skateboarding

Skateboarding is an action sport in which a person uses a skateboard to travel, perform tricks, and navigate urban and recreational environments. A typical setup consists of a wooden deck mounted with movable trucks and polyurethane wheels, ridden on various surfaces from sidewalks to ramps.

Origins trace to Southern California in the 1940s and 1950s as surfers sought a land-based version of riding waves. Early boards were improvised with roller skates or metal parts. The 1960s introduced proper skateboard construction, and the 1970s popularized urethane wheels, concave decks, and purpose-built skateparks.

Modern skateboarding uses a standard deck made of laminated maple, trucks that attach to the underside, and four wheels. Grip tape provides foot traction. Bearings enable wheel rotation. Riders may use protective gear such as helmets, knee and elbow pads. Styles include street, park, and longboarding for transportation.

Common tricks include the ollie, kickflip and heelflip, flips and grinds, slides, and manuals. Mastery combines balance, timing, footwork, and board control. Ramps, rails, and ledges create opportunities for variety, while street skating emphasizes adapting to urban features and improvisation.

Skateboarding has developed into a global community with competitions, sponsorships, and a distinct culture. It emphasizes safety, skill progression, and accessibility, contributing to public infrastructure and youth programming. Major competitive events include street-focused formats and park events organized by leagues and federations.