This document summarizes the history of skateboarding from its origins in the 1950s as a surfing offshoot to its modern popularity as both an extreme sport and mainstream activity. It traces skateboarding's rises and declines in popularity through the 1960s-1990s due to various events and innovations. The document also provides statistics on the current size of the skateboarding community and industry worldwide and discusses the resilience of skateboarding brands and culture.