1. Larry Stevenson: In the early 1980s, Larry Stevenson, a skateboarder from California, is credited with creating one of the first fingerboard prototypes. He began customizing fingerboards by cutting down actual skateboards and attaching mini wheels to them.
2. Rodney Mullen: Legendary skateboarder Rodney Mullen also contributed to the evolution of fingerboarding. He was known to practice tricks with miniature skateboards, often called "handboards," as a way to refine his skills and stay active when off his full-sized board.
3. Yellowood Skateboards: In 1989, Neil Blender and his company, Yellowood Skateboards, released a line of commercial plastic fingerboards. These were considered to be among the first mass-produced fingerboards, and they helped bring the hobby to a wider audience.
4. Tech Deck: In 1998, Plan B Skateboards, a well-known skateboard brand, launched Tech Deck, a series of high-quality fingerboards and fingerboard accessories. Tech Deck's introduction played a significant role in making fingerboarding a mainstream hobby, and the brand remains widely recognized and popular today.
5. Stefan Janoski: Professional skateboarder Stefan Janoski is another influential figure in the fingerboard community. In 2007, he collaborated with Toy Machine Skateboards to release a limited edition series of Tech Decks featuring his signature graphics and designs.
These individuals, along with many others, contributed to the creation, development, and promotion of fingerboarding, shaping it into the popular hobby and sport that it is today. However, it's worth noting that the origins of fingerboarding involve various skateboarding communities and enthusiasts, and the exact inventor of the first fingerboard remains a subject of debate among fingerboard enthusiasts.