A skateboard is a flat board with four small wheels underneath that you ride by standing on it and pushing with one foot. Skateboarders use their body weight and balance to steer, turn, and perform tricks. The board itself is usually made of wood with a curved nose and tail, and the wheels attach through metal trucks that let the board pivot and turn.

Skateboarding started in California in the 1950s when surfers wanted something to do when the waves were flat. They attached roller skate wheels to wooden boards and tried to mimic surfing moves on pavement. What began as “sidewalk surfing” evolved into its own sport with unique tricks and styles.

Modern skateboarders perform incredible feats: they jump their boards over obstacles, grind along rails, flip the board in mid-air, and launch themselves off ramps. Learning to skateboard takes patience and practice. Beginners start by simply rolling and steering, while experienced skaters spend years mastering complex combinations of tricks.

Skateboards appear everywhere from city streets to specially built skateparks with ramps, bowls, and rails.

As a verb, to skateboard means to ride a skateboard. Some people skateboard just for transportation, cruising to school or around town. Others dedicate themselves to the sport, constantly pushing what's possible on four wheels.