SKATEBOARDIN
G
TH
E E
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L UT
I ON
By: Mason Gland
WHAT THE TREND IS
A mode of transportation primarily, but one that creates a culture to surround it. The current big thing is skateboarding. Skateboarding is much more than just a way to get around to a lot of people. It’s a sport, a hobby, and a way of life. It’s different than other sports because it’s very individualistic, which attracts many people.
SKATEBOARDING HISTORY
Skateboarding was created when surfers attached roller-skate wheels to a 2x4 piece
of wood with a box on top. It was mainly used as a warm up before surfing or just
something fun to do afterwards.
Skateboarding progressively got more and
more popular, and eventually skate shops
started to open and manufacture
skateboards. This would start the
evolution of the skateboard.
SKATEBOARD SHAPE EVOLUTION
Early 50’s skateboard Mid 70’s skateboard Modern day skateboard
EXAMPLES OF SKATEBOARD PROGRESSIONEarly 70’s skateboarding: http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwrmVIYHBGY
2010 skateboarding: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOC3sQkJvGs
BUT WHAT WAS BEFORE SKATEBOARDS?
Another trend, set in 70’s, was the roller skate.
ROLLER SKATE HISTORY
Even though the first pair of roller skates were patented in 1760, the roller skate didn’t become popular for many years. It reached it’s peak of popularity in 70’s, during the age of disco.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDrNNeF3PNQ
BEFORE ROLLERBLADES?
Soap box racers!
SOAPBOX HISTORY
Since the beginning of the twentieth century, soap box derbies have been a popular hobby. In 1933, a photographer named Myron Scott organized a race for 19 boys. The event got so much attention that when Myron organized a second event, 362 kids showed up with soapbox cars ready to go. Since then, countless box car derbies have been done all across the world.
NEXT PHASE OF TREND
I feel like the next fad that will pop up in this trend would be streetboarding.
WHAT IS STREETBOARDING?
A streetboard is similar to a skateboard, but borrows elements from snowboarding. The rider is strapped onto the board, so he must use his shoulders to generate momentum instead of pushing.
Example video: How to streetboard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK4Wy-Kfiw0
http://www.hawaiiangunrack.com/skeesk8back.jpg
http://www.vonweirdos.com/files/skateboards/plastic/green%20plastic/dscf2179.jpg
http://www.radicalskatekids.com/images/skatehistory/1940s/1947fruitcratescooter.jpeg
http://www.skateboardingskateboards.com/skateboarding-history
/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_skates
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soap_Box_Derby