The skateboarding industry is facing challenges. Companies like Revive Skateboards suggest financial difficulties. A surge in skateboarding during the COVID-19 pandemic led to excess stock and problems for brands. Factors like cancellation of events by the X Games in 2005 contribute to concerns. There are signs the popularity of skateboarding is declining. Studies show involvement is down for nearly every age group. In the past ten years, parks are less crowded. However, skateboarding entered another golden age in the past 5 years. Its industry is flourishing. Skateboarding for casual cruising is popular, just not at skate parks.
Risks and Benefits of Skateboarding
Injuries range from cuts to broken bones. Skateboarding poses risks. Additionally, it can negatively impact academic performance by limiting study hours. Moreover, skateboard culture can influence behavior. However, skateboarding keeps kids active and teaches goal setting. There are good reasons to skateboard.
Falling off skateboards is frequent and painful. Bikes are safer on wet pavement. Skateboarding has higher risks for kids due to poor balance and less development.
Skateboarding started as a white suburban activity. Over the last three decades, it integrated more as it grew in popular culture. There were about 20 million skateboards globally, with 16 million in the U.S. The average skater was between 9 and 17 years old. Most were male but female skaters grew in number. Fewer people searched for skateboards and parks online than ever before. Studies showed involvement declined across age groups. Participation dropped. In ten years, parks were less crowded. Companies closed. Skateboarding was in a slump.