Skateboarding's First Wave is a documentary film released in 2015 that revolves around the birth and evolution of skateboarding as a sport and subculture in the United States. The film traces the origins of skateboarding back to the late 1950s and early 1960s in Southern California, where a group of surfers first started experimenting with skateboards as a way to surf on land when the waves were not good enough.
The film features interviews with some of the pioneers and original skateboarders from that era, including Larry Stevenson, Gregg Carroll, Woody Woodward, and Steve Badillo, who share their perspectives and experiences of being part of the skateboarding scene during its early days. Through their stories, the film sheds light on the social, cultural, and economic context in which skateboarding emerged, as well as the various technical and artistic innovations that shaped its early development.
One of the central themes of the film is the connection between skateboarding and surfing, both as sports that share similar dynamics of balance, speed, and rhythm, but also as cultural practices that reflect a certain aesthetic and lifestyle. The film documents how surfers like Carroll and Woodward started experimenting with skateboards, using them to simulate the movements and sensations of surfing on pavement. The film also shows how these early skateboarders appropriated elements from surfing culture, such as beach imagery, music, and fashion, to create a distinct identity for skateboarding that would later influence generations of riders.
Another important aspect of the film is its focus on the technological innovations that revolutionized skateboarding in its early stages. The film features interviews with Larry Stevenson, the founder of Makaha Skateboards, who introduced the first commercial skateboard in 1963, as well as Woody Woodward, who designed and manufactured the first urethane wheels in the mid-1970s. Through their insights, the film highlights how advancements in skateboard design and materials allowed riders to perform more complex and daring tricks, and how these innovations paved the way for the modern skateboard industry.
The film also touches on the social and political struggles that skateboarding faced during its early days. The film shows how skateboarding was often seen as a subversive and disruptive activity, and how skateboarders were often viewed as outcasts or delinquents by mainstream society. The film documents how skateboarders like Badillo and Carroll worked to challenge these stereotypes and promote skateboarding as a legitimate and positive activity, advocating for skateparks and public spaces where riders could practice and display their skills.
Overall, Skateboarding's First Wave is a fascinating and informative documentary that offers a compelling look into the origins and development of skateboarding as a sport and culture. The film is well-crafted and engaging, featuring a mix of archival footage, interviews, and animation that bring the story of skateboarding's first wave to life. Whether you are a skateboarder or simply interested in the history of American subcultures, this film is definitely worth checking out.
