Checkout these mind-blowing skateboarding fun facts. Dive into skateboarding’s outrageous history, facts, records, and trivia.
Published on: October 19, 2023
Throughout our grinding, ollies, and kickflips, we’ve all had moments where skateboarding blew our minds. But today, I’ve got something that’s going to rock your skate world even more! I’ve dug deep, beyond the decks and grip tapes, to bring you this list of crazy skateboarding fun facts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a newbie just starting out, or someone who just appreciates the art of four wheels and a plank, these tidbits are gonna make you go, ‘No way, dude!’
Did you know about these skateboarding fun facts?
Every time you step on your deck, you’re partaking in a tradition with some truly unexpected and sometimes down-right bizarre context. So, how about we plunge into the madness of five “did you know?” gems of skateboarding trivia?
1. Norway’s criminal skateboarders
Bet you didn’t think skateboarding could land you in the slammer. But from 1978 to 1989, Norway had a straight-up ban on skateboarding due to the number of injuries reported. Landing a kickflip meant facing the real risk of an actual arrest as committed skaters smuggled boards from England.
“Eager shredders risked serious trouble solely to grind, flip, and trick their way across Norwegian concrete.”
Eager shredders risked serious trouble solely to grind, flip, and trick their way across Norwegian concrete. Their passion only reaffirms the intense bond we skaters form with this incredible sport, proving that even laws can’t stop us from chasing that feeling of landing a killer trick.
2. The military power of skateboarding
The versatility of skateboarding goes beyond the parks and streets. In the early nineties, the U.S. military actually experimented with skateboards during the “Urban Warrior ’99” program. The idea was to use them for maneuvering swiftly within buildings and urban settings.
Isn’t it mind-blowing to realize the same deck we thrash around street corners was once considered for war tactics? This also showcases that the skills we skaters acquire – balance, agility, and quick reflexes – are not just for kicks; they have superior, real-world utility.
3. Tony Hawk’s IQ and tricks
Tony Hawk isn’t just the guy of which we’ve all played the video game. Hawk has an IQ of 144, adding “genius” to his reputation. As if that’s not impressive enough, the Birdman invented over one hundred tricks, a record not officially registered, but we all know it’s true.
Tony Hawk is a testament to the combination of brains and board skills, a colossal figure not only for skateboarding but for sport as a whole. And did we mention that he was bullied for more of his early life for his passion? Dig a bit deeper into Tony Hawk’s life and legacy on our blog.
4. The golden age of skateboarding
In 2001, skateboarding briefly surpassed the American pastime sport, baseball, in popularity by two million people. It’s a reminder that skateboarding isn’t some niche subculture; it’s a major player in the world of sports and physical exercise.
This increase in popularity had a massive ripple effect on the skateboarding community, leading to a boom in skate park creation and further innovations in the dynamics of the sport. Even though the popularity diminished, the impacts are visible in the skateboarding scene today.
5. The evolution of the skateboard
The first skateboards were, in essence, scooters. Over time, they transformed into the magnificent pieces of engineering we shred today. Looking at the past and seeing where we are now can make us really appreciate our modern boards.
It’s humbling to think about the origins of our sport and the transformation it has undergone. Moreover, it makes you wonder, where will we take skateboarding in the future? One thing’s for sure: whether we’re just grinding down rails or flipping a board on Mars, as long as it’s got wheels and grip tape, count us in!
6. The multi-million dollar skateboard
Imagine shredding a halfpipe on a $59,000 skateboard. Louis Vuitton and Supreme came together to produce the world’s most expensive skateboard. Unfortunately, when Jeffree Star bought this skateboard as a gift for his boyfriend, the deck broke in just a few trick attempts.
This story serves as a reminder that a higher price doesn’t always translate to higher quality in the world of skateboarding. It’s not about the price tag. It’s about how well a skateboard rides, responds and ultimately suits your style of skateboarding.
7. The skatepark mecca in China
The largest skate park in the world is not where you might expect. It’s actually in China and spans a whopping 182,000 square feet as part of a massive sports complex situated near a university.
Why not consider a skateboarding pilgrimage to check out this killer park? After all, part of the skateboarding experience is exploring new places, meeting new skaters, and getting a taste of different park layouts and street spots.
8. The coolest commute ever in New Zealand
The longest journey ever completed on a skateboard was by Rob Thompson in New Zealand, who traveled a massive 755 miles. To put it in perspective, that’s essentially cruising from coast to coast of mainland U.S. twice!
Next time, you might consider commuting through your city on a board. Skateboarding isn’t just for tricks and parks; it’s also a pretty solid choice for transportation, and as Rob’s story proves, it can take you unbelievably long distances.
9. Record-breaking creation of skateparks
In a truly amazing feat, Chris Haslam, Mark Appleyard, and Ryan Disenzo skated 31 different parks in a single day! That record was subsequently annihilated by Matt Khalida, who visited a brain-frying 53 skateparks in the same time frame!
These achievements show the unquenchable thirst for variety in locations that some skaters possess. Street, park, vert – each provides a different terrain, a different canvas on which we practice our art.
10. The power of a vegan skateboarder
One of the top skateboarders of today, Nyjah Huston, had a strict upbringing. He was raised on a vegan diet and was only permitted to listen to reggae music by his father.
This factoid shows that the road to skateboarding stardom can come from all walks of life, with diverse backgrounds making for some of the best skaters. Whether you’re vegan or rock out to heavy metal, there’s room for you on the deck.
