It’s time to dive deep into the world of skateboarding! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just curious about the sport, these skateboarding facts and statistics will broaden your knowledge. The skateboarding industry, after a period of decline, is experiencing a resurgence, with popsicle skateboards remaining the most popular choice, and longboarding seeing the fastest growth. So, let’s test your skate knowledge!
Skateboarding statistics and facts overview
The Origins of Skateboarding
The First Skateboard
While the 1940s mark the official appearance of skateboards, some claim to have seen them even earlier. The exact origin of the first skateboard is blurry, as several individuals likely conceived of the idea around the same time. Devices resembling skateboards appeared as early as the 1920s. One notable early example was a three-wheeled metal device designed for ski practice. These devices, paired with poles and adjustable heel cups, were meant for mimicking the motions of skiing. The 1930s saw the introduction of the “Scooter Skate,” a rocket ship-shaped board with three metal wheels, usable with or without a handle but lacking steering capabilities.
Early “Sidewalk Surfers”
During the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, “sidewalk surfers” began their downhill runs on improvised equipment. Kids crafted homemade crate scooters from milk crates or wooden fruit boxes fitted with metal roller skate wheels. Eventually, they removed the crates, giving rise to what we recognize as the first skateboards. In 1959, the Roller Derby Skate Company became the first to mass-produce skateboards, marking a crucial moment in the sport’s history.
The Evolution of Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard wheels have evolved drastically since the early 1900s. Originally, kids repurposed roller skate wheels, attaching them to wooden planks. Early wheels were made of steel, which offered a less than ideal ride with poor traction. A significant breakthrough came in 1972, when Frank Nasworthy introduced polyurethane skateboard wheels, transforming the quality and comfort of skateboarding.
The Birth of the Ollie
The first skateboarding trick, the ollie, is attributed to Alan Gelfand. He discovered how to get his board airborne in a bowl without using his hands. When this trick appeared in skateboard magazines, many considered it a hoax. Rodney Mullen later adapted the ollie for flat ground, paving the way for the rise of street skateboarding.
Surfer Influence on Skateboarding
Contrary to popular belief, surfers did not invent skateboarding. They began to explore skateboarding in the 1960s, contributing significantly to board design and popularizing the sport. Surfers helped to drive innovation, influencing the construction of early skateparks and shaping skateboarding culture. However, as the Museum of Play notes, skateboarding evolved from the milk crate scooters of the 1930s and 40s.
Skateboarding’s Market and Economic Impact
The Most Expensive Skateboards
The most expensive skateboard ever sold is the Louis Vuitton X Supreme skateboard, priced at $59,000. Jeffree Star famously purchased one for his boyfriend, only to have it break after a few tricks. The second most expensive, the Supreme Mundi, sold for $20,000 on eBay. This board, a collection of wheels and trucks on an artist’s palette, was created by British artist Adrian Wilson as a commentary on art world hype.
The Supreme Mundi skateboard
Skateboarding vs Other Sports
Despite its reputation, skateboarding isn’t as dangerous as some might think. You are statistically more likely to be injured while cycling or playing basketball. In 2017, over 98,000 skateboarders in the US visited the ER, while basketball injuries totaled over 435,000. Considering that there are 6 million skateboarders and 26 million basketball players, the injury rates are 1.6% for skateboarding and 2.07% for basketball.
The Most Popular Type of Skateboard
In 2018, popsicle skateboards accounted for 50.7% of all skateboard revenue, making them the most popular type of skateboard.
The U.S. Skateboard Market
The U.S. skateboard market has shown consistent growth. Here’s a breakdown of market value by product type, in millions of U.S. dollars:
| Year | Street | Cruiser | Longboard | Others |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 268.8 | 111.6 | 104.8 | 38.7 |
| 2016 | 273.1 | 110.2 | 105.6 | 34.4 |
| 2017 | 270.8 | 112.5 | 105.6 | 39 |
| 2018 | 270.8 | 114.8 | 107.9 | 39 |
| 2019 | 275.4 | 114.8 | 112.5 | 36.7 |
| 2020 | 277.7 | 121.6 | 114.8 | 39 |
| 2021 | 286.9 | 119.3 | 117.1 | 41.3 |
| 2022 | 296.1 | 126.2 | 117.1 | 43.6 |
| 2023 | 303 | 128.5 | 123.9 | 43.6 |
| 2024 | 312.1 | 135.4 | 128.5 | 45.9 |
| 2025 | 323.6 | 142.3 | 135.4 | 48.2 |
Skateboarding saw a significant surge in 2020.
Skateboarding market trend graph
The Price of Skateboard Decks
Despite general inflation, skateboard deck prices have remained relatively stable for about 30 years due to competition in the industry. However, recent increased demand and limited supply have slightly increased the average price of skateboard decks since 2021.
The Richest Skateboarders
Tony Hawk is the wealthiest skateboarder, with an estimated net worth of between 100 and 120 million dollars.
Skateparks Per Capita
Laredo, Texas, has the most skate parks per resident, with 4.1 parks per 100,000 residents in 2019. Sacramento, CA, follows with 3.2 skateparks per 100,000 residents.
The Strongest Skateboard
The Lithe Slate 3 is considered the strongest skateboard deck, surpassing even Powell Flight decks.
The Largest Skatepark
The GMP Skatepark in Guangzhou, China, is the largest in the world, covering 16,900 square meters (182,000 square feet).
Skateboarding Records and Achievements
The Biggest Spin
In 2019, Mitchie Brusco became the first to land a 1260 at an X Games big air contest.
Highest Air
Danny Way holds the record for the highest air on a skateboard, with a jump of 7.772m (25.49ft) in 2015.
Highest Ollie
Aldrin Garcia holds the official record for the highest ollie, at 114.3 cm (3.9ft), set in 2011. While Jake Hayes and Xavier Alford unofficially beat this record in 2018 with a 45.5 inch (115.57 centimeters) ollie, it’s not recognized by Guinness World Records.
Highest ollie record
Common Skateboarding Injuries
Injuries are a part of skateboarding. Most commonly, they involve the wrist, ankle, or face. Head traumas, while less frequent (3.1%), tend to be more severe. Proper protective gear can prevent most injuries.
Skateboarding’s Popularity
Skateboarding’s popularity has seen its ups and downs, experiencing multiple periods of decline and resurgence. Though search popularity dropped significantly after 2004, the sport made a comeback during the pandemic. Market predictions indicate a 2.1% growth in global revenue over the next five years. The inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics has further boosted its popularity.
Demographics and Culture
Female Skateboarders
According to Grandviewresearch, 23.9% of all skateboarders are female. This statistic includes longboarding and cruiser riders as well.
The Fastest Skateboarder
Kyle Wester holds the record for the fastest speed on a skateboard, reaching 89.41 mph (143.89 kmph) in 2016.
Skateboarding vs. Longboarding
Skateboarding is more popular than longboarding according to Google Trends, but longboard sales are growing faster, partly due to college students buying them for commuting. Many skateboarders also ride longboards, highlighting the diverse ways people engage with wheeled boards.
Pro Skater Earnings
Pro skateboarder earnings vary widely, from $1,000 to $10,000 per month, depending on sponsors and recognition. Shoe brand sponsorships tend to be the most lucrative. Board sponsors pay around $1,500 to $2,500 a month, while wheel and truck companies often pay less. Full sponsorships can bring in $5,000 a month or more, but most pros retire early due to the physical toll of the sport.
Skateboarding as a Market
The global skateboard market was valued at USD 1.94 billion in 2018, including skateboards, longboards, and cruisers. The rising interest in fitness and outdoor activities is contributing to its growth.
Early Skateboarding Media
“The Quarterly Skateboarder,” which debuted in 1964, was the first skateboarding magazine. However, it only ran four issues due to citywide bans on skateboarding due to poor equipment quality. When Frank Nasworthy started Cadillac Wheels and introduced polyurethane wheels, skateboarding became viable again. “Skateboarder” magazine was then resurrected in the early 1970s by Surfer Magazine.
The Importance of Graphics
Graphics play a significant role in skateboard sales. Appealing graphics help increase interest in skateboarding and provide crucial funding for pro skaters and events.
Skateboards in the Military
In the early 1990s, the U.S. military tested skateboards for urban maneuvering in a program called “Urban Warrior ‘99,” although it proved unsuccessful.
The Number of Skateboarders in the U.S.
In 2017, there were approximately 6.44 million skateboarding participants in the U.S., with 1.4 million aged 18 to 24.
Average Spending on Skateboarding
Families spend about $390 annually on skateboarding per child, with $109 going towards equipment. The cost can rise significantly with increased skating frequency and the purchase of quality equipment.
Zumiez: A Major Retailer
Zumiez is the largest skate store, operating 707 stores worldwide in 2018. The company generated $994.7 million in annual revenue in 2018.
The First Skateboard Brand
SoCal Surf Shop was the first skateboard brand, partnering with the Chicago Roller Skate Company for wheels. Santa Cruz, founded in 1973, is the longest-standing skateboard brand.
Barefoot Skating
Skaters used to ride barefoot, especially in the 1960s, when surfers transitioned to skateboarding. Wax or spray adhesive was used for grip.
Skateparks Around the World
There are over 3,500 skateparks worldwide, with over 500 in the U.S.
Global Participation
There are approximately 85 million skateboarders worldwide, with most under the age of 18.
Global skateboarder statistic
The Skate Park Project
Tony Hawk’s The Skate Park Project has built over 652 skateparks, highlighting the skateboarder’s significant contribution to the sport’s infrastructure.
The First Female Pro Skater
Elissa Steamer was the first official female pro skater.
Local Skate Shop Challenges
Local skateboard shops are struggling despite support efforts, with sporting good stores only accounting for 3.1% of skateboard sales.
Popular Skateboarding Video Games
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 is often regarded as the best skateboarding video game.
The First Skatepark
The first skatepark, Surf City, opened in 1965 in Tucson, Arizona, featuring cement obstacles such as empty pools, halfpipes, and full pipes.
The First Halfpipe
Tom Stewart built the first halfpipe in Encinitas, North San Diego County, inspired by the water pipes he used to skate.
Protective Gear Use
Only about 40% of skateboarders wear protective gear, despite its importance in preventing injuries.
Longest Grind
Jagger Eaton holds the record for the longest 50-50 grind, at 62.1792 meters/204 feet, achieved in 2016. Luis De Los Reyes (aka Moose) unofficially broke this record with a 292-foot grind on a curb.
Most Stairs Ollied
Aaron “Jaws” Homoki holds the record for the most stairs ollied, landing a 25-stair jump in Lyon, France.
The First Skateboard Shoe
The Randolph Rubber Company invented the first skateboard shoe, the “Randy 720,” in 1965. Vans followed in 1966, gaining immense popularity and introducing the threaded grippy sole.
The Pioneer of Modern Skateboarding
Tony Alva is considered a pioneer of skateboarding, transitioning from surfing and becoming a leading member of the Z-boys skate crew.
The First Fish-eye Lens
Warren Bolster was among the first to use fish-eye lenses for skateboarding photography.
Tas Pappas
Tas Pappas, an Australian skater, defeated Tony Hawk multiple times and was once considered among the best in the world.
Largest Monetary Prize
Street League Skateboarding has the largest total prize in skateboarding history, at 1.6 million U.S. dollars in 2011.
Skateboard Suppliers
North America is the largest skateboard supplier, with 28% of the market share. Europe is the second-largest consumer.
Skatepark Economic Impact
Skateparks have a positive economic impact on surrounding areas, attracting families and boosting local businesses.
Older Skaters
The demographics of skateboarders are changing, with the percentage of participants aged 12 to 17 dropping from 71% in 2006 to 45% today.
Skateboarding’s Resurgence
Skateboarding experienced a new golden age following the pandemic, and the introduction of skateboarding to the Olympics has further increased its popularity.
Longboarding Growth
Longboarding is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 3.8% from 2019 to 2025.
UK Skateboarders
The UK has around 104,000 monthly skateboarders, up from 54,000 before the pandemic.
Skateboarding on TikTok
Skateboarding is popular on TikTok, with approximately 11 billion searches for the term ‘skateboarding’ in 2021.
“Sidewalk Surfers”
Early skateboarders were called “sidewalk surfers,” reflecting the sport’s origins in surfing.
Skateboarding Style
The style associated with skateboarding is a blend of New York hip-hop and California surf culture.
Vans and Single Shoes
Vans used to sell single skate shoes to accommodate the wear on the front shoe.
Youth Participation
60% of skateboarders are under 15 years old.
Most Popular Grip Tape
Mob is currently the best-selling grip tape brand in the US, with Shake Junt surpassing Jessup in sales.
Skateboarding Popularity
Skateboarding ranks as the sixth most popular sport globally.
Street Skateboarding Dominance
Street skateboarding accounts for 63% of skateboarding participation.
Skateboarding Injuries
An estimated 800,000 skateboarders visit the doctor each year due to injuries.
Skateboard Ownership
Approximately 8 million people in the U.S. own a skateboard.
The First Skateboard Graphics
Jim Muir and Wes Humpton (Dowtown) created the first graphics applied to skateboards.
The Kickflip
Rodney Mullen invented the kickflip, among many other flat ground tricks.
Teenager’s Contribution
Teenagers accounted for 44.1% of skateboarding-related revenue in 2019.
U.S. Popularity
Skateboarding is the third most popular sport in America, with basketball and football ranking first and second.
Bowl Skating’s Origins
Bowl skateboarding originated in Southern California during a drought, where skaters used drained swimming pools.
Skateboarding in the Olympics
Skateboarding became an Olympic sport in 2021, making its debut in Tokyo with both street and park competitions.
Infinite Tricks
There’s no definitive list of skateboard tricks, as new ones are constantly being invented.
The Longest Ollie
Jordan Hoffart holds the record for the longest unassisted ollie on flat ground, covering 16 feet and 6 inches (1 meter and 98 centimeters).
Conclusion
Skateboarding is an ever-evolving activity that has a rich and complex history. From its humble origins to its current status as a global sport and lifestyle, it continues to fascinate and inspire. Whether you’re a seasoned rider, an aspiring beginner, or just a curious observer, there’s always more to learn about the world of skateboarding. We hope this compilation of skateboarding facts and statistics has been enlightening and enjoyable! Keep pushing, keep learning, and keep the stoke alive!
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our post on the best skateboard videos.
References
- https://www.statista.com/
- https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/
- https://www.museumofplay.org/
- https://www.marketwatch.com/
- https://www.grandviewresearch.com/
- https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/
- Brooke M. The concrete wave: the history of skateboarding. Toronto: Warwick Publications; 1999.
- https://oursportinglife.co.uk/skateboarding-statistics-uk/
- https://www.rospa.com/play-safety/advice/skateboarding
