The Origins of Freestyle Skateboarding

The roots of freestyle skateboarding can be traced back to the early days of skateboarding in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when surfers began to experiment with riding on concrete and asphalt. The first skateboards were rudimentary, with basic wooden decks and metal wheels, but they quickly evolved as people began to explore new ways to move and perform tricks on flat ground. In the early days, skateboarding was largely influenced by surfing, and many of the early tricks were inspired by the movements and maneuvers used in surf culture.

By the mid-1960s, skateboarding had started to grow as a recreational activity, and the first professional competitions began to emerge. This is when freestyle skateboarding as a distinct discipline started to take shape. Skaters began to develop a unique style, performing tricks like 'the no-handed wheelie,' 'the 360-degree spin,' and 'the kickturn,' which involved creative footwork and balance. Freestyle skateboarding was about more than just technical ability—it was about expressing personality, creativity, and flair.

During the 1970s, freestyle skateboarding gained widespread popularity, with skaters like Rodney Mullen, who would go on to revolutionize the sport, helping to define the discipline. Mullen's development of the 'ollie' in the late 1970s changed the game entirely. By mastering the ability to lift the skateboard off the ground without using their hands, skaters were able to perform previously impossible tricks like flips, spins, and combinations. As a result, freestyle skating became a platform for pushing the limits of what was possible with a skateboard.

Techniques and Tricks in Freestyle Skateboarding

At the heart of freestyle skateboarding lies an intricate blend of balance, coordination, and creativity. Unlike other disciplines, freestyle skating does not rely on ramps or obstacles; instead, it focuses on performing tricks on smooth, flat surfaces. Here are some of the key techniques and tricks that define freestyle skateboarding:

The Ollie: While the ollie is often associated with street and vert skateboarding, it is also a cornerstone of freestyle skateboarding. The ollie involves using the back foot to pop the tail of the board off the ground, while the front foot helps lift the nose of the board. Mastering the ollie allows skaters to perform a wide range of other tricks, including flips and spins. The ollie is one of the most versatile and fundamental tricks in skateboarding.

Kickflip: The kickflip is one of the most iconic tricks in freestyle skateboarding. It involves flicking the front foot off the side of the board, causing the board to spin 360 degrees along its axis. This trick requires a high level of footwork, timing, and control. Once mastered, the kickflip opens up a whole world of trick combinations, as skaters can incorporate it into their routines and link it with other maneuvers.

Heelflip: The heelflip is similar to the kickflip, but instead of flicking the board with the front foot's toe, the rider uses the heel. The heelflip adds a new dimension to freestyle tricks, as it offers a different style of flip with its own timing and execution. This trick, like the kickflip, is essential for building more complex routines.

Shuvit: The shuvit is a trick where the skateboard spins 180 degrees beneath the rider's feet without the rider's body turning. To perform a shuvit, the skater uses their back foot to push the tail of the board, causing it to spin. It is often combined with other tricks, such as the kickflip or heelflip, to create more complex combinations.

Manual: The manual is a balance trick where the rider lifts either the front or back wheels off the ground while keeping the other set of wheels rolling. Manuals are a fundamental trick in freestyle skateboarding, demonstrating a skater's balance and control. The ability to perform a manual for extended periods of time, often while adding other elements like spins or flips, is a hallmark of freestyle skateboarding.

The 360° Spin: The 360° spin is a technical maneuver where the rider spins their body and board a full 360 degrees while remaining on the board. This trick requires significant control and the ability to coordinate the movement of both the body and the skateboard. The 360° spin is often incorporated into freestyle routines to add flair and complexity.

The Culture of Freestyle Skateboarding

Freestyle skateboarding is more than just a technical discipline—it is also a vibrant and creative culture that celebrates individuality and self-expression. Unlike the more competitive aspects of street and vert skateboarding, freestyle skateboarding has always been rooted in personal style. The trick itself may be important, but how it is performed and how it fits into a skater's overall routine is often just as crucial.

The Role of Music and Style: Many freestyle skateboarders create routines to music, adding an extra layer of creativity and rhythm to their skating. The connection between skateboarding and music has long been a part of skate culture, with the rhythm of the board and the flow of a freestyle routine often matching the beat of the music. Skateboarding has historically been linked with various music genres, including punk rock, hip hop, and alternative rock, and these genres often shape the style and energy of freestyle routines.

Innovation and Influence: Freestyle skateboarding has always been a space for innovation. Pioneers like Rodney Mullen, Tony Hawk, and others have continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible on a skateboard. While Mullen's invention of the ollie and the kickflip revolutionized freestyle skateboarding, it also influenced other areas of skateboarding, including street and vert skating. Freestyle skateboarding, while still retaining its roots in flatland tricks, has influenced many of the most prominent tricks in modern skateboarding.

The Freestyle Skateboarding Community: Freestyle skateboarding has a tight-knit community, with skaters often supporting one another and pushing each other to try new tricks. Since freestyle skateboarding is not as mainstream as other forms, its practitioners tend to be highly dedicated and passionate about the sport. The community is known for its strong emphasis on creativity and individuality, with each skater's routine reflecting their own personal style and expression.

Equipment for Freestyle Skateboarding

Freestyle skateboarding requires a different set of equipment compared to other disciplines. The focus on footwork, balance, and technical tricks means that the skateboard itself needs to be designed for optimal control and maneuverability on flat ground.

The Deck: Freestyle skateboarding decks are typically smaller and lighter than those used in vert or street skateboarding. A shorter deck allows for more precise foot placement and control during tricks. Many freestyle skaters prefer a flat or slight concave deck, which gives them a stable platform for executing tricks like ollies and flips.

Trucks: The trucks on a freestyle skateboard are often more responsive than those on a downhill or street board. This allows skaters to make sharp, quick turns and perform tight maneuvers. The trucks are typically lightweight and designed to provide a high degree of control during technical footwork.

Wheels: Freestyle skateboarding wheels are generally harder than those used in downhill or cruising boards. Harder wheels provide more control on smooth surfaces and make it easier to perform tricks like slides and flips. The size of the wheels also plays a role in maneuverability, with smaller wheels typically preferred by freestyle skaters.

Bearings: Bearings are crucial for the smoothness and speed of a freestyle skateboard. Precision bearings are essential for minimizing friction and ensuring that the wheels rotate freely, allowing skaters to execute tricks more easily.

Conclusion

Freestyle skateboarding is one of the most unique and creative forms of skateboarding, offering riders the opportunity to express their style and push the boundaries of what is possible on a flat surface. From the basic ollie to the complex combination tricks performed in freestyle routines, this discipline showcases the artistry and technical skill that define the skateboarding world. Whether it's for fun, competition, or self-expression, freestyle skateboarding continues to inspire and challenge riders to innovate and explore new ways of moving on four wheels.