Check out this timeline of how skateboarding has changed over the past 60 years and what there is now in truck and deck design!

1950s/1960s

1. skateboards first created from scooters
2. wheels from old roller skates, very stiff
3. boards made of plywood
4. first trucks invented with manoeuvrability
5. skaters known as “sidewalk surfers”
6. some cities ban skateboarding from public places

1970s

1. kicktail invented so tricks could be attempted
2. urethane wheel – a MAJOR breakthrough – more traction, more speed
3. empty swimming pools and cylindrical pipes used for tricks and practice
4. concrete skateparks begin to open
5. late 1970s, skateboarding popularity reduced, skateparks close

1980s

1. skateboarders start to build do-it-yourself ramps
2. tricks begin on hand rails and walls
3. street skating becomes popular
4. baggy clothing and retro tennis shoes are fashion choices
5. hard-edge punk music popular among skaters
6. MAJOR invention of the trick known as the “ollie”, a no-handed aerial lift, now the foundation of 80% of street tricks and 60% of vert tricks
7. more technical tricks develop to push limits

1990s

1. skateboarding becomes more mainstream
2. big sports networks host events for millions of television viewers
3. small boards and tiny wheels

2000s

1. wheel diameters larger
2. deck widths continue to grow
3. longboards gain popularity for cruising and as transport
4. downhill skateboarding popular thanks to street luge being more visible
5. skaters well-known, considered athletes
6. competitions are fierce

2010s

1. trucks are invented with optimal manoeuvrability for specific tricks
2. skaters now have more than one board for more than one purpose
3. big prize money available for top skaters
4. decks sometimes have other materials inserted into the wood, such as Kevlar.

What else will come?