Larry Stevenson Dead At 81

[Stillwearingmyjoehat]

Larry Stevenson passed away today at age 81.
Now, some of you may ask, "who's that?"
Larry Stevenson started the first true skateboard company in 1963, Makaha.
Larry sponsored the first skateboard team.
Larry sponsored the first skateboard contest.
Larry invented the kicktail skateboard just about EVERYBODY rides today.

Skateboarding went into hibernation around 1969 because the wheels were made of a clay/walnut shell composite - literally hard as a rock, great for smooth roller rinks but awful on pavement. The slightest little pebble meant eating it big time.

Then the second-most important man in the history of western civilization, Frank Nasworthy, brought out wheels made of urethane - soft, grippy and able to plink off little rocks and gravel.

Makaha was never really gone but came back in spades with the new wheels and trucks on the market. Soon Larry had a team again and the rest as they say is history.

Larry lived to 81 and had a great ride. He was a war veteran, got to skate and surf everyday, was surrounded by family and had three generations of skaters all over the world who owed him just about everything.

What a way to go, huh?