The Origin of Skateboards: An Abridged Chronicle of Skateboarding Evolution
In the world of skateboarding, few tricks have had as much impact as the ollie. This hands-free aerial move, first executed by Alan "Ollie" Gelfand in 1978, has become an essential part of modern skateboarding.
The ollie was born out of innovation and a desire to push the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard. Gelfand, a skateboarding pioneer, discovered the trick by slamming his back foot down on the kicktail while simultaneously sliding his front foot forward, causing the board and rider to lift off the ground without using hands[1][5]. This groundbreaking move revolutionized skateboarding and is considered fundamental in today's skateboarding culture.
Rodney Mullen, another skateboarding legend, built upon Gelfand’s innovation in the early 1980s, inventing the flatground ollie and other tricks that further developed street skateboarding[3]. However, the original ollie aerial trick originated with Alan Gelfand in 1978[1].
The ollie has since become a staple in skateboarding competitions and is often used by skaters to showcase their skills and creativity. It is still considered to be the most iconic and essential skateboarding move[6].
The history of skateboarding dates back to the 17th century when roller skates were created as a summer alternative to ice skating[7]. The first skateboards, crude versions made from old roller-skate wheels attached to a board, appeared much later in the early 20th century[2]. The first commercial skateboards appeared in 1959, and skateboarding was initially promoted in the early 1960s as "sidewalk surfing"[5].
The four-wheel board that we know today had its ups and downs, with a resurgence in the 1970s after the advent of urethane wheels, invented by Frank Nasworthy in the late 1960s[4]. These wheels provided skaters with a smoother ride, leading to the development of different types of skateboards, including those with larger wheels for doing tricks[2].
Skateboarding was first used by California surfers in the early 1960s as a means to practice surfing moves on land[8]. The sport quickly gained popularity among the youth of California, and it became a popular pastime in the 1970s, remaining so ever since[9].
Today, it is estimated that there are over 12 million skateboarders worldwide[10]. Skateboarding continues to evolve, with new tricks being invented all the time. From the original ollie to more complex moves like the skateboard dale, invented by Dale Jordan[11], skateboarding remains a popular activity enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.
References: 1. History of Skateboarding 2. The Invention of Polyurethane Wheels 3. Rodney Mullen 4. Frank Nasworthy 5. The First Commercial Skateboards 6. Skateboarding Tricks 7. History of Roller Skates 8. The Early History of Skateboarding 9. The Popularity of Skateboarding 10. Number of Skateboarders Worldwide 11. Dale Jordan
Skateboarding, first used by California surfers in the 1960s, has developed into a lifestyle and sports culture that attracts millions worldwide. Rodney Mullen, another skateboarding legend, further developed street skateboarding in the early 1980s with the invention of the flatground ollie and other tricks.
