Predicting the future of skateboarding 100 years from now is a daunting task. It’s far more challenging than forecasting trends for next year or even the next two decades. A century encompasses vast changes in technology, culture, and societal values, making any prediction inherently speculative. However, at LongBoards Guide, we embrace the challenge. Here’s our take on what the skateboarding landscape might look like in 2122.
A collage of futuristic skateboards and skateboarders
The Rise of Virtual Skateboarding
As eSports continue to gain momentum, virtual skateboarding will likely eclipse its physical counterpart. Skater XL is already pioneering this shift by hosting virtual competitions like the Virtual Tampa Pro. This trend will undoubtedly expand, potentially leading to Virtual Street Leagues, Virtual Battle at the Berrics, and even a Virtual Dime Glory Challenge, where virtual skaters compete in digital environments. Physical skateboarding could become a niche activity, similar to fingerboarding today, only experiencing a surge in interest every four years during the Olympics.
Skate Shops: Relics of the Past
The decline in popularity of physical skateboarding will dramatically impact skate shops. They will likely transition from thriving boutiques to novelty stores, selling skateboarding memorabilia alongside other curiosities. The need for skate shops in every city will diminish, mirroring the lack of specialty shops for niche sports like bobsledding or curling. While this may be disappointing for some, the silver lining is that you’ll no longer have to worry about being judged by condescending shop employees.
A futuristic skate shop selling vintage skateboards and equipment
Hoverboards: Still a Fantasy
Despite persistent fantasies, hoverboards are unlikely to become a reality in the next 100 years. If flying cars and jetpacks aren’t commonplace in 2022, then levitating skateboards in 2122 are improbable. The logistics of managing airborne traffic involving people, boards, and vehicles is simply too complex. However, this won’t stop the emergence of skateboarding alternatives, like the one-wheel and boosted boards we see today. This will ensure that traditional skaters will always have a group of ‘dorks’ to poke fun at.
The Vert Revival
As street skateboarding becomes overly saturated with every trick having been done before (ABD), the skateboarding community in 2122 will be yearning for something new. A renewed interest in vert skating will arise, fueled by the rediscovery of a digital copy of The Search For Animal Chin on an old iPhone. This rediscovery will introduce a new generation to vert skating, sparking a renewed competition to master the 900, which may have a new name like “the big ass spin in partnership with Meta™”.
A vintage photo of a skateboarder performing a trick on a vert ramp
Asymmetrical Fashion
By 2122, fashion trends will have gone through countless cycles of baggy and tight fits. Pant manufacturers may settle on a unique style featuring one baggy leg and one skinny leg. While this might seem strange today, history is filled with seemingly absurd fashion trends, such as monocles and oversized hats, which were once considered fashionable.
Helmet Culture
Scientific studies on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) will reveal the prevalence of brain injuries among skateboarders. This revelation will prompt companies like Red Bull to develop protective gear, such as a Helmet Beanie. This hybrid beanie-helmet will be widely adopted, prioritizing safety over style. While this may mark the end of ‘stylish’ skateboarding, it will reduce the risk of serious brain injuries.
A skateboarder wearing a futuristic helmet beanie
The Vlog Era
Skate videos in 2122 will mainly consist of vlogs, focusing on skaters reviewing products and sharing their daily experiences. Think of a vlogger cruising around, reviewing the latest Cariuma shoes. This is where the skate video is headed.
The Erasure of the Past
Over the next century, skateboarding will be fully absorbed into the mainstream. This may lead to its eventual inclusion in middle school curricula, similar to other historical topics. The sanitized version of skateboarding history taught in classrooms will exclude some of the grittier aspects of the sport, potentially overlooking legendary figures and brands in favor of more palatable ones. This will result in many crucial aspects of skate culture becoming forgotten.
Ultimately, the future of skateboarding is uncertain. However, by analyzing current trends and exploring possibilities, we can paint a picture of what the sport might look like in 2122. We encourage you to set your reminders and return here in a century to see how accurate these predictions turn out.
