The development of the sport of skateboarding can be traced back to the early 1890s, when children in California first used wooden boards to 'surf' the streets. During the 1950s, the popularity of the sport increased and manufacturers began producing the first factory-made boards. By the 1960s, the sport had gained an (31) impressive following, not just in the USA, but (32)worldwide
However, by 1965, concerns about (33) safety resulted in regulations being introduced to ban skateboarding in most public places in the USA. This (34) effectivel killed the sport there for the next decade. Companies that had been making a fortune selling skateboards suddenly faced huge (35) losses and many went out of business. Over the next eight years a few (36) enthusiasts continued practicing the sport but, although they tried hard to raise its profile, they were (37) unsuccessful in their efforts.
Then in 1973, some technological breakthroughs revolutionized the sport. The invention of new materials meant that manufacturers could (38) strengthen the boards but at the same time make them lighter and more maneuverable. Such (39) improvements also made the boards less dangerous and (40) pressure from an increasing number of users led to the installation of special skateboarding parks. Despite the various setbacks it has suffered over the years, the sport is now stronger than ever.