What Is the Oldest Skateboard Company? 🛹 Uncover 8 Legendary Brands (2025)

Ever wondered which skateboard company truly holds the title of the oldest? Is it the brand that first mass-produced boards, the one that’s been skating non-stop for decades, or the legendary surf-rooted pioneers who shaped the culture before skateparks even existed? At Skateboard Brands™, we’ve dug deep into the history, tracing the roots from the 1960s sidewalk surfers to today’s iconic names. Spoiler alert: the answer isn’t as simple as you might think!

From Larry Stevenson’s groundbreaking Makaha Skateboards to the enduring legacy of Santa Cruz, and the revolutionary trucks that changed the ride forever, this article unpacks 8 legendary brands that defined skateboarding’s golden eras. Plus, we reveal how innovations like the urethane wheel and kicktail transformed skateboarding from a backyard pastime into a global phenomenon. Ready to roll through skate history with us? Keep reading to discover which brands still shred today and why their stories matter to every skater.

Key Takeaways

  • Makaha Skateboards (1963) pioneered the first mass-produced skateboard and introduced the kicktail, igniting the industry.
  • Santa Cruz Skateboards (1973) is the oldest continuously operating skateboard company, famous for iconic graphics and constant innovation.
  • Early brands like Gordon & Smith and Hobie brought surf culture into skateboarding, shaping its style and ethos.
  • Revolutionary trucks from Bennett, Tracker, and Gullwing changed how skateboards turn and perform.
  • The urethane wheel revolutionized skateboarding in the 1970s, enabling smoother, faster rides.
  • Brands like Powell-Peralta and Vision Street Wear helped define skateboarding’s golden era and cultural influence.
  • Understanding the history enriches your ride and connects you to skateboarding’s vibrant legacy.

👉 Shop Classic Skateboard Brands & Gear:

Table of Contents

Here at Skateboard Brands™, we’ve spent decades with our feet on griptape, watching the industry evolve from backyard ramps to global stadiums. When someone asks, “What is the oldest skateboard company?” it’s like asking about the roots of our own family tree. It’s a simple question with a surprisingly twisty answer that gets to the very heart of skate culture. So, grab your deck, and let’s drop in on a history lesson you won’t want to skip.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Your Fast Track to Skate History

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s clear the air. The question of the “oldest” is a bit of a skate park debate. It depends on what you mean by “oldest.” First to produce? Oldest still in business? It’s a fun rabbit hole to go down, especially when you consider just how many skateboarding brands are there today.

Here’s the lowdown in a nutshell:

| Quick Fact 📜 | The Gist 🛹 – First to Mass Produce: Makaha Skateboards, founded by Larry Stevenson in 1963, is widely credited as the first company to commercially produce and sell skateboards. They even sponsored the first-ever skate contest and team!

  • Oldest Continuously Operating: Santa Cruz Skateboards takes this title. Founded in 1973, they’ve been shredding without a break for over 50 years, making them a true pillar of the industry.
  • Surf Roots: Many of the earliest brands, like Gordon & Smith (founded 1959, started skateboards in ’64) and Hobie (teamed up in ’62, boards in ’64), grew out of Southern California’s surf scene.
  • The Urethane Revolution: The invention of urethane wheels in the early ’70s changed everything. Santa Cruz’s Road Rider Wheels (1974) were a game-changer, featuring the first precision bearings.
  • Art & Culture: It’s not just about the wood and wheels. Artists like Jim Phillips, the genius behind Santa Cruz’s iconic “Screaming Hand,” defined the visual identity of skateboarding for generations.

🕰️ Tracing the Roots: A Deep Dive into Skateboard History and Its Origins

To really get this, you have to picture a time before kickflips, before skateparks, before Tony Hawk was a household name. Imagine the sun-drenched coasts of California in the 1950s. Surfers, bored when the waves were flat, had a brilliant, if slightly crazy, idea: “What if we could surf… on the sidewalk?”

The Dawn of Sidewalk Surfing: Early Innovations and the Birth of a Culture

This was the birth of “sidewalk surfing.” The first skateboards were crude contraptions—literally just wooden planks or boxes with roller skate wheels nailed to the bottom. There were no brands, no logos, just kids trying to carve concrete waves. It was pure, raw, and dangerous. Those early setups used steel or clay wheels, which had about as much grip as a wet bar of soap. A stray pebble could send you flying!

But the spirit was there. It was about freedom, creativity, and pushing back against the boring. This DIY ethos laid the foundation for the entire Skateboard Culture we know and love today. It was only a matter of time before some savvy entrepreneurs saw the spark and decided to turn it into a real product.

Pioneers of the Pavement: Unveiling the Earliest Skateboard Companies and Vintage Brands

So, who were the first to slap a brand name on these wooden rockets? The 1960s saw the first boom, and a few key players emerged from the surf scene to define what a skateboard company could be.

1. Makaha Skateboards: The Original Innovator and First Skateboard Manufacturer?

When it comes to being the “first,” Makaha Skateboards has a very strong claim. Founded in 1963 by a former Venice Beach lifeguard, Larry Stevenson, Makaha wasn’t just selling boards; they were selling a lifestyle.

  • The Big Idea: Stevenson saw the potential and went all in. He designed the first professionally made skateboards, moving beyond the homemade planks of the 50s.
  • Key Innovations: Makaha introduced design elements that are still with us today, like the first kicktail (a game-changer!). They experimented with different materials and shapes to improve the ride.
  • Building a Scene: Crucially, Makaha sponsored the first-ever skateboard competition in 1963 and assembled the first pro team. This was huge! It legitimized skateboarding as a real sport. From mid-1963 to the end of 1965, they sold a staggering $4 million worth of boards.

✅ Legacy: Makaha essentially created the blueprint for a modern skateboard company.
❌ Longevity: The brand faded after the first skate boom died down in the late 60s, which is why they aren’t the “oldest continuously operating” brand.

2. Gordon & Smith (G&S): Crafting Legends Since ’59 and Enduring Skate Heritage

While Makaha was getting started, another surf company was already making waves. Gordon & Smith was founded in 1959 by Larry Gordon and Floyd Smith, but they officially entered the skate game in 1964.

Their big contribution? The Fibreflex deck. This was the first laminated board, combining maple wood with a fiberglass-reinforced epoxy called Bo-Tuff. The result was a board with, you guessed it, flex. It gave riders a responsive, springy feel that was perfect for carving and slalom. We’ve had the pleasure of riding vintage Fibreflex boards, and let me tell you, that unique flex is something special even today.

3. Hobie Skateboards: From Surf to Street – A Legacy of Board Sports

You can’t talk about surf and skate history without mentioning Hobie Alter. A legendary surfboard shaper, Hobie teamed up with the Vita-Pakt juice company in 1964 to produce Hobie Skateboards. Their team was a force to be reckoned with, dominating early competitions in nearly every discipline. Hobie brought a level of polish and professionalism from the surf world that helped elevate skateboarding’s image.

4. Logan Earth Ski: The Powerhouse of the 70s and a Classic Skate Brand

Jumping ahead to the second skate boom, Logan Earth Ski became a dominant force. Founded in 1975 by the Logan family, who had been skating since 1959, this brand was skater-owned and operated from day one. Bruce Logan was a 60s champion, and the family poured their passion into their handcrafted boards. They started in their backyard and quickly grew into a major brand, known for their high-quality oak and laminated decks before closing up shop in 1980.

Revolutionizing the Ride: Iconic Truck Companies and Their Enduring Legacy in Skateboarding

A deck is just a plank without the hardware that makes it turn. The evolution of trucks is a story in itself, and a few pioneering companies set the standard for all Skateboard Gear to come.

1. Bennett Trucks: Steering the Way Since ’75 – A Foundation of Stability

Before 1975, most trucks were just repurposed from roller skates. Bennett Trucks changed that. They were designed with turning and stability in mind, making them a go-to for the slalom and downhill racers of the era. They offered a fluid, carvy feel that was perfect for the surf-inspired style of the 70s.

2. Tracker Trucks: The First Skateboard-Specific Truck and a Game Changer

Tracker Trucks are legendary. They are widely considered the first truck designed specifically for skateboarding from the ground up. They were stable, durable, and built to withstand the abuse of the emerging vertical and pool skating scenes. If you were skating a pool in the late 70s, chances are you were riding Trackers.

3. Gullwing Trucks: Innovation on Four Wheels – Pushing Boundaries

Gullwing Trucks entered the scene with a unique split-axle design that offered a different feel and look. They were known for their stability and grindability, becoming a favorite for vert and street skaters as skateboarding progressed into the 80s.

Truck Pioneers Comparison Bennett Trucks Tracker Trucks Gullwing Trucks
Founded 1975 1975 1976
Key Feature Superior turning radius, “carvy” feel First truck built purely for skateboarding Split-axle design, stability
Best For Slalom, Downhill, Cruising Vert, Pool, All-around skating Vert, Street, Grinding
Legacy Set the standard for responsive turning The original “true” skateboard truck Pushed design innovation

The Golden Era and Beyond: Companies That Shaped Modern Skateboarding and Culture

As skateboarding exploded in the 80s, a new wave of companies emerged. They weren’t just selling products; they were building empires of cool, complete with pro teams, iconic videos, and graphics that became timeless art.

Powell-Peralta: The Bones Brigade, Skateboarding Legends, and Brand Longevity

You can’t talk about 80s skateboarding without bowing down to Powell-Peralta. Formed by George Powell (the engineer) and Stacy Peralta (the pro skater and visionary), they created the Bones Brigade, arguably the most legendary skate team ever assembled (Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Rodney Mullen… need we say more?). Their videos, like The Search for Animal Chin, weren’t just skate videos; they were cultural events that inspired millions of kids to pick up a board.

Santa Cruz Skateboards: Still Shredding Strong – An Icon of Skateboarding

And that brings us to the king of longevity: Santa Cruz Skateboards. As we mentioned, they are the oldest continuously running skateboard company in the world. Founded in 1973 by Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman, they started as a surfboard company, NHS, Inc., but a fateful order for 500 skateboards changed their destiny forever.

What’s their secret sauce? Constant innovation and iconic branding.

  • Wheels of Fortune: Their Road Rider Wheels, introduced in 1974, were a “groundbreaking technology” that featured precision bearings instead of the old loose ball bearings. This made boards faster and smoother, allowing skateboarding to “leap forward.” They sold over a million sets in the first year alone.
  • The Art of Skateboarding: Let’s talk about Jim Phillips. The man is a legend. His artwork, especially the “Screaming Hand” and the classic “Red Dot” logo, are as much a part of skate culture as the ollie itself. As one source puts it, “Jim Philips is respected as one of the best skateboard artists of all time.” His bold lines and bright colors were a “big step forward as far as skateboard graphics at the time,” as noted in the video celebrating their 50th anniversary.
  • Pushing Deck Tech: Santa Cruz was among the first to introduce concave decks in the 80s, giving skaters more control for flip tricks. They’ve continued to innovate with modern tech like their super-strong VX Decks and Everslick bottoms for smoother slides.

Despite their size, Santa Cruz remains “skater owned and operated,” with retired pros like Bob Denike and Jeff Kendall helping run the show. This authentic connection to the culture is why they’ve thrived for over half a century.

Vision Street Wear: Blending Fashion and Function in Skate Culture

Skateboarding has always had its own style, and Vision Street Wear was one of the first brands to capitalize on it. They understood that the culture went beyond the board. Their bold, graphic-heavy T-shirts, shorts, and high-top sneakers became the unofficial uniform for skaters in the 80s, proving that Skateboard Fashion was a force to be reckoned with.

Thrasher Magazine: More Than Just a Mag – The Voice of Skateboarding

While not a board company, no discussion of influential skate brands is complete without Thrasher Magazine. Founded in 1981, it quickly became the “bible” of skateboarding. It captured the raw, anti-establishment energy of the scene and its “Skater of the Year” award remains the most prestigious honor in the sport. Thrasher defined the voice and attitude of skateboarding for generations.

What Defines “Oldest”? Deciphering the Criteria for Longevity in Skate Brands

So, have we answered the question yet? Well, yes and no. This is where the debate really heats up at the local skate shop.

Continuous Operation vs. Founding Date: A Key Distinction

This is the core of the issue.

  • By Founding Date: If you’re asking who was first to the party, the evidence points to Makaha Skateboards in 1963. They were the first to organize, produce, and market skateboards on a large scale.
  • By Continuous Operation: If you’re asking who has been in the game the longest without ever quitting, the undisputed champion is Santa Cruz Skateboards, since 1973.

So why the conflicting info? It’s all about semantics. Many early brands from the 60s boom went out of business when skateboarding’s popularity dipped, only to be revived years later. Santa Cruz, however, weathered every storm and has been operating continuously the entire time.

Impact and Influence on Skate Culture: Beyond Just Age

Frankly, we think age is just a number. What really matters is a brand’s impact. Did they change the way we ride? Did they define an era? By that measure, brands like Powell-Peralta, with its legendary team, and Tracker, with its game-changing trucks, are just as “foundational” as the very first companies. They all contributed essential DNA to the Skateboard Brand Guides we follow today.

The Evolution of Skateboard Gear: From Clay Wheels to Urethane Dreams and Modern Tech

The journey from a 2×4 with roller skate wheels to a modern pro setup is a masterclass in garage engineering and rider-led innovation.

Decks: From Wood Planks to Modern Concaves and Shapes

Early decks were flat planks of solid wood, often oak. The 70s brought laminated maple and fiberglass, like the G&S Fibreflex, which introduced flex and responsiveness. But the biggest leap came in the 80s with the introduction of concave. Santa Cruz’s “Cruz Missile II Concave” was a pioneer, giving skaters pockets for their feet and making ollies and flip tricks possible. This single innovation paved the way for modern street and vert skating.

Wheels: The Urethane Revolution and Grip Innovations

This was the turning point. Before 1972, skaters were stuck with slippery clay or steel wheels. Then, Frank Nasworthy invented the urethane wheel, and everything changed. Urethane provided unprecedented grip and a smooth roll, turning rough pavement into a playground. As mentioned, Santa Cruz’s Road Rider Wheels perfected this by adding precision bearings, making them the gold standard.

Bearings and Bushings: The Unsung Heroes of a Smooth Ride

They might be small, but they’re mighty. The move from loose ball bearings to sealed precision bearings (like in the Road Riders) meant less time fixing your wheels and more time riding them. At the same time, the evolution of truck bushings—the little rubber cylinders that control how your truck turns—allowed skaters to customize their ride from super loose for carving to rock-solid for hitting huge gaps.

Our Top Picks: Enduring Brands We Still Love to Ride and Why

After all these years, what brands do we, the team at Skateboard Brands™, still get hyped to ride? It comes down to a mix of heritage, quality, and pure, unadulterated fun.

  • Santa Cruz Skateboards: You just can’t beat the legacy. Riding a Santa Cruz board feels like you’re holding a piece of history, but one that’s been updated with all the best modern tech. Their graphics are timeless, and their VX decks are ridiculously strong. Plus, supporting a skater-owned company that’s been doing it right for 50+ years just feels good.
  • Powell-Peralta: The nostalgia is strong with this one. Many of us grew up idolizing the Bones Brigade, and Powell-Peralta continues to produce some of the highest quality decks and wheels on the market. Their re-issue decks are perfect for collectors or anyone wanting to cruise on a classic shape.
  • Tracker Trucks: For a pure, classic turning experience, especially on a wider, retro-style board, nothing beats a pair of Tracker Trucks. They are a direct link to the roots of pool and vert skating, and they are still built to last.

👉 Shop Our Heritage Picks:

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Skateboard Innovation and Pioneer Spirit

So, what is the oldest skateboard company? The answer depends on how you slice it. If you’re looking for the first company to mass-produce skateboards, Makaha Skateboards takes the crown with its pioneering 1963 launch and early innovations like the kicktail and the first sponsored skate team. However, if you want the oldest continuously operating skateboard company, then Santa Cruz Skateboards is your go-to legend, having ridden the waves of skate culture since 1973 without missing a beat.

Both brands—and many others like Gordon & Smith, Hobie, and Logan Earth Ski—played crucial roles in shaping skateboarding’s evolution. From the raw backyard beginnings to the polished pro circuits, these companies laid the foundation for the gear, style, and culture we celebrate today.

We also saw how trucks from Bennett, Tracker, and Gullwing revolutionized the ride, and how brands like Powell-Peralta and Vision Street Wear helped define the golden era of skateboarding. The artistry of Jim Phillips and the voice of Thrasher Magazine further cemented skateboarding as a cultural force beyond just a sport.

At Skateboard Brands™, we believe that understanding this rich history not only honors the pioneers but also enriches your ride. Whether you’re cruising on a vintage G&S or ripping on a modern Santa Cruz VX deck, you’re part of a legacy that’s been decades in the making.

Ready to ride with the legends? Check out our recommended links below and dive deeper into the brands that started it all.

👉 Shop Classic and Heritage Skateboard Brands:

Recommended Books on Skateboarding History:

  • Skateboarding: The Ultimate Guide by Ben Powell – Amazon
  • The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself by Rodney Mullen and Sean Mortimer – Amazon
  • Skateboarding and the City: A Complete History by Iain Borden – Amazon

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Old Skateboard Companies Answered!

Which skateboard brand was founded first?

The earliest skateboard company widely recognized is Makaha Skateboards, founded in 1963 by Larry Stevenson. Makaha was the first to mass-produce skateboards commercially, introduce the kicktail, and sponsor the first skate team and contests. However, Gordon & Smith was founded earlier (1959) as a surfboard company and began making skateboards in 1964. So, Makaha holds the title for the first dedicated skateboard company, while G&S transitioned from surf to skate.

How did the oldest skateboard companies influence skateboarding culture?

The oldest companies like Makaha, Gordon & Smith, and Hobie were instrumental in transforming skateboarding from a casual pastime into an organized sport and lifestyle. They introduced innovations such as the kicktail, laminated decks, and urethane wheels, which improved performance and safety. They also pioneered skate contests and pro teams, helping to legitimize skateboarding and build a community. Their surf roots infused skateboarding with a style and ethos that still resonate today.

What are some vintage skateboard brands still in production today?

While many early brands faded after the 60s and 70s skate booms, a few vintage brands have survived or been revived:

  • Santa Cruz Skateboards (est. 1973) is the oldest continuously operating skateboard company and remains a major player.
  • Gordon & Smith (G&S) continues to produce classic and modern skateboards with a heritage vibe.
  • Powell-Peralta has been revived and still produces iconic decks and wheels.
  • Vision Street Wear remains active, blending skateboarding with fashion.

Brands like Makaha and Logan Earth Ski no longer operate but are highly collectible.

Who started the first skateboard company?

Larry Stevenson, a former lifeguard and surfboard innovator, founded Makaha Skateboards in 1963. He is credited with starting the first skateboard company dedicated solely to producing and marketing skateboards. Stevenson also invented the kicktail and organized the first skateboarding contests and teams, laying the groundwork for the industry.

Reference Links: Our Sources for the Skate Story and Historical Facts

We hope this deep dive into the oldest skateboard companies has sparked your curiosity and given you a fresh appreciation for the brands that paved the way. Whether you’re a collector, a casual cruiser, or a hardcore shredder, knowing the roots makes every ollie a little sweeter. Keep rolling, and remember: every great trick stands on the shoulders of giants! 🛹🔥

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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