How NATAS changed Skateboarding: The birth of street NBDs

Skateboarding is built on progression—and few have pushed it forward like Natas Kaupas.
In this deep dive into skateboarding’s untold history, we explore the era of early NBDs—Never Been Done tricks—and how they shaped the technical evolution of street skating in the late 1980s. Before modern setups, street pioneers were landing groundbreaking tricks on oversized decks, wide trucks, and wheels meant for vert ramps—not the street.

Featuring legendary skater Natas Kaupas, this video pays tribute to the innovators who adapted freestyle tricks to the urban environment, unlocking terrain that no one thought was skateable. From the first wall rides to the early days of flip tricks, we break down how NBDs laid the foundation for everything we see in skateboarding today—from Thrasher covers to Olympic-level street runs.

🛹 In this video, we cover:

The birth of street skating and early NBDs

Natas Kaupas’ influence on global skate culture

How skaters turned urban architecture into a canvas

The equipment challenges of the late '80s

Why progression will always be the soul of skateboarding

Whether you're a die-hard skater, a new-school street skater, or a fan of skate history, this is a must-watch story that shows how far we’ve come—and how much more is still possible.

💬 Drop a comment below: What’s your favorite NBD? Who do you think is today’s version of Natas?

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Footage:
Tony Roberts/ TR Productions
Mike Mc Entire/ Mack Dawg Productions
On Video
NHS

Music: Richard Holmes- The Groover


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