Here's why it's hard to pinpoint an inventor:
* Gradual Evolution: Skateboarding tricks aren't usually invented overnight. They often arise from variations on existing tricks and the experimentation of numerous skaters. The late flip likely emerged from earlier tricks like the ollie and flip tricks.
* No Formal Documentation: Skateboarding in the early days was mostly about pushing boundaries and having fun. There wasn't a system for documenting who invented which trick.
* Variations and Styles: "Late flip" isn't a single, defined trick. There are various variations and styles of late flips, making it even more difficult to attribute it to a single person.
Possible Influences:
* Rodney Mullen: Known for his innovative approach to skateboarding, Mullen may have influenced the development of late flips with his technical skills and unique style.
* Tony Hawk: Hawk's signature style and innovative use of the late flip in his vert skating likely contributed to its popularity and further development.
* The Skateboard Community: Many skaters likely experimented and contributed to the evolution of the late flip, making it a product of collective creativity.
Ultimately, the "late flip" is a testament to the collaborative nature of skateboarding. Its development involved the efforts of countless skaters over time, making it difficult to attribute its invention to a single person.