Skateboarding has evolved from its origins in the 1950s into a global phenomenon today. In the 1970s, skateboarding gained popularity and became a culture of its own. The 1980s saw the emergence of pro skating, with the likes of Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, and Steve Caballero. Skateboarding gained more mainstream attention in the 1990s with bigger competitions like the X-Games. There are several styles of skateboarding, each with unique techniques and characteristics. To become a pro skateboarder, mastering balance, air awareness, foot placement, and timing is essential. With skateboarding set to make its Olympic debut in 2021, the future of pro skating looks bright.

Exploring the World of Pro Skateboarding: History, Style, and Technique

The History of Skateboarding

Skateboarding as a sport has evolved over time, from its early days in the 1950s when surfers started riding boards on the pavement to the modern-day extreme sport it is today. It wasn’t until the 1970s that skateboarding really gained popularity, and it rapidly became a culture of its own.

In the 1980s, pro skating really started to emerge, with the likes of Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, and Steve Caballero leading the way. Skating was seen as a rebellious and dangerous activity, which only added to its appeal for young people.

In the 1990s, skateboarding gained more mainstream attention, and bigger competitions like the X-Games were introduced. Nowadays, it has become a global phenomenon, with pro skaters earning sponsorships, video parts, and huge social media followings.

Skateboarding Styles and Techniques

There are several different styles of skateboarding, each with their own unique techniques and characteristics. Some of the most popular styles include:

Street Skating: This style of skating is probably the most common, and involves using ledges, rails, and other street features to perform tricks like grinds and slides.

Vert Skating: Vert skating involves skating on a halfpipe or ramp, and performing aerial tricks like 360s, backflips, and McTwists.

Bowl Skating: Bowl skating takes place in large, circular bowls or pools, and involves carving back and forth and performing tricks on the walls and transitions.

Freestyle Skating: Freestyle skating involves performing tricks and maneuvers on flat ground, often incorporating elements of dance and acrobatics.

Each style of skating requires different techniques and skills, and skaters often specialize in one or two styles while also incorporating elements from other styles.

The Essentials of Skating

To become a pro skateboarder, there are several essential skills and techniques that must be mastered. Some of these include:

Balance: Skating requires a lot of balance, both while moving and when performing tricks. It’s important for skaters to develop a strong sense of body control and balance in order to stay on their board and execute tricks properly.

Air Awareness: Many skateboarding tricks involve jumping and spinning in the air, so it’s essential for skaters to have good air awareness and be able to coordinate their movements mid-flight.

Foot Placement: Proper foot placement is crucial for executing tricks, particularly when it comes to balancing on rails and ledges or performing flip tricks. Skaters must be able to quickly adjust their feet to maintain balance and control.

Timing: Skateboarding is all about timing and coordination, particularly when it comes to trick execution. Skaters must be able to time their movements perfectly in order to land tricks cleanly.

The Future of Pro Skateboarding

With skateboarding set to make its Olympic debut in Tokyo in 2021, the future of pro skating looks bright. The sport is becoming more popular and mainstream than ever, and skaters are gaining more attention and recognition for their skills and talents.

As skateboarding continues to evolve and expand, there will undoubtedly be new styles and techniques developed, and new generations of skaters rising to the forefront. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out, or a seasoned pro looking to push your skills to new heights, there’s no shortage of opportunities to explore the exciting world of pro skateboarding.