Skateboards have been around in one way or another since the 1930s. At first they were homemade contraptions manufactured by children using roller skate wheels and pieces of wood. Next came skateboard kits which included wheels and vans that could be mounted onto boards. Around 1960 we see the 1st completely assembled skateboard on the market. They originated out of the California surf culture and at first looked much like surfboards on land. Nowadays many of us collect vintage skateboards to both use and display.

Over the years since they were first introduced there were many enhancements to the designs and materials used to provide skateboards. The first skateboard wheels were made from either metal or clay. While skateboard manufacturers made some enhancements by fiddling with different widths and materials the biggest development in skateboard wheels came in the 1970s with the advent of urethane wheels. These wheels brought much more interest to skateboarding and produced many new skateboard enthusiasts.

Another big change in the design of vintage skateboards was the movement from wood to fiberglass and composite decks. Fiberglass proved to be a way more flexible and durable surface for skating than wood ever was. Fiberglass or fiberglass and wood laminated boards allows for the development of all kinds of new skateboard maneuvers that actually pushed the game forward. Skaters were now able to put more weight on selected areas of the skateboard without caring about breaking it.

There are many different makers who became feted for their contribution to the development of skateboards. Roller Derby was one of the first manufactures of fully assembled skateboards. Lots of their early designs were inspired by the look and feel of surfboards. Hang ten produced a popular sort of skateboard which was made of aluminum and featured aluminum wheels. The surfboard manufacturer Hobie even had its own surfboards including top of the tine parts for wonderful performance. Locate vintage skateboards on sale here.