Was Skateboarding Popular in the 1980s?

Yes, skateboarding was undeniably a hugely popular sport in the 1980s. This decade marked a significant escalation in skateboarding's popularity, driven by a combination of factors including innovation in equipment, the rise of specific skateboarding styles, and a cultural boom in media and fashion.

Key Factors Contributing to Skateboarding's Popularity in the 1980s

The mid-to-late 1980s were a pivotal era for skateboarding, helping to establish it as a mainstream sport and cultural phenomenon. Several factors contributed to its widespread popularity during this time:

Innovation in Equipment

The 1980s saw significant improvements in skateboarding equipment, which made the sport more accessible and versatile. Equipment innovations such as wider decks, smaller and more durable wheels made of urethane, and improvements to materials all played a crucial role in enhancing the sport.

Vert Skateboarding

The rise of vertical skateboarding, thanks to the popularity of ramps and halfpipes, led to the emergence of legendary skaters like Tony Hawk. This era saw the birth of vertical skateboarding, with skaters performing tricks that were previously unimaginable. These skaters quickly became icons of the sport, paving the way for the future of skateboarding.

Skateboarding Media

The 1980s also witnessed the rise of specialized skateboarding media, including magazines, videos, and movies. This increased media presence helped to popularize skateboarding and bring it into the mainstream. Some notable examples include:

Street Skating: Beginning in the late 1980s, street skating became a significant trend, where skaters began using urban environments as their playgrounds. This trend further popularized skateboarding and introduced it to a wider audience.

Thrasher: A black and white zine that started in 1981 to sell skate trucks, Thrasher magazine evolved into a full-color publication by the mid-1980s, becoming known as the "Bible" of skateboarding magazines. Its content and influence had a profound impact on the sport.

The Search for Animal Chin: Considered one of the most iconic skateboarding films, this video exemplified the skateboarding culture of the 1980s and its influence on mainstream entertainment.

Youth Culture

Skateboarding became an integral part of youth culture, associated with rebellion and creativity. It influenced fashion trends, music, and art. Skateboarding's appeal to young people contributed to its widespread popularity during this era.

Conclusion

Overall, the 1980s were a crucial period for skateboarding. The decade saw the development of new skateboarding styles, the introduction of innovative equipment, and a cultural boom in media and fashion. Skateboarding became a mainstream sport, and its popularity only grew in the years that followed, paving the way for future generations of skaters.

Today, skateboarding remains a popular and thriving sport, with skateparks in nearly every town, and skateboard culture continuing to influence fashion, music, and other aspects of modern culture.

Further Reading

For further insights into the culture and impact of skateboarding in the 1980s, I recommend watching Grosso’s Love Letters to Skateboarding, particularly episode 9, which delves into the commercialization and cash grabs that skateboarding underwent during this era. Understanding this historical context can provide a deeper appreciation for the evolution of skateboarding as a sport and a cultural phenomenon.