Skateboarding Legacy Honored: Silver Skater Awards Celebrate Icons from the ’60s and ’70s

The inaugural Silver Skater Awards, celebrating the pioneers of skateboarding from the 1960s and 1970s, took place at the Veterans Association of North County hall in Oceanside, California. Presented by The California Surf Museum and The Skateboarding Hall of Fame, the event highlighted the deep connections between surfing and skateboarding cultures.

Key Takeaways

• The Silver Skater Awards recognized influential figures in skateboarding history, including Larry Stevenson, Frank Nasworthy, and Tony Alva.
• The event emphasized the shared history and culture between surfing and skateboarding.
• Notable attendees included Allen “Wave Killer” Sarlo, Brad and Robin Logan, Hunter Joslin, and Mario Reposo.

Honoring skateboarding legends

Several influential figures in skateboarding history were recognized at the event:

Larry Stevenson’s legacy

Larry Stevenson, founder of Makaha, the first modern skateboard brand, was honored posthumously. His son gave a speech about Stevenson’s contributions, including:

• Founding Makaha in 1963
• Inventing the kick-tail in 1970

Frank Nasworthy’s wheel innovation

Frank Nasworthy was recognized for his crucial contribution to skateboarding:

• First to put urethane wheels on a skateboard in 1970
• Launched Cadillac Wheels brand in 1973, bringing urethane wheels to the public

Early skateboarding pioneers

Other skateboarding icons honored included:

• Michael Mel: Member of the original Hobie team and appeared in “Skater Dater” (1965)
• Fletcher: One of the first to ride a pool in 1963
• Tom “Wart” Craig: Featured in the first issue of Skateboarder magazine in 1964
• Tony Alva: Delivered a speech about his influential career

For those interested in learning more about skateboarding pioneers and their contributions to the sport, our Skateboarding Beginners Guide offers a comprehensive overview of the sport’s history and key figures.

Surf-skate connection

The event emphasized the shared history and culture between surfing and skateboarding:

• Michael Mel, uncle to big wave surfer Peter Mel, introduced the theme of surfers and skateboarders’ common history
• Fletcher’s family, including son Christian and grandson Greyson, exemplified the multi-generational surf-skate connection
• Tom “Wart” Craig’s involvement in both the San Onofre Surfing Club and early skateboarding highlighted the overlap between the sports

The connection between surfing and skateboarding extends to the equipment used in both sports. For those interested in exploring this connection further, our guide on Skateboard Setup for Bowl & Pool Skating: Mastering the Swell with The Right Gear offers insights into how skateboard setups can be optimized for surf-inspired riding.

Notable attendees

The event drew a diverse crowd of skateboarding and surfing legends, including:

• Allen “Wave Killer” Sarlo: Original Dogtown team rider
• Brad and Robin Logan: 1970s skateboarding superstars
• Hunter Joslin: East Coast Surf Hall-of-Famer
• Mario Reposo: 1976 Brazilian Skateboarding Champion

FAQ

Q: What is the significance of the Silver Skater Awards?
A: The Silver Skater Awards celebrate the pioneers of skateboarding from the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting their contributions to the sport and its culture.

Q: How does the event connect surfing and skateboarding?
A: The event emphasizes the shared history and culture between the two sports, showcasing individuals and families involved in both activities.

Q: Who were some of the key figures honored at the event?
A: Key figures honored included Larry Stevenson, Frank Nasworthy, Michael Mel, Fletcher, Tom “Wart” Craig, and Tony Alva.

Significance of the event

The Silver Skater Awards served as a reminder of the shared origins and ongoing connections between surfing and skateboarding. It highlighted the innovation, creativity, and cultural impact of early skateboarding pioneers while celebrating the enduring legacy of both boardsports.

As skateboarding continues to evolve, it’s essential for newcomers to understand and respect the sport’s history and culture. Our guide on Skate Park Etiquette: The Ultimate Guide of Unwritten Rules, Do’s, Don’ts, and Must-Knows (For Beginners) provides valuable insights for those looking to engage with the skateboarding community while honoring its rich heritage.