Imagine the thrill of gliding down a paved hill, executing smooth slides and turns with effortless grace. If that image resonates with you, then delving into the history of longboarding will be a captivating experience. Longboarding is more than just a pastime; it’s a culture, a sport, and a mode of transportation, but where did this all begin? This article will explore the origins and evolution of longboarding, from its humble beginnings to the diverse discipline we know today.
The narrative of longboarding’s history is multifaceted, with various accounts of its origin. While there are some different stories, the most widely accepted version is that longboarding evolved from skateboarding. Over the years, longboard designs have transformed dramatically to enhance safety and performance, giving rise to different styles and riding experiences.
skateboards and longboards from different eras
Skateboarding’s Precedence Over Longboarding
Although skateboarding and longboarding might appear similar, particularly to those unfamiliar with either sport, they are distinct disciplines. The key difference lies in their history and development.
In the early 1950s, surfers, seeking to replicate their wave-riding experience on land, pioneered the idea of “sidewalk surfing.” This involved using shorter surfboards with metal wheels lacking bearings. Skateboarding gained popularity in the late 1950s. The booming US economy after WWII also influenced the toy industry, leading manufacturers to notice the potential of boards with wheels. In 1959, Roller Derby introduced the first official skateboard with crucial mechanical enhancements.
Longboarding emerged around the same time, roughly in 1959, when Hawaiian surfers developed a modified form of surfing on elongated boards with wheels. The weather in Hawaii was the driving factor behind this adaptation. The inconsistent surfing conditions prompted them to seek an alternative practice method. Longboards provided the solution, enabling surfers to enjoy the feeling of riding even when the waves weren’t ideal.
In essence, the continuous surfing desire led to the creation of skateboards, which were later modified into longboards. Therefore, skateboarding came first, with longboarding emerging as an adaptation of the original skateboard design.
The Pioneers of Longboard Design
The 1950s marked the initial introduction of longboards to the market, with Preston Nichols being one of the early figures. In the beginning, skaters made their boards by attaching roller skate wheels to wooden planks, a practice known as Sidewalk Surfing.
In 1959, companies like Makaha, Jack’s, and Hobie stepped in as the first commercial distributors, producing and making manufactured longboards readily available. These early longboards were relatively rudimentary in terms of design and safety. They originally used metal wheels, which were later replaced with clay wheels to improve safety.
The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Longboarding’s Popularity
Longboarding’s popularity initially peaked in the late 1950s and early 1960s. However, by 1965, its appeal had waned significantly. This decline can be attributed to the poor design and manufacturing techniques of the time, leading to safety concerns. The inherent instability of early boards resulted in injuries, leading to a drop in popularity due to parents discouraging participation.
Longboarding experienced a resurgence in 1972, thanks to Frank Nasworthy and the Cadillac Wheel Company’s introduction of urethane wheels. Urethane wheels were a major improvement, allowing skaters to achieve speeds that were previously impossible. They were more durable and adaptable, which led to higher speeds and versatility. However, this resurgence was short-lived. The rise in insurance costs and litigation led to the closure of many skate parks in the early 1980s, which resulted in another decline in the popularity of longboarding.
The 1990s: A New Era for Longboarding
The early 1990s saw a resurgence in longboarding’s popularity due to Tony Hawk and other celebrity skateboarders popularizing skating. The popularity of snowboarding also played a crucial role in this revival. Many snowboarders turned to longboarding during the spring and summer months, when snow was unavailable.
Despite the rise of street skating, longboarding continued to thrive. “Sector 9” became one of the first longboard manufacturers to mass-produce and sell boards to the public. A significant technical advancement in the 1990s was the development of reverse kingpin trucks. This design enhanced board stability and overall performance.
The 1990s were a transformative era for longboarding, leading to the emergence of various riding styles. The exchange of ideas through the internet forums resulted in a wider variety of longboard designs. Since then, longboarding has grown into a major sport, encompassing disciplines such as downhill racing, and even being featured in events like the X Games and the World Cup.
Exploring Different Longboarding Styles
Longboarding is an evolution of skateboarding, drawing its inspiration from the art of surfing. Longboarding has a unique culture, complete with its own set of traditions and terminology.
Cruising and Carving
Cruising and carving are among the most popular and accessible forms of longboarding. They are a natural adaptation of the original skateboarding style, with subtle adjustments to accommodate the differences in board design. Cruising is characterized by a relaxed and flowing ride, perfect for leisurely travel or exploring urban landscapes. Carving involves making a series of S-shaped turns to generate and maintain momentum, reminiscent of surfing. These styles prioritize control and shock absorption and are often performed on medium-length decks with wide, softer wheels and trucks that are the same width as the deck.
Longboard Dancing
Longboard dancing, or freestyle, emerged in the early 2000s when skateboarders Adam Colton and Adam Stokowski combined fluid footwork and tricks into their riding style. The style draws from surfing techniques like board walking. Colton’s film work with Loaded Boards and Orangatang Wheels helped revolutionize the longboard film scene. His smooth movements, quick steps, and incredible balance propelled longboard dancing into a recognized discipline. Stokowski, Colton’s skating partner, focused more on freestyle, executing old-school flip tricks and balancing maneuvers. Together, they redefined longboard dancing. This style is generally practiced on flat surfaces and at slower speeds, allowing the rider greater control. Dancers prefer larger decks to provide more space for footwork, as well as boards with more flex, combined with carving-friendly trucks and wheels. Longboard dancing is an approachable style for beginners, offering a friendly path to developing balance and carving skills, without the need for extreme tricks, making it accessible for many riders.
Downhill Longboarding
Downhill longboarding is the most extreme form of longboarding, typically reserved for experienced riders. It involves riding downhill at high speeds on steep slopes and around tight corners. Downhill racing has become increasingly popular among adventurous longboarders. Due to the high-risk nature of this style, downhill riders must wear protective gear, such as full-face helmets, gloves, knee pads, and shin guards. Downhill decks are typically rigid with a short to medium wheelbase, featuring drop-through, drop-platform, or top-mount setups.
Slalom Longboarding
Slalom longboarding involves weaving in and out of obstacles while maintaining speed. In competitive slalom, cones are used to create a course. However, casual riders may practice slalom on city sidewalks. Slalom gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s before experiencing a resurgence in the 2000s. Early slalom racers included Henry Hester, Bobby Piercy, and John Hutson. Slalom boards usually have a deck length between 36″ and 40″, combined with soft wheels for enhanced carving grip and control. Grip and traction are critical in slalom, necessitating wheels that provide reliable performance and stability.
The Evolution of Longboard Design
Early longboards were constructed with basic materials like metal wheels and fiberglass decks. Many were homemade contraptions created by attaching roller skate wheels to wood planks. These early boards were unsafe, contributing to the sport’s decline in popularity due to safety concerns.
Improvements in Design
Manufacturers eventually switched from metal to wooden decks. Metal wheels were replaced with clay and then with polyurethane wheels, thanks to Frank Nasworthy in 1972. Polyurethane wheels are significantly more durable, offering improved grip, and allowing for greater speed and control. Manufacturers also designed trucks that provided greater space for better turning.
The Innovation of the Reverse Kingpin Truck
The reverse kingpin truck, introduced during the 1990s, revolutionized the longboard industry. With the kingpin positioned on either side of the axle, this design enhances turning capabilities, and also increases stability and control.
Longboarding in the Modern Age
The internet has facilitated better connections among longboarders, with online communities and resources. Modern technology has led to significant advancements in deck materials. Today, we use carbon fiber, bamboo, foam, and fiberglass to create flexible and durable boards. Components like precision trucks also allow riders to fine-tune their setups to their specific riding style. Recent technological advances have also led to the development of electric skateboards, providing a new method of transportation.
Conclusion
While street skating remains the most widely known and popular style of skating, longboarding holds a unique place in the world of action sports. Both disciplines are distinct with their own purposes. Longboarding evolved from skateboarding, adapting and transforming through several distinct phases, driven by the desire to translate the sensation of surfing onto land. Now that you’ve explored the history of longboarding, you have a greater appreciation for how this thrilling sport came to be.
