Skateboarding is a relatively contemporary sport activity that originated in California in the 1950s. Inspired by surfing, skateboarding first emerged to the public as "sidewalk surfing." In the 1960s, skateboarding went mainstream (as evidenced by the first national skateboard magazine and international skateboarding championships that were aired on national television), but quickly declined in popularity until the following decade.

During the 1970s, the skateboard was reinvented to provide better traction and handling. Subsequently, these improvements resulted in a skateboarding popularity surge, once again. With better handling came better tricks - hence, the Vert trend (half-pipe, or mini-ramp) surfaced.

However, with legal concerns and financial risks that appeared from the Vert trend, skateparks began to close. By the 1980s, as a result of skaters losing their playground (skatepark), skateboarding was given a kick in the bucket, once again. What followed in the next generation was the rise to street skating, which continues to gain immense popularity today.

The Date Activity

Unless your date mirrors the Avril Lavigne type, she probably won't enjoy a trip to the skatepark as a date activity. If you must insist on a skateboarding date activity, you're probably better off booking tickets to a professional competition or show.

On Your Own / With Friends

Skateboarding can be enjoyed alone or with friends. Many youth, for example, skateboard as a means of transportation. In addition, skateboarding is a hobby and sport that can be enjoyed with friends. This activity, however, is aimed mainly at male youth, as it tends to be a male-oriented sport.