Skateboarding originated in the late 1940s and early 1950s in California, where surfers sought a way to practice their skills on land. Early skateboards were made from wooden boxes or planks with roller skate wheels attached. This new activity, initially called “sidewalk surfing,” quickly gained popularity among youth. By the 1970s, skateboarding evolved with the introduction of urethane wheels, which improved performance and control. The first skate parks opened during this time, and the sport began to develop its own culture, including competitions and iconic figures like Tony Hawk. Today, skateboarding is a global phenomenon, recognized as both a sport and an art form.