Story: Teenagers and youth

Skateboard culture (1st of 4)

Skateboard culture

Skateboarding and skateboarders originated in 1950s California. The 1960s and 1970s saw skateboarding enter popular culture. Early boards were narrower than the boards common from the 1990s. Skaters carry their boards with them and even skate down streets and roads. They are most commonly seen at specially built bowls where they can do jumps and tricks. Bowls are invariably graffitied, such as this one at Waitangi Park in Wellington.

Using this item

Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Jock Phillips

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Teenagers and youth - Transitions and social relationships', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/27016/skateboard-culture (accessed 3 May 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 5 May 2011, updated 1 Aug 2017