Historic Skateboarding Photography

The 'Skating in the 70s' Series Celebrates the Sport's Past

'Skating in the 70s' is a photo series by Hugh Holland that celebrates the popularity of skateboarding over time.

Skateboarding has an uncharacteristic history starting in the mid 70s, when the invention of the urethane wheel allowed for the first skateboard to be created. This coincided with a massive drought in California, which forced people to empty their swimming pools of water, creating a space for skateboarding.

The sport grew in popularity and not long after, it was common to see streets filled with skateboarders. Holland's main interest in skateboarding is its early history because it represented what he calls "the free spirit." Once the sport reached its peak, Holland suggests that this feeling was lost and his photography stopped. Holland was more interested in the individuals and the culture which was soon infiltrated by brands and logos.

Skateboarding History
Explore the evolution and cultural significance of skateboarding over time.
Skateboarding Photography
Discover the unique visual documentation of skateboarding's early days through photography.
Skateboarding Culture
Examine the impact of branding and commercialization on the skateboarding community.

Sectors Adopting This

Photography
Leverage skateboarding's historic photography to create nostalgic and visually compelling content.
Sporting Goods
Tap into the popularity of skateboarding by offering innovative skateboarding equipment and gear.
Fashion and Apparel
Design skateboarding-inspired fashion and apparel that captures the spirit of the sport's early days.
SCORE
2.2 out of 10
GENDER
70% Men30% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z (primary audience)
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 47%
Activity 11%
Freshness 8%