Skateboarding styles

A skateboard style refers to the way a skateboarder can ride a skateboard. Over time, these styles have changed and grown because of many different things, like how society changes, mass media, music, new technology, and corporate influence.

These styles are about how a person rides their skateboard, not about how they dress or act in skateboarding culture. Each style shows a unique way of moving and doing tricks on a skateboard.

Styles

Freestyle

Main article: Freestyle skateboarding

Freestyle skateboarding is one of the oldest ways to ride a skateboard. It started in the 1960s when people used skateboards to move around. In the early days, freestyle competitions included music and choreography, focusing on smooth moves and skill. Later, new tricks like ollies changed the style. Today, freestyle is all about doing tricks on flat ground with just a board and a smooth surface. Music and choreography are still important in contests.

Vert

Main article: Vert skateboarding

Vert skateboarding began in the 1970s when riders started using empty backyard swimming pools. It involves moving from flat ground to ramps or inclines to do tricks, which is why it’s called “vert.” Riders often use bigger wheels and wider decks to stay balanced.

Street

Main article: Street skateboarding

Street skateboarding uses city features like stairs, handrails, and benches for tricks. Riders usually have smaller wheels and narrower decks to spin and flip more easily. Many famous skateboarders design special shoes for this style.

Park

Main article: Skatepark

Park skateboarding is done in special skate parks that have halfpipes, quarterpipes, and street-style obstacles. These parks offer a mix of different tricks in one place.

Slalom

Slalom skateboarding is a fast style where riders skate down a path marked by cones, needing careful control and speed.

Cruising

Cruising means riding a skateboard easily through cities without doing tricks. Many riders use wide boards with soft wheels for this.

Downhill

Downhill skateboarding is an old style from the 1970s. Riders use longboards and soft wheels to go very fast down hills. Races can reach speeds of about 60 mph, with some riders going even faster.

Other styles

• Big air Skateboarding started when Danny Way and DC Shoes built a huge ramp. It’s now a popular X-Games event.
• Grass surfing