Skateboards have been around in 1 way or another since the 1930s. Initially they were homemade contraptions made by children using roller skate wheels and pieces of wood. Next came skateboard kits including wheels and vans that could be mounted onto boards. Around 1960 we see the 1st absolutely assembled skateboard on the market. They originated out of the California surf culture and at first looked very much like surfboards on land. Nowadays many folks collect vintage skateboards to both use and display.
Over the years since they were first introduced there have been many enhancements to the designs and materials used to produce skateboards. The 1st skateboard wheels were made from either metal or clay. While skateboard manufacturers made some enhancements by experimenting with different widths and materials the biggest 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 fans.
Another big change in the design of vintage skateboards was the movement from wood to fiberglass and composite decks. Fiberglass proved to be a way more flexible and sturdy surface for skating than wood ever was. Fiberglass or fiberglass and wood laminated boards allows for the development of all sorts of new skateboard maneuvers that truly pushed the game forward. Skaters were now able to put more weight on certain areas of the skateboard without worrying about breaking it.
There are many different makers who became known for their contribution to the development of skateboards. Roller Derby was one of the first manufactures of fully assembled skateboards. Many of their early designs were inspired by the feel and appear of surfboards. Hang 10 produced a popular kind 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 elements for glorious performance. Find vintage skateboards on sale here.