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skateboard
The first known skateboard type product is a three-wheeled, stamped metal device with pedal-car like wheels, and an adjustable heel cup and toe clip. Usually sold in pairs with a set of poles, it is apparently designed to mimic cross-country skiing. It has a 3" by 10" riding surface, and no steering mechanism. -
skateboard
Another three-wheeled device, the "Scooter Skate" is a skateboard/scooter hybrid; it can be ridden with its included handle or without. The bulbous rocket-ship style metal deck has a riding surface of 6 1/2" by 13", with steel roller-skate style wheels. There is no turning or steering mechanism -
skateboard
four-wheeled device made from aluminum, the "Skeeter Skate" is created around 1945. With a 4 3/8" by 15 3/4" riding surface, this scooter comes with a removable handle and pedal-car style wheels. This device introduces a unique innovation, the first steering axles, or "trucks," which allow riders to turn for the first time -
skateboard
Jim Fitzpatrick and his friends, at the suggestion from his dad's friend "Buster" Wilson, nails rollerskate trucks onto scrap 2' x 4' wood planks to make homemade skateboards. This begins a life-long love of skateboarding for Jim -
skateboard
The early 1960s bring the introduction of the first manufactured skateboards. The following are some of the popular mainstream skateboard designs from the 1960s: Scooter Skate (three-wheeler), Roller Derby, Skee Skate, Sokol SurfSkate, Nash Sidewalk Surfer, Sincor, and Super Surfer. Gren Tec, Hang Ten, and California Free Former join the mass-production skateboard market in the 1970s -
skateboard
Larry Stevenson designs and manufactures the first professional skateboards, which will later become the Makaha brand. Larry and his wife, Helen, initially work from their garage building and shipping boards. Surf legend, Mike Doyle later works with Larry in developing future board designs. The Makaha Phil Edwards (another legendary surfer) model is the first pro model skateboard ever produced -
skateboard
Working with Bill Richards at Val Surf, surf legend Hobie Alter introduces the Hobie Super Surfer skateboard. Surf legend, Charles "Corky" Carroll III is also involved with Hobie in developing its products. Hobie Alter later teams up with the Vita Pakt juice company to create Hobie Skateboards. Hobie's early team riders are Skitch Hitchcock, Danny Bearer, "Woody" Woodward, Pat McGee, John Freis, Joey Cabell, and Davey and Stevie Hilton
