Makaha Skateboards: The Original Ride That Sparked a Revolution 🛹

In the vibrant surf culture of early 1960s California, one man saw potential in a new kind of ride. That man was Larry Stevenson, a lifeguard, publisher, and visionary who would go on to change the course of skateboarding history. In 1963, Stevenson founded Makaha Skateboards in Santa Monica, California, and with it, launched the first commercially successful skateboard brand.

🌊 Origins Rooted in Surf

The name "Makaha" was inspired by the legendary Makaha Surfing Championships in Hawaii, a nod to the brand’s deep connection to surf culture. Stevenson, who had been publishing Surf Guide magazine, saw skateboarding as a natural extension of surfing—a way to ride the streets when the waves were flat. His boards mimicked surfboard shapes, reinforcing the crossover appeal.

🚀 Pioneering Achievements

Makaha wasn’t just the first to mass-produce skateboards—it was the first to innovate:

• Kicktail invention: Stevenson introduced the kicktail in the late 1960s, a game-changing feature that allowed riders to perform tricks like ollies and kickturns.

• First skateboard contest: In 1963, Makaha sponsored the first-ever skateboard competition in Hermosa Beach, California.

• First skateboard team: Makaha assembled a team of talented riders who toured and performed demos, helping to popularize the sport nationwide.

• Material innovation: Stevenson experimented with plywood, foam, and even nylon wheels before pioneering the use of urethane wheels, now standard in the industry.

• Precision bearings: Makaha was the first to offer shielded precision bearings across its product line.

🌟 Sponsored Legends

Makaha’s team was stacked with early skateboarding icons, including:

• Squeak Blank

• Danny Bearer

• Woody Woodward

• Terry Spencer

• Steve Tanner

• John Freis

• Torger Johnson

• Bruce Logan

• Joey Saenz

These riders weren’t just competitors—they were ambassadors of a new lifestyle, appearing in contests, shopping malls, and even on television shows like The Steve Allen Show.

📉 The Skate Bust and Comeback

Despite its meteoric rise, skateboarding faced backlash in the mid-1960s. Safety concerns over hard clay wheels and poor board control led to bans in over 20 cities. By late 1965, Makaha was hit with 75,000 order cancellations in a single day. Stevenson returned to lifeguarding, and skateboarding entered a temporary decline.

But Makaha wasn’t done. The invention of the kicktail and the rise of urethane wheels in the 1970s reignited interest. Stevenson’s legacy endured, and Makaha remained a respected name in the skate world.

🔥 What’s Makaha Up to Now?

Today, Makaha Skateboards continues to produce classic boards, staying true to its roots while embracing modern design. The company is still family-run, with Larry Stevenson’s son Curt involved in operations. Makaha remains active in the skate community, sponsoring events like the Makaha Bowl Jam and collaborating with brands like Vans and Poweredge Magazine.

Their current lineup includes retro-inspired models like the Originator, Warp, and Starwarp, all built with precision bearings and durable materials. Makaha also offers protective gear and continues to promote safe riding with their iconic motto: Play safe—Pick a Makaha.

MAKAHA Skateboard Team 1965

Larry Stevenson / Makaha Skateboards Collector Video

Makaha: The Story of the Originator - Film Trailer