Have you ever wondered about the skateboarding trends that, once the talk of the town, are now gathering dust in the vault of time? In the bustling world of skateboarding, it’s all too easy for newcomers to overlook the valuable lessons lurking in its past. Like any culture, the skateboarding scene is a whirlwind of ebb and flow, with brave pioneers making waves and diligent followers closely skating behind.
In this trip down memory lane, we hone in on some radical skateboarding trends that died. Together, we’ll shed some light on forgotten gems, remember the hype, discover what killed these trends, and you’ll walk away with some solid insights about skateboarding history—the good, the bad, the steezy, and the sketchy. Ready? Let’s roll!
What skateboarding trends bit the dust?
Before we kickflip into our countdown, let’s take a moment to appreciate the ever-evolving state of skateboarding. Our sport is in constant flux, from the choice of gear to our adventuring terrain, from display platforms to skating styles. This ceaseless change is driven by advancements in tech and design and, more often, by the community’s collective voice.
What we consider ‘killer’ today might be considered ‘played out’ tomorrow. But in the same breath, trends thought to be buried can rise again as nostalgia grips us and the old becomes new. So, let’s dive deep into the archives and bring back to life, for just a moment, those skateboarding trends that have faded into obscurity.
1. Baggy clothes
During the ’90s and early 2000s, big baggy pants and oversized clothes were the ultimate skateboarding trend. This era of the “human beanbag” look was pretty much an all-around soft style that combined freedom of movement with eye-catching fashion. Essentially, you were a giant walking (or riding) couch cushion, and the ‘cool’ factor was off the charts.
However, this fashion trend had its fair share of flip-flops, with a period of super skinny pants sneaking in, which most skaters will label as a sketchy phase. Fast forward to today, and only a few brave hearts embrace the parachute-sized pants, but whether it’s a solid choice is up for debate. In contrast, I’ve found the trend’s revival to be both ridiculous and cool.
2. Full skate videos and parts
In the heyday of skateboarding videos, seeing a new release from your favorite skater was like finding gold—it was a feast for the eyes that could keep you stoked all year long. The golden era of skateboarding videos profoundly impacted the skateboarding culture, influencing many skaters to either start perfecting their kickflips or inventing insane new tricks.
Fast forward to the Instagram age, and the dynamics of skateboarding content have drastically changed. Now, all it takes for a new skater to get noticed and potentially sponsored is a viral clip on Instagram. Skateboarding content is no longer bound by the traditional format of full videos and parts; it’s more bite-sized and scrolls away.
3. Vert skating
Considered the backbone of skateboarding, vert (short for vertical) skating was literally the only form of skateboarding people knew in the early days. This trend saw skaters perform tricks on vertical ramps or pools, generating enough momentum to reach heights that spectators would gawk at.
In the late 1980s, most skate parks closed down, which led to the decline of vert ramps and, consequently, vert skating. Street skateboarding rose from these ashes and took the skateboarding world by storm. Now, vert ramps are rare, and while some still indulge in this form of skating, it’s not nearly as popular as it once was. However, much like baggy clothes, vert skating might be one of those trends waiting for a resurgence.
4. Soaps shoes
Introduced in the late 90s, soap shoes had a plastic concave in the sole, allowing for grinding on rails, much like skateboards. The trend quickly died out in the early 2000s, primarily due to safety concerns.
5. Big wheels
In the 90s, very large wheels were a trend in skateboarding. Still, the community has since gravitated towards smaller wheels, more suitable for technical tricks due to their lower center of gravity.
My experience with following skateboarding trends
As a relative newcomer, I’ve always been enamored by the diverse skating world. I remember being stoked about baggy clothes only to realize they weren’t quite my style. Instead, I embraced various trends that resonated with my skills and personality. Learning about historical trends helped me appreciate the breadth of skateboarding.
But remember, trends may come and go, but the unique thrill of riding a board—that’s timeless. My journey taught me that rather than sticking strictly to trends, we should allow them to enhance our skateboarding journey without letting them dominate—after all, isn’t that what skateboarding’s all about? Read More
Remember, whether it’s skateboarding trends that died or those that are up and coming, being a part of this incredible community means you’re already on something really rad. Here’s to all the skaters out there, making each ride count!
“Trends may come and go, but the unique thrill of riding a board – that’s timeless. Rather than strictly sticking to trends, we should allow them to enhance our skateboarding journey without letting them dominate – after all, isn’t that what skateboarding’s all about?”
From baggy clothes to full skate videos and the magnificence of vert skating, let’s dive into the broader implications of these trends. Here’s a data table summarizing their rise, dominance, and decline.
| Skateboarding Trend | Peak Era | Decline Era | Cultural Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baggy clothes | 90s – 2000s | 2010+ | Defined skating fashion |
| Full skate videos | 90s – 2000s | 2010+ | High (shifted perspectives) |
| Vert skating | 70s – 80s | 90s | Unparalleled (popularized skateboarding globally) |
Advantages and disadvantages of following skateboarding trends
Trends are inherent to skateboarding, echoing the rhythm of our ever-changing culture. But just like everything else, being a trend follower has pros and cons. So let’s cruise through them.
Advantages
- Offers a sense of belonging within the skateboarding community.
- Provides opportunities to experiment with new styles and techniques.
- Keeps you updated, enhancing your knowledge and understanding of skateboarding dynamics.
Disadvantages
- Trend-chasing can hinder the development of your unique style.
- Overemphasis on “cool” factors could compromise safety and practicality.
- Entirely trend-driven skateboarding risks diluting the sport’s original ethos and culture.
If you are a visual learner, check out the video below from YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran of the skateboarding scene, you may have questions related to skateboarding trends. In this section, I’ll try to answer some frequently asked questions not addressed earlier in the post.
Why do skateboarding trends matter?
Skateboarding trends reflect the changes in our community’s preferences, tastes, and styles. They’re integral to understanding the evolution of skateboarding. Knowing about these trends can greatly enhance your understanding and experience of this awesome sport. Read More
What can cause a skateboarding trend to die?
Multiple factors can contribute to a skateboarding trend dying out. Changing fashion, progress in equipment technology, shifts in popular culture, or even changes in the skateboarding community’s preferences can contribute to a trend’s decline.
Are there any timeless skateboarding trends?
Absolutely! While individual aspects like gear or tricks may change, the core aspects, like striving for progression, appreciating skateboarding’s expressive nature, or even the enduring appreciation for the skateboarding community, are timeless. Read More
Final thoughts
Skateboarding is a dynamic and evolving culture, with trends coming and going like waves on a beach. These changes shape the skating world and enrich it with history and diversity. By understanding trends that once dominated the scene but eventually died out, we can pay homage to our roots and appreciate the lessons learned.
How have skateboarding trends influenced your journey? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend, and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on the ever-changing world of skateboarding. Thanks for reading, and keep shredding!
Key takeaways
This article dove deeper into forgotten skateboarding trends. Here are some key takeaways:
- Trends are inherent to skateboard culture, often acting as a mirror reflecting community tastes and preferences.
- Baggy clothes, symbolizing freedom and a rebellious spirit, were a big hit in the ‘90s and early 2000s.
- The rise of social media platforms like Instagram dramatically reshaped the format of skateboarding content, moving away from full skate videos.
- Riding the wave of trends can be fun, but developing your style based on your love of skateboarding is timeless!
