Vintage Hedlund Roller Surfer No. 100 Wooden Skateboard Sidewalk Surfboard 19 Early 1960s NOS. One of the Missing Links in Skateboarding History. Long before kickflips, urethane wheels, or California skate parks, there were pioneering boards like this. This Hedlund Roller Surfer No. 100 is not merely an old toy-it is one of the formative stepping stones in the evolution of modern skateboarding. Produced during the earliest years of the skateboard craze by Hedlund Manufacturing of Nokomis, Illinois, this model belongs to a generation of boards that helped transform the simple idea of “sidewalk surfing” into what would become a worldwide sport and cultural phenomenon. Without experimental boards like the Roller Surfer, there would have been no Zephyr team, no Dogtown revolution, no Tony Hawk, and no billion-dollar skateboard industry. This is history in its rawest, simplest form: a plank of hardwood, four steel wheels, and an idea decades ahead of its time. Measuring approximately 19 inches long by 4.5 inches wide, this is the desirable No. 100 model featuring the iconic flowing red “Roller Surfer” script and Hedlund shield emblem. The board presents in remarkable condition and appears to have seen little, if any, actual use. The original varnished hardwood retains a rich golden tone with striking grain throughout, while the graphics remain bold and highly legible. The steel wheels show minimal wear, giving the entire piece the appearance of old dealer stock or an exceptionally well-preserved example. Finding an early Roller Surfer is uncommon. Finding one that still looks this good is considerably rarer. The Birth of Sidewalk Surfing. The early 1960s witnessed one of the most fascinating transitions in recreational history. Inspired by surfers looking for something to do when the waves were flat, manufacturers across America began experimenting with wheeled boards. Hedlund, already respected for its sporting goods, entered this emerging market with its Roller Surfer line. These primitive boards demanded balance, nerve, and commitment. Steel wheels transmitted every crack in the pavement directly to the rider, and their narrow hardwood decks offered little forgiveness. Yet these machines captured imaginations and introduced thousands of children to a completely new way of moving. Within only a few years, these humble designs would evolve into laminated maple decks, precision trucks, clay wheels, and eventually the polyurethane revolution that forever changed skateboarding. This board stands at that pivotal moment-where homemade ingenuity became commercial innovation. Authentic Hedlund Roller Surfer No. Manufactured in Nokomis, Illinois. Approximately 19″ long × 4.5″ wide. Solid hardwood deck with beautiful original finish. Original red Roller Surfer graphics. Original Hedlund shield logo. Excellent preservation with minimal signs of use. Superb display piece for skateboarding, surfing, or Americana collections. Overall excellent vintage condition. The original finish remains attractive with beautiful wood grain and vibrant graphics throughout. The wheels exhibit minimal wear, suggesting extremely light use or careful long-term storage. It displays wonderfully and would be difficult to upgrade. Many people think skateboarding began in California during the 1970s. In reality, boards like this laid the foundation nearly a decade earlier. The Hedlund Roller Surfer belongs to the pioneering first generation that proved the concept of sidewalk surfing could become a legitimate pastime. Every modern skateboard traces its lineage back to simple hardwood machines like this one. Collectors often focus on flashy graphics or famous pro models, but historians recognize these early production boards as the true ancestors of the sport. Surviving examples in near-original condition are becoming increasingly difficult to find, making this not only a fantastic display piece but an important artifact from the dawn of skateboarding itself.
