You probably already have a good idea of what a skateboard is: a plywood board that tends to feature a design or brand allowing the rider to choose one to suit their tastes. Attached to the board are two pairs of wheels, which allow the user to stand on and roll the skateboard as they please.

However, did you know these facts about skateboards:

  • They came about as an alternative to surfing in the 1960s for when the surf wasn’t ideal so surfers could practice on-land
  • If you ride with your left foot at the front it’s called ‘regular’; the right foot forward is referred to as ‘goofy’
  • The US military trialled using skateboards in urban warfare exercises in the 90s