While skateboard manufacturers made some improvements by experimenting with
Skateboards have been around in 1 way or another since the 1930s. At first they were homemade contraptions made by children using roller skate wheels and pieces of wood. Next came skateboard kits which included wheels and wagons that might be mounted onto boards. Around 1960 we see the first absolutely assembled skateboard on the market. They originated out of the California surf culture and initially looked much like surfboards on land. These days many of us collect vintage skateboards to both use and display.
Over the years since they were first introduced there have been many improvements to the designs and materials used to provide skateboards. The first skateboard wheels were made from either metal or clay. While skateboard manufacturers made some enhancements by experimenting with different widths and materials the largest development in skateboard wheels came in the 1970s with the advent of urethane wheels. These wheels brought much more interest to skateboarding and produced many new skateboard enthusiasts.
Another big change in the look of vintage skateboards was the movement from wood to fiberglass and composite decks. Fiberglass proved to be a far more flexible and sturdy surface for skating than wood ever was. Fiberglass or fiberglass and wood laminated boards allows for the development of all kinds of new skateboard maneuvers that actually pushed the sport forward. Skaters were now able to put more weight on specific areas of the skateboard without caring about breaking it.
There are lots of different makers who became feted for their contribution to the development of skateboards. Roller Derby was one of the first manufactures of fully assembled skateboards. Lots of their early designs were impressed by the look and feel of surfboards. Hang ten produced a popular type of skateboard which was made from aluminum and featured aluminum wheels. The surfboard manufacturer Hobie had its own surfboards which included top of the tine components for excellent performance. Locate vintage skateboards on sale here.
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically each day to your feed reader.
No comments yet.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.