Skateboarding has come a long way since it first gained mainstream popularity in the 1980s, thanks in part to movies like Thrashin' and Back to the Future. Skateboarding was no longer just a pastime for surfers; it had become a bona fide cultural movement. Skateboards became longer and wider, and skateboarders began performing more complicated tricks, fueled by the adrenaline rush of competition.
In the 80s, skateboarding was characterized by a few key elements. The biggest change from the earlier days of skateboarding was the introduction of the so-called half-pipe - an elevated ramp that allowed skaters to gain greater air and execute more complex tricks. Skateboarders wore loose-fitting jeans and oversized t-shirts, and many competed in competitions like the X Games or Warped Tour.
This period in skateboarding history is often referred to as the Golden Age, and for good reason. Skateboarders like Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, and Christian Hosoi became household names, and their trick videos were watched by millions of viewers. Many of the tricks invented during this era, like the 900 (a two-and-a-half spin), are still considered iconic to this day.
But by the late 90s, skateboarding had entered a kind of dark age. The economy was sluggish, and skateboarding companies were struggling to stay afloat. Many skaters had moved on to other hobbies, and the sport wasn't receiving the same level of mainstream attention it once had. While there were still dedicated skateboarders who continued to push the limits of the sport, they were largely unseen by the wider world.
This all changed in the early 2000s. Thanks in large part to the rise of the internet, skateboarding culture began to re-emerge. Skaters could now share videos of their tricks on YouTube or social media, and skateboarding websites like Thrasher and The Berrics became must-reads for anyone interested in the sport. Skateboarding companies began to thrive once again, and new stars like Ryan Sheckler and Bam Margera emerged.
At the same time, however, skateboarding culture began to splinter. The skaters who had helped make the sport famous in the 80s and 90s began to feel somewhat alienated by the changes taking place. Many of them felt like the sport was becoming too commercialized and losing its renegade spirit. This led to the rise of alternative scenes, particularly in major cities where skaters could congregate and perform tricks in public spaces.
Today, skateboarding is a thriving global phenomenon. Skateparks have sprung up all over the world, and the culture of skateboarding has expanded to include everything from fashion to music to art. Skateboarders are pushing the limits of their sport in new and exciting ways, with tricks that would have been unimaginable 20 years ago.
One of the most significant changes in recent years has been the evolution of skateboard design. While traditional wooden boards are still popular, many skateboarders now ride decks made of alternative materials like carbon fiber or bamboo. These high-tech boards are often lighter and more resilient than traditional wood boards, making them ideal for competition. Skateboarding shoes have also undergone significant changes, with features like reinforced stitching and extra padding to better support skateboarders' feet and ankles.
Another important change in skateboarding culture has been the increasing visibility of female skateboarders. In the past, the sport was largely dominated by men. However, in recent years, women have begun to gain more recognition and opportunities in the skateboarding world. Champion female skateboarders like Leticia Bufoni and Nora Vasconcellos have become household names, and major competitions now offer events for both men and women.
Today, skateboarding is no longer just a sport or a hobby. It's a way of life - a culture that spans the globe and embraces a wide range of influences and styles. It's a sport that has inspired artists, musicians, and filmmakers, and it continues to evolve and change with the times. Skateboarding has truly come a long way since those early days of the 80s. Who knows where it will go next?