Go Skateboarding Day

Every year on June 21, the global skateboarding community celebrates Go Skateboarding Day, a day dedicated to promoting skateboarding and encouraging enthusiasts of all levels to hit the streets, parks, and ramps. Established in 2004 by the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC), this day has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, uniting skaters in their shared passion for the sport. ¹

History of Go Skateboarding Day

Go Skateboarding Day was conceived in 2003 by Don Brown, then marketing director at Sole Technology, with the support of the International Association of Skateboard Companies. The inaugural event took place in 2004, aiming to make skateboarding more accessible through events held in major cities around the world.

The first celebrations included skate sessions, barbecues, and community gatherings, with notable events like Emerica’s “Wild in the Streets” in Philadelphia drawing thousands of participants. Over the years, the day has expanded globally, with events in cities from Los Angeles to Tokyo, fostering a sense of unity among skateboarders worldwide.

Why is Go Skateboarding Day important?

Go Skateboarding Day serves as a reminder of the freedom, creativity, and community that skateboarding embodies. It’s a day when skaters of all ages and skill levels come together to celebrate their shared passion, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity within the sport.

Moreover, the day highlights the positive impact of skateboarding on physical and mental health. Engaging in the sport promotes physical activity, resilience, and self-expression, offering a constructive outlet for youth and adults alike.

• Encourages physical activity and healthy lifestyles
• Fosters community and inclusivity within the sport
• Promotes creativity and self-expression
• Highlights the cultural significance of skateboarding
• Inspires the next generation of skateboarders

How to Celebrate Go Skateboarding Day

Celebrating Go Skateboarding Day can be as simple as grabbing your board and hitting your favorite local spot. Many communities host events such as skate jams, contests, and workshops, providing opportunities to connect with fellow skaters and learn new skills. ²

For those new to the sport, it’s an ideal day to start learning, with many events offering beginner-friendly sessions and equipment demos. Additionally, participating in community initiatives like skatepark cleanups or fundraisers can be a meaningful way to give back to the skateboarding community.

• Join a local skateboarding event or jam session
• Learn a new trick or improve your skills
• Participate in a skatepark cleanup or community project
• Support local skate shops and brands
• Share your skateboarding experiences on social media

Interesting facts about skateboards and skateboarding

• Skateboarding originated in California in the late 1940s and early 1950s when surfers wanted to “surf” on land—originally called “sidewalk surfing.”
• The first skateboards were made from wooden boxes or planks with roller skate wheels attached.
• There are different types of skateboards: street, cruiser, longboard, and downhill, each built for specific styles.
• The urethane wheel, invented in the early 1970s, revolutionized skateboarding by providing smoother rides and better grip.
• Skateboarding became an Olympic sport for the first time at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.
• Professional skater Tony Hawk landed the first documented “900” (a 2½ mid-air spin) in 1999.
• The longest recorded skateboard jump is over 7 feet (2.13 meters), achieved in a competition setting.
• Some NASA astronauts trained using balance techniques similar to those used in skateboarding to improve coordination and adaptability in zero gravity.
• In 2012, skateboarder Aaron “Jaws” Homoki set a record by successfully landing a jump down a 25-stair set—one of the biggest drops ever completed in the sport.
• Despite its reputation as a rebellious activity, skateboarding requires immense discipline, balance, and creativity.
• Some cities have built large public skateparks to encourage skateboarding as a healthy, social activity.
• Skateboarding is considered a lifestyle and culture, influencing fashion, music, art, and language.

Go Skateboarding Day Dates Table

1. https://www.goskateday.com/[↩]
2. https://goskate.com/top/go-skateboarding-day/[↩]