Go Skate or Go Home Blog

It seems like there’s an abundance of strange stuff for sale on the internet, and crazy skateboards aren’t exempt from the mix. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 of the weirdest boards out there today. These boards go beyond the typical skateboard deck and skateboard trucks. It seems like electric skateboards or boards with motors are the all the rage.

Check ‘em out!

5) BMW Streetcarver

These beasts are to skateboards what monster trucks are to cars. Some reviews have said the extra weight (it’s HEAVY) actually works to the board’s advantage and makes it feel like you’re snowboarding. The undercarriage attached to the wood-and-fiberglass deck absorbs road shock with no vibration. Also, there’s no lip to kick where the board protrudes beyond the trucks at either end.

4)Dewey Weber Twin Motor Skateboard

This crazy board seems like an awesome idea, but in practice, it’s probably a great way to end up in a wheelchair. The 400 watt motor makes it go from 0-20 mph in 4 seconds.

3)Freeline Skates

If you’ve ever wondered it would be like to have skateboard wheels without the limitations of a deck, you should get a pair of freeline skates. Made from two aluminum independent skates, you’re supposed to ride them like a snowboard by twisting you body from side to side.

2)USurfer UM70 Electric Skateboard

This crusier can get up to 12mph and is good for up to 4 hours on a single charge. The frame is steel aluminum with a Maple wood ply deck. Sounds like fun until you see the $863 price tag.

1)Self-Balancing Electric Skateboard

Inspired by the segway and designed by UBC bike club, this self-balancing 2-wheeled electric skateboard is driven by a pair of high-current DC motor controllers.

They’re cool and all, but I’m still waiting for the Back to the Future hoverboards to hit the streets. Until then, I’ll stick the original!

So, you know your skateboard decks and skateboard trucks, but how well do you know your skateboard movies? Here’s are some of our favorites.

Thrashin’ (1986): In Thrashin,’ two rival skateboarding gangs battle it out for supremacy, and one gang member falls in love with the sister of his rival. Josh Brolin and Robert Rusler star in this West Side Story-themed film.

Gleaming the Cube (1989): To 16-year-old Brian, played by Christian Slater, life is all about skateboarding in an empty pool until his brother is found dead – and it’s declared a suicide.

Grind (2003): The wheels hit the highway in this comedy about four pals (played by Mike Vogel, Vince Vieluf, Adam Brody and Joey Kern) who embark on a cross-country road trip with the hope of making it big in the world of professional skateboarding.

Lords of Dogtown (2005): Starring Heath Ledger and set in the 1970s, Lords of Dogtown tells the true story of three teenage surfers from Venice Beach, California, who took skateboarding to the extreme and changed the world of sports forever.

Paranoid Park (2007): Written and directed by Gus Van Sant, Paranoid Park takes place in Portland, Oregon, and revolves around a teenage skateboarder, played by Gabe Nevins, who accidentally kills a security guard.

1900s- Bored kids start attaching wooden planks to skate wheels in their backyards. Mothers everywhere are delighted as this gets the kids out of their hair.

1950-58- Modifications to the device that hold the wheels (we know them as skateboard trucks) makes maneuvering easier.

1959- First Roller Derby Skateboard is for sale.

1960- Larry Stevenson, publisher of Surf Guide promotes skateboarding. Surfers begin to ride the streets during down time at the beach.

1963- Stevenson’s company, Makaha, designs first professional skateboard and forms a team to promote it. The first skateboarding contest is held at Pier Avenue Junior School in Hermosa, California

1964- Hobie Skateboards debuts. Skaters start using empty pools as bowls, to mimic wave riding.

1965- 50 million boards are sold. International contests, team cross-country demos, and a magazine (Quarterly Skateboarder) sky-rockets interest in the sport. A skateboarding movie (Skater-Dater) debuts.

Fall, 1965-72- Reports of accidents becoming more frequent because board design was still in infancy. A public upset by reckless riding ensure temporary demise. Skateboards are banned in cities.  As a result, it becomes underground with a dwindling, but hardcore following. The industry sees a slump in sales despite the introduction of urethane wheels and kick-tail boards.

1973- A second boom starts. More research results in better products, that are specifically designed for skateboarding. Skate trucks are introduced and board manufacturers triple rapidly.

1975- The invention of precision wheel bearings ends decades of loose ball bearings. Skaters now number by the millions. New magazines are developed.

1976- First stake park opens and graphics on skateboard decks are introduced.

1978- Alan Gelfand invents the “ollie” an aerial maneuver that revolutionizes skating. Bruises and broken bones become badges of honor.

1980- Skate park insurance becomes unrealistic and parks close one by one. Backyard ramps and half pipes grow in popularity as there are fewer parks.

1984- Vertical riding takes off. First skateboarding video drops. New pros in the game earning up to ten thousand a month.

Late 80s- Street skating sees a renaissance. Skaters start their own companies.

1994- Starts becoming popular, again!

1995- X-games. Skaters still dispute whether this is good or bad. Parents accompany their kids to watch and cheer on their skateboarding kids.