Skateboard Decks, Complete, and Wheels
Welcome to SkateShack.com! We are dedicated to providing information on everything skateboarding. From skateboard decks to complete boards to wheels we have information on it all. Skate boarding has become an extremely popular sport at it is important to understand all the items that are available for purchase. SkateShack.com does not promote any one product or method. We simply wish to provide enough information for you to make the best choice in skate ware and hardware out there. Because we are a purely informational source we update our site often to provide you with the latest information regarding skate equipment. Feel free to explore our site and come back often!
Skateboarding originated sometime in the late 1940’s or early 50’s. No one can be pinned with the invention of the first complete board; however, numerous people were seen with complete decks around this time. The first decks were actually wooden boxes or sole boards that had roller skate wheels attached to the bottom. The boxes eventually turned into planks of wood, which turned into the skateboard decks of today. Skateboarding was developed as a way for surfers to surf on land when waves were low or the weather over the water was harsh. Because of this skateboarding was first called sidewalk surfing. The first manufactured skateboard decks were ordered in 1956 to a Los Angeles surf shop. These decks were simple planks painted with intricate designs. In the 1960’s many different surfboard manufacturers started producing boards designed like miniature surfboards. By the end of the 60’s there were numerous companies dedicated to manufacturing complete skateboard decks, roller skate styled wheels included.
In the early 1970’s a new wheel was developed strictly designed for skateboarding. The wheel was made of pure polyurethane which improved traction and performance immensely. Immediately after these wheels were placed on the market they became a huge success. Many skateboard companies designed similar wheels and skateboards all over the nation replaced roller blade skate wheels with skateboard wheels. Additionally in the 1970’s a skateboard production company began to manufacture skate trucks that attached the wheels to the decks of the board making them more maneuverable. These trucks also gave skater more control over the board enabling to perform tricks and complex movements. Manufacturers began experimenting with materials to compile decks out of other then wood. In the late 1970’s substances like fiberglass, aluminum and even plastic were manufactured .
It was in this era that skateboarding became extremely popular in the western United States. In 1976 the first skate team, called the Z-Boys, was formed in southern California. The team began using empty swimming pools as ramps that enabled them to perform tricks and helped them to gain speed. With this incline skaters were able to skate faster and perform more intense tricks in the air. The Z-Boys began the free style skate movement and skate boarding became extremely popular across the United States. Skate parks designed to mock empty pool walls appeared across the nation. In addition many ramps were formed in these parks to create an intensified trick effect.
Skateboards of today are mainly designed for street skating. The average board is between 7-8 inches wide and 30-32 inches long. Wheels are still made from the same polyurethane; however there are many different categories based off the density of the wheel. Wheels are also relatively smaller, making the boards lighter and easier to maneuver. Many skate parks still exist all over the country however the craze of skateboarding has been less intense over the last decade.