Exploring 10 Skateboarders 2019: Material Grades, Properties, and Uses

Types of Skateboards Used by 10 Skateboarders in 2019

As skateboarding continues to evolve as both a sport and lifestyle, the skateboard deck choices of professional and recreational skaters have diversified significantly. In 2019, a range of skateboard types were favored by top skaters, each selected for its unique performance characteristics, suitability for specific tricks, and riding environments. The type of skateboard a skater chooses plays a crucial role in their ability to execute maneuvers, maintain control, and express personal style—whether in street skating, downhill racing, or casual cruising.

The following breakdown highlights the eight most prominent skateboard types used by notable skaters in 2019, detailing their design features, advantages, and ideal use cases.

Freestyle Boards

Compact and narrow decks designed for precision flat-ground tricks and technical flip maneuvers.

Advantages

• Excellent for flip tricks and spins
• High maneuverability on flat surfaces
• Ideal for tight spaces and skate parks
• Responsive control for technical routines

Limitations

• Less stable at high speeds
• Not suited for downhill or long-distance riding
• Limited wheel clearance can cause drag

Best for: Street skaters, freestyle competitions, technical trick performance

Longboards

Extended decks (33"–59") built for smooth cruising, downhill runs, and transportation.

Advantages

• Superior stability and balance
• Smooth ride over rough terrain
• Versatile shapes for carving, racing, or commuting
• Great for beginners and relaxed riding

Limitations

• Bulky and less portable
• Poor responsiveness for tricks
• Not ideal for street skating or tight turns

Best for: Commuters, downhill enthusiasts, beginners, scenic cruising

Old School Boards

Retro-styled decks inspired by 1970s designs, featuring wide noses and tails for pool and vert skating.

Advantages

• Excellent for transition skating (ramps, pools)
• Durable construction with classic aesthetics
• Ample deck space for foot placement
• Compatible with larger wheels for speed

Limitations

• Heavy and less agile for street tricks
• Harder to find compatible modern hardware
• Not optimized for modern flip trick techniques

Best for: Pool riders, vert skaters, retro enthusiasts, vintage collectors

Mini Cruiser Boards

Compact, lightweight boards (24"–30") ideal for short trips and urban mobility.

Advantages

• Highly portable and easy to carry
• Smooth ride with shock-absorbing wheels
• Perfect for quick commutes and sidewalk riding
• Friendly learning curve for new riders

Limitations

• Limited trick capability
• Less stable at higher speeds
• Smaller deck size may feel cramped

Best for: Urban commuters, students, casual riders, last-mile transport

Penny Boards

Plastic-based mini cruisers (22"–27") known for flexibility, portability, and stylish design.

Advantages

• Ultra-lightweight and highly portable
• Flexible deck absorbs road vibrations
• Soft urethane wheels ensure a smooth ride
• Available in vibrant colors and designs

Limitations

• Not suitable for tricks or aggressive skating
• Limited durability under heavy use
• Short wheelbase reduces high-speed stability

Best for: Beach towns, college campuses, fashion-forward riders, short-distance travel

Longtail Boards

A longboard variant with an extended rear deck for improved foot placement and balance.

Advantages

• Extra foot space enhances control
• Stable platform for pushing and carrying items
• Ideal for riders with larger stances
• Great for family-friendly or utility use

Limitations

• Longer length reduces portability
• Less common in standard skate shops
• Niche design limits trick versatility

Best for: Parents, utility riders, long-distance pushers, relaxed cruising

Electric Skateboards

Motorized boards powered by batteries, controlled via remote or pressure-sensitive foot pads.

Advantages

• No need for manual pushing
• High speeds (up to 25–40 mph on premium models)
• Excellent for eco-friendly commuting
• Regenerative braking improves efficiency

Limitations

• Expensive compared to traditional boards
• Heavier and harder to carry
• Requires charging and maintenance
• Not allowed in some public areas

Best for: Tech-savvy commuters, urban professionals, hilly terrain riders

Freeride Boards

Stable, durable longboards engineered for controlled slides and downhill performance.

Advantages

• Designed for high-speed stability
• Enables smooth, controlled slides
• Reinforced decks withstand impact
• Optimized wheel and truck setup for grip and release

Limitations

• Overkill for casual cruising
• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Requires protective gear due to speed risks

Best for: Downhill racers, freeride enthusiasts, advanced skaters seeking adrenaline

Expert Tip: In 2019, many professional skaters began blending board types—using freestyle decks for street content while switching to longboards or electric boards for travel between spots. Choosing the right skateboard isn’t just about skill level; it’s about matching your board to your environment, goals, and personal expression.

What Makes the 10 Top Skateboarders of 2019 Stand Out?

In 2019, the world of skateboarding reached new heights—both literally and culturally. The sport's inclusion in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics elevated its global profile, and social media amplified the influence of its most iconic athletes. That year, ten standout skateboarders captured the attention of fans, brands, and media alike, not just for their technical mastery, but for their unique personalities, styles, and contributions to the evolution of skate culture.

These athletes weren’t just pushing the limits of what was physically possible on a board—they were redefining the image of a skateboarder. From jaw-dropping stunts to groundbreaking fashion collaborations, each brought something distinct to the scene. Below is a detailed breakdown of the five key factors that set the top skateboarders of 2019 apart from one another.

1. Mastery of Advanced Skateboard Stunts

The year 2019 saw an explosion in technical complexity across skateboarding, with athletes performing tricks that once seemed impossible. The rise of mega ramps, vert transitions, and custom-built obstacles like the Frankenskate allowed skaters to showcase unprecedented aerial control and precision.

Skaters like Luke Winkelmann and AJ Pacelli gained viral fame through their flawless execution of multiple flips, kickflip variations, and high-speed rail slides. Their video parts—often filmed on uniquely designed ramps or urban landscapes—became benchmarks for aspiring skaters worldwide.

These performances weren’t just about difficulty; they demonstrated creativity, consistency, and courage. Young fans didn’t just watch—they studied and emulated these routines, turning complex stunts into the new standard of progression in street and vert skating.

2. Dominance in Major Skateboarding Competitions

Competitive skateboarding took center stage in 2019, with events like the X Games, Street League Skateboarding (SLS), and Olympic qualifiers drawing massive audiences. Athletes who excelled in these high-pressure environments gained widespread recognition and cemented their legacies.

Skaters such as Yoshiya Nishimura and Keegan Palmer stood out by consistently placing at the top of elite leaderboards. Their ability to perform under scrutiny—executing clean lines, technical tricks, and creative combos—earned them respect not only from fans but from industry insiders.

Winning or even qualifying for these events elevated skaters beyond the underground scene, transforming them into household names and brand ambassadors. Their competition success became a key differentiator, setting them apart from those who thrived only in video parts or social media content.

3. Unique Personal Style and Aesthetic Identity

Style has always been central to skateboarding, and in 2019, it became a defining trait of individuality. The top skateboarders didn’t just ride differently—they dressed differently, moved differently, and curated distinct visual identities.

From Lucas Rabelo’s laid-back Brazilian flair to Tyshawn Jones’ bold New York edge, each skater brought a unique cultural and personal flavor to their approach. Their choice of footwear, apparel, and even board graphics reflected their personalities and influenced fashion trends far beyond skateparks.

Many collaborated with major brands like Nike SB, Palace, and Supreme, blurring the lines between sport and style. Their boards became canvases for artistic expression, featuring custom artwork, limited-edition designs, and signature colorways that fans eagerly collected.

4. Social Media Influence and Digital Presence

2019 was a peak year for digital influence in skateboarding. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok allowed skaters to bypass traditional media and connect directly with millions of followers.

Athletes like Leticia Bufoni and Jagger Eaton leveraged their social media platforms to share behind-the-scenes training sessions, travel vlogs, and personal milestones. This transparency built deeper fan engagement and humanized the sport.

Brands took notice. Top skaters were ranked not just by competition results, but by their online reach and engagement metrics. Sponsored content, brand partnerships, and influencer campaigns became a significant part of their careers, turning them into multimedia personalities as much as athletes.

5. Industry Expertise and Cultural Impact

Some of the most respected skateboarders of 2019 weren’t just performers—they were pioneers. Their deep roots in the skate community, long-standing sponsorships, and contributions to board design and company development gave them unmatched credibility.

Veterans like Chris Joslin and Daewon Song continued to innovate, mentoring younger skaters while still releasing groundbreaking video parts. Their influence extended into product development, with signature shoe lines and pro-model decks that shaped industry standards.

Fans valued authenticity above all. Skaters who demonstrated a genuine love for the craft—regardless of competition results—earned lasting respect. Their commitment to the culture helped preserve skateboarding’s rebellious spirit even as it entered the mainstream.

Note: While technical skill remains the foundation of skateboarding, the most influential skaters of 2019 succeeded by combining talent with personal branding, digital savvy, and cultural relevance. Their uniqueness wasn’t just in how they skated—but in how they represented the evolving identity of the sport on a global stage.

What Are the Key Features of the Top Skateboarders of 2019?

Skateboarding in 2019 reached new heights as a global sport and cultural phenomenon, with elite skateboarders demonstrating not only technical mastery but also professionalism, creativity, and digital influence. Whether performing on vert ramps, street courses, or urban landscapes, these athletes combined athleticism with artistry to redefine the limits of the sport. Beyond their stunts, they emphasized safety by consistently using protective gear—setting an example for fans and aspiring skaters worldwide. Their dedication was evident in rigorous practice routines, relentless innovation, and a deep passion for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a board.

The most influential skateboarders of 2019 stood out due to a powerful blend of physical skill, mental resilience, and modern digital engagement. Below are the core features that defined their success and impact:

Balance and Control

Precise balance and board control are foundational to skateboarding excellence. The top athletes of 2019 showcased an extraordinary ability to maintain their center of gravity during complex aerial maneuvers, high-speed turns, and precarious landings. Their seamless coordination between body and board made even the most difficult tricks appear effortless.

• Masters of weight distribution for ollies, kickflips, and grinds
• Exceptional foot placement and micro-adjustments mid-air
• Smooth transitions between tricks, maintaining momentum and flow

Key insight: Elite balance is developed through thousands of hours of repetition and muscle memory training.

Strength and Endurance

Skateboarding is a physically demanding sport requiring explosive power, core stability, and sustained stamina. The leading skateboarders of 2019 demonstrated impressive muscular endurance, allowing them to perform intense trick sequences across long sessions without compromising form or safety.

• Strong leg muscles for repeated popping and landing impacts
• Core strength essential for aerial control and stability
• High cardiovascular endurance for extended practice and competition runs

Pro note: Many top skaters supplemented their training with gym workouts, yoga, and cross-training to prevent injury and enhance performance.

Creativity and Innovation

Skateboarding is as much an art form as it is a sport. The most celebrated skateboarders of 2019 distinguished themselves through originality—developing new tricks, reimagining urban spaces, and expressing unique personal styles. Their creativity fueled the evolution of the sport and attracted widespread admiration from fans and brands alike.

• Invented signature tricks that became viral sensations
• Fused street, freestyle, and vert techniques into hybrid moves
• Used architecture and public spaces as creative canvases

Cultural impact: Creative expression in skateboarding helped elevate it to Olympic recognition and mainstream legitimacy.

Social Media Mastery

In 2019, digital presence was a critical component of a skateboarder’s influence. Top athletes leveraged platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to share highlight reels, behind-the-scenes content, and personal journeys—building massive followings and engaging directly with fans.

• Posted high-quality videos of new tricks and competition highlights
• Used custom hashtags and challenges to grow community engagement
• Collaborated with influencers and brands to expand reach

Strategic advantage: A strong social media presence opened doors to sponsorships, merchandise lines, and media appearances.

Professionalism and Work Ethic

By 2019, skateboarding had matured into a viable career path. The top skateboarders approached their craft with the discipline of professional athletes—honoring competition schedules, managing endorsements, and treating skateboarding as both an art and a business.

• Met deadlines for video parts, brand campaigns, and event appearances
• Maintained strong relationships with sponsors and teams
• Balanced public personas with consistent on-ramp performance

Role model effect: Their professionalism inspired younger skaters to view skateboarding as a sustainable career with long-term opportunities.

Safety Awareness and Advocacy

Despite the high-risk nature of the sport, leading skateboarders in 2019 prioritized safety, consistently wearing helmets, pads, and other protective gear—especially during training and high-difficulty attempts. Their visible commitment helped normalize safety practices in a culture that once resisted them.

• Wore protective gear during filming and public appearances
• Advocated for safe skatepark design and urban accessibility
• Shared recovery stories from injuries to educate fans on risk management

Legacy contribution: Helped shift public perception of skateboarding from rebellion to respected athletic discipline.

Expert Insight: The most successful skateboarders of 2019 weren’t just athletes—they were innovators, storytellers, and entrepreneurs. Their combination of technical mastery, creative vision, and digital savvy set a new standard for what it means to be a professional skater in the modern era. For aspiring skateboarders, emulating their holistic approach—balancing skill, safety, and self-presentation—offers the best path to long-term success.

Additional Insights from the 2019 Skateboarding Scene

• Olympic Momentum: With skateboarding confirmed for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, 2019 was a pivotal year for athletes preparing for global competition.
• Diversity and Inclusion: More female and international skateboarders gained prominence, broadening the sport’s representation.
• Brand Collaborations: Top skaters launched signature shoe lines, apparel collections, and limited-edition boards.
• Mental Toughness: Overcoming fear of injury and maintaining focus under pressure were critical intangible skills.
• Community Engagement: Many pros hosted free skate clinics and supported local skatepark initiatives.

Commercial Uses of the Top 10 Skateboarders of 2019

The top skateboarders of 2019 leveraged their growing fame and influence to expand into diverse commercial avenues, significantly contributing to the growth and mainstream visibility of skateboarding as both a sport and a cultural movement. Their marketability extended far beyond the skate parks, positioning them as key players in lifestyle branding, digital content, and global marketing campaigns. These athletes transformed their personal brands into multifaceted business ventures through strategic partnerships, creative entrepreneurship, and media innovation.

Key Insight: The commercial success of these skateboarders wasn't accidental—it stemmed from their authentic connection with youth culture, digital savviness, and ability to embody the rebellious yet aspirational spirit of modern street sports.

Primary Commercial Applications and Revenue Streams

• Brand Endorsements and Sponsorships

  As their popularity surged, many of the top 10 skateboarders of 2019 secured lucrative endorsement deals with major brands across industries. These partnerships extended beyond traditional skate companies to include apparel giants, footwear manufacturers, automotive brands, and protective gear producers. By aligning with these athletes, companies gained access to a loyal, youth-driven demographic that values authenticity and street credibility.

  In return for their promotional efforts—ranging from social media shoutouts to high-profile ad campaigns—skateboarders received financial compensation, free products, and long-term contracts that solidified their status as influencers. Brands relied on their strong personal identities and large followings to capture market share in competitive lifestyle sectors.

• Merchandising and Product Lines

  Top skateboarders capitalized on their personal brands by launching exclusive merchandise, including signature apparel lines, limited-edition footwear, branded accessories, and custom-designed skateboard decks. These products allowed fans to directly engage with their favorite athletes and become part of the skate culture they admire.

  Merchandising not only generated direct revenue but also strengthened brand loyalty. Limited releases and collaborations with streetwear labels created buzz and scarcity, driving demand and enabling premium pricing. Some skateboarders even co-founded their own brands, transitioning from athletes to entrepreneurs in the urban fashion space.

• Social Media Influence and Vlogging

  With millions of combined followers across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, the top skateboarders of 2019 became digital content powerhouses. They produced engaging vlogs, trick tutorials, behind-the-scenes footage, and lifestyle content that attracted consistent viewership.

  This digital presence enabled multiple monetization strategies, including ad revenue from video platforms, paid promotions, affiliate marketing, and brand integration. Their ability to maintain authenticity while growing their online audiences made them highly desirable partners for marketers seeking organic reach in the Gen Z and millennial markets.

• Skateboarding Events and Competitions

  Elite skateboarders were central figures in high-profile national and international competitions, including X Games, Street League Skateboarding (SLS), and Olympic qualifiers. These events attracted corporate sponsors, media coverage, and ticket sales, generating substantial revenue for organizers and prize money for athletes.

  Participation in such events not only boosted individual profiles but also professionalized skateboarding as a sport. The exposure helped secure future sponsorship opportunities and opened doors to media appearances, speaking engagements, and ambassador roles. Additionally, the competitive circuit fostered tourism and local economic activity in host cities.

• Media Production and Content Creation

  Beyond social media, many top skateboarders engaged in full-scale media production, directing and starring in skate videos, documentaries, and web series. These projects often highlighted personal journeys, urban exploration, and the evolution of skate culture, blending storytelling with athletic performance.

  Through distribution deals with streaming platforms or independent releases, these productions generated income while enhancing the skateboarder’s creative reputation. Collaborations with film studios and production houses also led to licensing opportunities and long-term content partnerships, positioning skateboarders as multimedia personalities rather than just athletes.

Pro Tip: The most commercially successful skateboarders of 2019 didn’t just rely on skating skills—they built personal brands by consistently engaging with fans, maintaining a strong visual identity, and diversifying their income streams across multiple platforms and industries.

Long-Term Industry Impact

The commercial activities of the top 10 skateboarders in 2019 played a pivotal role in transforming skateboarding from a niche subculture into a globally recognized lifestyle and professional sport. Their influence helped accelerate the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics, boosted investment in skate infrastructure, and inspired a new generation of athletes to view skateboarding as a viable career path.

Moreover, their success demonstrated the power of authenticity in branding. Unlike traditional athletes, these skateboarders maintained their edgy, independent image while achieving mainstream success—proving that commercial viability and cultural integrity can coexist.

As the boundaries between sport, fashion, and entertainment continue to blur, the legacy of these skateboarders endures in the way brands approach youth marketing and how athletes build sustainable careers beyond competition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Top Skateboarders of 2019

Yes, the standout skateboarders of 2019 were typically affiliated with major skateboarding brands through sponsorship deals. These partnerships are essential in the professional skateboarding world, providing athletes with financial support, gear, and exposure.

• Major Skate Brands: Many were sponsored by iconic companies such as Nike SB, Vans, Thrasher, Independent, Spitfire, and Element.
• Lifestyle & Apparel: Beyond skate-specific gear, top skaters often had collaborations with fashion and lifestyle brands, expanding their influence beyond the skatepark.
• Video Game & Media Appearances: Some were featured in games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater or starred in viral videos, documentaries, and social media campaigns.
• Global Reach: Sponsorships spanned across North America, Europe, and Asia, reflecting the international nature of modern skateboarding culture.

These brand affiliations not only supported their careers but also helped shape trends in streetwear, music, and youth culture during that era.

While formal coaching isn't mandatory, most professional skateboarders benefit from mentorship, community support, and observation—even if they don’t have a traditional instructor.

• Self-Taught Success Stories: Skaters like Rodney Mullen and Ryan Sheckler began largely self-taught, mastering complex tricks through relentless practice and video analysis.
• Role of the Skate Community: Local skateparks serve as informal training grounds where beginners learn from more experienced riders through demonstration and feedback.
• Online Learning: Platforms like YouTube have revolutionized skill development, offering free tutorials on everything from ollies to kickflip variations.
• Natural Talent vs. Structure: While raw talent can carry a skater far, structured progression—often guided by peers or coaches—helps prevent bad habits and injuries.

In short, while it's possible to become a pro without direct instruction, most successful skaters absorb knowledge from a network of influences rather than going it completely alone.

The most prominent skateboarders of 2019 are widely accessible through digital platforms that showcase their skills, personalities, and competitions.

• Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are go-to places for real-time updates. Skaters like Leticia Bufoni (@leticiabufoni) and Nyjah Huston (@nyjah) boast millions of followers.
• YouTube Channels: Many pros run active channels featuring vlogs, trick tutorials, and full-length skate videos (e.g., The Berrics, Thrasher Magazine).
• Competitions & Events: X Games, Street League Skateboarding (SLS), and Dew Tour broadcasts highlight top performers and are archived on official websites and streaming services.
• Documentaries & Films: Netflix’s "Street Food" (featuring skate culture in Tokyo) and Red Bull-produced content often spotlight elite skaters.
• Skate Magazines: Online editions of Thrasher, Transworld Skateboarding, and Slam City regularly feature ranked lists and profiles of top talent.

By following these sources, fans can stay updated on the careers and latest moves of the world’s best skateboarders from 2019 and beyond.

Absolutely. The year 2019 marked a high point in technical skateboarding, with athletes pushing the boundaries of what was physically possible on a board.

• Technical Mastery: Skaters like Shane O'Neill and Tom Schaar landed switch-foot backside 360 flips and massive rail slides with precision.
• Big Air Feats: At the X Games and Mega Ramp events, skaters performed 900s, 1080s, and death-defying drops from vert ramps over 20 feet high.
• Street Innovation: Urban obstacles were reimagined—ledge grinds, gap jumps, and handrail tricks became more complex and stylish than ever.
• Women's Progression: Female skaters such as Brighton Zeuner and Cory Juneau (in park events) showcased incredible aerial control and consistency.
• Viral Moments: Videos of near-impossible tricks, like tre-flips over stairs or crooked grinds on narrow rails, went viral across platforms like Instagram and Reddit.

The creativity, athleticism, and fearlessness displayed in 2019 cemented skateboarding’s status as both a sport and an art form—especially as it prepared for its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020.

Yes—while there's no guaranteed path, skateboarding remains one of the most democratic sports when it comes to rising to fame. Talent, consistency, and originality can elevate any skater into the spotlight.

• No Central Authority: Unlike traditional sports with rigid rankings, skateboarding fame often emerges organically through viral videos or standout contest performances.
• Merit-Based Recognition: A single groundbreaking trick filmed in a public park can launch a skater into the global conversation overnight.
• Global Diversity: From Brazil to Japan, Norway to South Africa, talented skaters from underrepresented regions broke through in 2019 thanks to digital exposure.
• Contests & Sponsorships: Performing well in SLS or amateur contests can fast-track a skater into the top tier, earning sponsorships and media attention.
• Style Matters: It's not just about difficulty—unique style, confidence, and personality play a huge role in standing out among the elite.

In essence, while not every skater will make a “Top 10” list, the door is open to anyone with the passion, perseverance, and innovation to redefine what's possible on four small wheels.