The 1st type of skateboards were more like bloody scooters (Hate the bloody things). These dated as early as the 1900. They were like roller skates at first, as they featured roller skate wheels attached to a 2 by 4. Often the wood have a milk cart nailed to it, and with handles sticking out for control. Over the next 5 decades. Kids everywhere removed the milk carts. And as surfing was becoming popular in the late 1950's. And so people were tying surfing on the waves to "Surfing" on land, and that's how skateboard was first introduced. By 1959 the first Roller Derby skateboard was for sale. Clay wheels entered the picture and side walk skating was in the picture.
In the 1960's skateboarding become really popular among the surfing crowd. The company Makaha started creating professional boards and a team was forced into promoting the board. The 1st skateboarding contest was held in 1963 Pier Avenue Junior School. In 1964 surf legend Hobie Aler teamed up with the Vita-Pakt to create Hobie skateboards. By 1965, international contests, movies and magazine were all part of skating. Over 50 million boards were sold in a 3 year period. Then in 1965 skateboarding died in popularity.
The 1st skateboard crash came, much to thanks of developers ignore the safety aspect of skating, and little being done in research. Also reckless skating, this forced many companies into looking the safety aspect of skating. Removing the clay wheels etc.
In 1970's (1976) The first outdoor skate park was built for skateboarders in Florida. It was soon followed by 100's of skate parks all over North America. Also the width of the skateboard increased by 7 inches to over 9 inches. The size increased insured better stability on surfaces
In the 1980's a lot happened to skateboarding. 1981 Thrasher magazine began publication all about the latest skateboard scene. 1982 Tony Hawk competed in his 1st contest, and won! 1983 Transworld also entered the skating scene. 1984 vert tricks took off and was also followed by streetstyle skating. Launch ramps became popular. The 1st skating video was created.
In the 1990's a world wide recession deeply effected skateboard, but in the mid 90's skateboarding was deemed cool again. Many pro skaters designed there own skating products. Longboarding is started to make a comeback and downhill skating enter a new era with street luge. Skating is now a world wide sport keeping the skating world occupied with learning new tricks and how to ollie higher.