Since it first appeared in the 1950s, skateboarding has become an international phenomenon – from its early days as a rebellious pre-teen pastime to today’s professional industry.
Millions of people around the world have enjoyed the thrill of riding on a board with wheels, making it over ramps and obstacles or just cruising around town.
Whether you are an old timer who remembers how epically satisfying this activity was back when we were teens, or you are new to this awesome thing called skating – everyone wants to know: Who invented the skateboard?
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history behind skateboarding and answer that very question. Let’s get started!
Who invented the skateboard?
Skateboarders everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to the innovator who brought their favorite pastime into existence.
It may surprise some to learn that the credited inventor of the modern skateboard is none other than Larry Stevenson, an American from Southern California who created and patented the skateboard in 1963.
His idea came from a mix of observing local surfers and looking for something to occupy his restless energy.
As it turns out, much of what is popular today about skateboarding, including the size and shape, were designed by Stevenson himself.
Over fifty years since its invention, skateboards have experienced a significant evolution in both composition and performance but all hail back to Larry’s original design.
Today he continues to be remembered as one of history’s most influential board sports inventors.
What was the first skateboard made of?
The first skateboard ever created was made in the 1950s, and it was constructed of humble materials like roller skate wheels, 2×4 pieces of wood, and metal nuts and bolts.
Initially, inventors could not find a safe and effective way to create reliable acceleration for their board, so during the 1950s boards were mainly used for coasting down hills.
As the technology improved, however, newer generations of skateboards began to make use of vulcanized rubber wheels which allowed them to both speed up and slow down as needed.
Innovations in materials also made it possible for skaters to cut sharper turns and land more technical tricks.
Nowadays almost all boards are constructed using lightweight composite material like plywood or plastic that stands up to harsh impacts while keeping a low overall weight.
How has the skateboard evolved over time?
Since its inception in the 1950s, skateboarding has experienced a rapid evolution that is ongoing to this day.
The original boards used metal hardware and basic materials like wood which were prone to breaking or becoming unreliable over time.
Modern skateboards make use of advanced composites and specialized parts that can withstand greater levels of impact while providing better maneuverability for technical tricks.
The introduction of park terrain and street obstacles has pushed the boundaries of skateboarding, giving riders new and exciting venues to explore their skills.
Skateboarders have also taken advantage of technological advances in media to share their experiences with the world, inspiring a whole new generation to become involved in this amazing sport.
As skateboarding continues to evolve and progress, it’s clear that Larry Stevenson’s original invention has come a long way since the 1950s.
Conclusion
Skateboarding has come a long way since Larry Stevenson patented the first skateboard in 1963.
The technology and materials used to construct boards have evolved immensely, providing skaters with greater levels of performance and maneuverability.
From humble beginnings on metal roller skates, skateboards have become one of the most popular pastimes around the world.
Today, skateboarding continues to evolve and progress as new generations of skaters push the boundaries of the sport ever further.
Larry Stevenson’s legacy lives on in every board that is ridden today – a testament to his ingenuity and creativity.