1979
Skateboarding takes a second dive in popularity. Insurance rates for skate parks rise dramatically, and many skate parks have to close.1980+
Skaters continue to skate, but in a more underground way. Small privately owned skateboard companies pop up, owned by skaters. These small companies encourage creativity in designs. Skateboarding evolves into an even more personal style of expression.
