Finger Skateboards – History, Finger Shoes, And More

Finger skateboards are one of the most famous sports all over the world. Using their middle and index fingers, riders may perform the fundamental tricks and movements of skating on the miniature sidewalk surfboard.

Everything a standard-size skateboard has is present on a fingerboard. In addition, there are bushings, interchangeable wheels, trucks, grip tape, and a wooden, plastic, or paper deck and grip tape. Finger skateboards typically measure 3.9 inches (100 millimeters) in length and 1 to 1.3 inches (26 to 34 millimeters) in width.

A fingerboard and a real skateboard have a scale ratio of about 1:8. Numerous books have been written regarding the fingerboard technique. These books relating to finger skateboards help in learning the fundamentals, stunts, and riding methods.

The History Of The Finger Skateboards

Lance Mountain is credited with creating and inventing the short form of the current skateboard. Powell Peralta’s 1985 video “Future Primitive,” featuring the skateboarder from the Bones Brigade, introduced the fingerboard to the world.

In chapter four of the film, Mountain practices his contest runs while using a fingerboard in a metal double-bin sink in front of a group of admiring buddies.

Despite the toy’s potential for amusement having an immediate impact, it took until a decade later for the first mass-produced replicas to finally become commercially viable. Then, the Canadian toy maker Spin Master introduced Tech Deck in the late 1990s as a brand that would investigate the marketing potential of skate brand logos on miniature skateboards.

One company sold more than 20 million finger skateboards in the late 1990s. New labels entered the market at the turn of the millennium; examples include Super Mini Boards, Deluxe Finger Banger Boards, Buckle down, Berzerk, and Pro Precision.

Early Marketing Of Finger Skateboards

The fingerboard craze swiftly surpassed the limits of the skateboard industry. As a result, small sidewalk surfboards were soon available for purchase at Wal-Mart, Toys ‘R’ Us, and other well-known retail outlets.

However, it is safe to claim that Lance Mountain’s use of miniature skateboards motivates the homemade finger skateboards built in the 1960s. They extensively market as keychains in skate and gift stores.

The truth is that finger skateboards stoked skaters’ passion for the sport and introduced many Generation X and Millennial kids to skateboarding. A-Team, ATM, Birdhouse, Black Label, Blind, Chapman, Element, G&S, Gullwing, Grind King, Flip, Hook-Ups, Maple, New Deal, New School, Santa Cruz, World Industries, Zero, and Zoo York were among the early players in the fingerboard industry who had brand license logos.

These companies received a free promotion and royalties for each fingerboard sold. As a result, fingerboard competitions started to draw hundreds of participants and spectators suddenly.

So it should be no surprise that disagreements and legal actions around using the term “fingerboard” as a generic term or trademark began to emerge. Even fingerboard toys were once included with McDonald’s Happy Meals. The mental skating crazy eventually subsided, though.

Finger skateboards developed into valuable toys, affordable goods available everywhere, and even giveaways from skate shoe and apparel companies.

Finger Skateboarding Is Not Dead

The fingerboard scene is still alive and well in Europe, Asia, and America. Fast Fingers is a series of competitions that Martin Ehrenberger started in 2000.

The event gained popularity, and the world’s premier small skateboarding tournament, the Fingerboard World Championship, was introduced in 2008 by the fingerboard inventor. Finger skateboards are inexpensive toys, but their cost has been broadly consistent since the middle of the 2000s.

The fingerboard industry jumped at the chance to cash in on the popularity of these small, four-wheeled toys, adding new accessories, parts, and equipment to the cart. Today, you can build the ultimate modular fingerboard skatepark and replicate your preferred street skating location with hundreds of accessories and items.

Starter kits, collector’s editions, halfpipes, ramp sets, handrails, benches, stairs, fun boxes, spines, tuning tools, replacement parts and other practical elements are all available online with a short search. Then, in the corner of your living room, you’ll find everything you need to simulate the outdoor skateboarding experience.

Still being produced are high-quality skate miniatures by several fingerboard companies. Businesses that manufacture finger skateboards, hardware, playgrounds, and portable parks include Yellowwood, Tech Deck, Pro Finger skateboards, Plankton, and Skull.

So, even though finger skateboards are a small-scale recreational activity, there is a thriving professional finger boarding community.

Is Fingerboard A Pocket-Sized Skateboard?

The more popular type of finger skateboard is the wooden one. Finger skateboards are little skateboards made of wood or plastic. Finger skateboards include a complete set of pieces, including grip tape, hardware, two trucks, and four wheels, just like ordinary skateboards. Typically, finger skateboards are around 100 mm long and 30 mm wide. They are, therefore, convenient to carry in your pocket.

Finger Skateboard Ramps And Rails For A Miniature Skatepark

Building a skatepark inside the house has never been simpler, thanks to fingerboard rails and ramps. Your mini skateboards are the ideal match for these tiny ramps and rails. They resemble the features and shapes of obstacles seen in regular-size skateparks.

You can find anything in a pocket-size, from stair sets and iron rails to quarter pipes. Having a variety of ramps and railings not only makes finger skateboard more enjoyable but also helps you improve your abilities.

The Story Behind Finger Skateboards

When finger skateboards were initially producing in the 1970s, professional skaters mainly used them as keychains. After a homemade fingerboard is seen in the 1985 skateboarding video “Future Primitive,” fingerboards began to get more recognition in the skater scenes. Finger skateboards started to become more well-known and accepted beyond the skateboarding world at the end of the 1990s.

The quality of fingerboard decks and other components has improved over time. People are now aware that fingerboards are ideal for mimicking authentic skateboard tricks and are not only for show.

Tiny Finger Shoes To Tiny Finger Skateboards

Bring something fresh to the playroom if you intend to take on a toy line with an established name. Hot Wheels is teaming up with Tony Hawk and releasing tiny finger-worn skate shoes to compete with Tech Deck’s micro skateboards. Whoops, what?

Fingerboard Skateboards History
• Popularized in mid-1980s.
• Tiny finger skateboards have a history dating back to late 1960s.
• Keychains sold to cube gleaners at skate shops.
• Made specifically for competition.

Tech Deck, which is still producing finger skateboards nearly 25 years after its debut. It is one of the most famous lines to date and one of the first to license the artwork and graphics from genuine skateboard manufacturers. When someone says finger skateboards, Tech Deck is likely the first thing that lights up the mind.

Although Tony Hawk and his company Birdhouse previously collaborated with Tech Deck for themed finger decks and playsets. The legendary skateboarding figure is now promoting Mattel’s new Hot Wheels Skate line. It is similar to Tech Deck’s merchandise in that it features working wheels and trucks. In addition to grip tape on top and custom artwork on the underside. Remember to include the Hot Wheels logo as well.

Conclusion

A finger skateboard is a replica of the skateboard but more miniature in dimensions. The smaller dimensions make it easy to ride with fingers. The index and middle finger play a significant role in riding. Hot wheels also provide tiny shoes for the finger skateboard. However, the finger skateboard is not new and is continuing to be one most popular sports worldwide.