Despite “no-skateboarding” signs and bumpy sidewalks, skateboard culture on campus is alive and well.
Skateboarding originated during the ’50s in California. Over the last seven decades, skateboarding developed its own culture, influencing style, music, sports and language.
Mass communication junior Robert Henry started skateboarding during his freshman year after a brief stint when he was 13. Henry owns two skateboards that he uses to commute on campus: a plastic Penny board and a traditional board with longboard wheels.
“Normal skateboard wheels would make riding around difficult because they are not large enough to handle most of the large cracks and other hazards around campus,” Henry said.
Civil engineering senior Taron Graham started skateboarding in the first grade, but he didn’t skateboard consistently until his freshman year.
Because of the uneven pathways on campus, Graham said riding his longboard is easier than the standard boards that ride less smoothly.
“Nowadays I feel a lot of people are moving more toward longboards on campus because it’s a quick way to get around,” Graham said. “When it comes to skateboarding, YouTube is making it more interesting by showing others how to do tricks.”
Henry said there aren’t many smooth areas on campus that allow students to skate or do tricks, so most students and local skaters go to the skate park located within Perkins Road Community Park. The skate park, built by California Skateparks, consists of 30,000 square feet of concrete open to the public on weekdays until 10 p.m. and weekends until midnight.
On campus, Henry and Graham said smooth areas for skating are behind Tiger Stadium, at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center and on the hill next to Louie’s Cafe.
“There’s less kids skating around and learning kickflips in the suburbs perhaps, but the aesthetic is a big part of pop culture,” Henry said.
In addition to skating on campus, students partake in skateboarding culture by wearing clothing brands such as Vans, Supreme and Zumiez. Skaters’ clothing styles have trickled from the streets and onto the runways.
One of the most popular skateboard style influences appears in footwear. Brands such as Nike, eS and DC produce shoe styles most suitable for skateboarders.
“Shoes that are made out of mainly suede are the best for skating,” Henry said. “Vulcanized rubber soles are also better for durability and getting ‘pop’ on a skateboard.”
Henry recommended wearing high-top shoes for ankle protection while skating and avoiding footwear made out of canvas or other weak materials.
“There’s definitely a skate subculture that is very strong, albeit not as strong as during the early 2000s,” Henry said.

Gallery • 9 Photos

Michael Palmer

LSU Junior Robert Henry sits with his skateboard on Oct. 27, 2016 in the Quad on LSU campus.