Skateboarding first surfaced in the 1950s, when California surfers brought surfing to the streets. The first skateboards were made of roller skate wheels crudely attached to wooden planks. Skateboarding or “sidewalk surfing” was a leisurely activity for after surfing.

But skateboarding soon became its own sport. The popularity of skateboarding peaked in the 1960s, when companies began to mass produce skateboards and hold skate competitions. At the time, there only existed downhill slalom or freestyle skateboarding. It was not until 1972, when Frank Nasworthy invented polyurethane wheels, which allowed for a smoother ride, than what was possible with the clay wheels used previously.

In 1975, skateboarding changed revolutionarily. At the Ocean Festival in Del Mar, a slalom and freestyle contest, the Zephyr team stunned the public; the skaters’ techniques transformed the sport into what it most resembles today. They rode their skateboards low and smooth, incorporating tricks and aerial skating.

Alan Gelfand invented a signature maneuver which is now done everywhere: the Ollie. Gelfand slammed his back foot on the tail of the board and jumped, popping himself and the skateboard into the air.

Skateboarding remains incredibly popular today, especially among youth. A 2002 study by American Sports Data found that 12.5 million people in the U.S. skate. 80 percent of skateboarders are under 18 years old and 74 percent were male.

Greer Park is the only skatepark in Palo Alto. It is a 70’s style bowl park with rounded lips for easy roll-ins. There is no entrance fee and skaters are not forced to wear pads. Greer Park is decent for people still learning mainly because it is often empty, but when locals are skating, beginners should go somewhere else.

The Sunnyvale Skate Park is one of the best and most popular in the Bay Area. The park has smooth transitions and includes many ledges and curbs to satisfy skaters. There are many inexpensive eateries close by, which makes it easy for skaters to take breaks to eat. To get there, take the Fair Oaks exit off Highway 101 North and the skate park sits right on Fair Oaks and Wolfe Road.

The Santa Clara Skate Park is big and has lines that will satisfy skaters of all levels. There is no entrance fee but skaters must show a sort of Santa Clara County I.D. to get in. Skaters also have to wear pads and helmets. The Santa Clara Skate Park is off the San Thomas exit from Highway 101 North and is right next to the tennis courts.

Local Skate Stores

A skate shop located right across from the Sunnyvale skate park, Fishbanks has a decent selection of decks, trucks, shoes, wheels and clothes at reasonable prices. The shop is also a good place to hang out after skating at the Sunnyvale Park because it is right across the street. 475 N Wolfe Rd., Sunnyvale, CA

On Sept. 24, Caliskatz, a store that tries to represent California skate culture reopened. The shop has many products fom a wide variety of brands such as Girl, Enjoi, Ice Cream and Emerica. Caliskatz can also do special orders. 39947 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA

The store in Redwood City sells everything a skater needs: decks, bearings, shoes, clothes, wheels and more. The store orders decks and other parts not stocked and can put together boards for customers. As well as acting as a retailer, Skateworks also sponsors people and has its own team. 644 Broadway St., Redwood City, CA