Makayla White
In the mid-1960s, New York City became one of the unexpected homes of a new and rapidly growing trend—skateboarding. Skateboarding had been around in some form since the 1940s or ’50s, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that it started to gain real momentum. In New York, a city known for its fast pace and packed streets, skateboarding found a unique place in the urban culture, offering a way for kids and teens to navigate the city in a fun, new way.
Photojournalist Bill Eppridge captured this moment perfectly in his 1965 photo series for *LIFE* magazine. His photos show young skateboarders zooming down city streets, weaving between pedestrians, and enjoying the simple thrill of balancing on a board with wheels. At the time, skateboarding wasn’t a sport or a profession. It was just a fun way to spend time with friends, and Eppridge’s photos give a sense of the carefree spirit that surrounded skateboarding in those early days.
The skateboards of the 1960s were simple—often just wooden boards with roller-skate wheels attached to the bottom. They weren’t built for tricks or high speeds like skateboards today, but for the kids riding through New York’s streets, that didn’t matter. The excitement came from the feeling of freedom and speed as they rolled down hills and sidewalks, the city acting as a giant playground. You can see this joy clearly in Eppridge’s images, with the skateboarders’ faces lit up with smiles as they glide through the bustling streets.
Read more
The city’s sidewalks, parks, and even its streets provided countless places to ride. Unlike other cities where open spaces might be far apart, New York’s dense urban layout meant that kids could skateboard almost anywhere. This accessibility helped skateboarding grow quickly in popularity. It wasn’t just something for the rich or for those who had access to a lot of space. It was for anyone with a board and a sense of adventure.
In a time before smartphones, video games, or even widespread television in every home, kids were always outside looking for ways to entertain themselves. Skateboarding fit perfectly into this. It was cheap, easy to pick up, and could be done with just a few friends. It wasn’t long before entire groups of kids were seen skating down the avenues of New York.
Eppridge’s photos highlight how skateboarding was something everyone could enjoy. His series shows not just boys or teenagers, but kids of all ages, and even some adults, giving it a try. The photos capture a variety of people, from those mastering the skill to those just trying to keep their balance. It was this sense of inclusiveness that helped skateboarding grow. You didn’t need to be an athlete or have fancy equipment; you just needed a board and a willingness to fall down a few times.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings