Skateboarding has evolved into a global phenomenon, with skateparks becoming integral to the sport. From world-renowned skateparks to local hidden gems, the perfect location can make all the difference in your skating experience. Whether you’re planning a trip to a famous skatepark or considering building your own backyard skate ramp, there are many ways to take your skateboarding journey to the next level.
This guide will explore the best skateparks in the world, and also provide valuable tips on how to build a backyard skate ramp, empowering you to create the perfect skating spot right at home.
Best Skateparks in the World: Where to Ride and How to Find Them
If you’ve ever traveled for skating, you know that finding the right skatepark is key to an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for an indoor skatepark to escape the weather or a large outdoor local skatepark to hone your tricks, the world offers an abundance of fantastic spots for skaters of all levels. Here’s a look at some of the most famous skateparks globally that should be on every skater’s bucket list.
1. Venice Beach Skatepark (California, USA)
One of the most iconic skateparks in the world, Venice Beach Skatepark is located in sunny California. This beachfront location is famous for its beautiful views and excellent skateboarding vibe. The park has a bowled section, street skating areas, and plenty of transitions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, Venice Beach offers something for everyone.
Aside from the great design, the park is also known for its vibrant skateboarding culture, attracting some of the best skateboarders from around the world. It’s no surprise that many skaters stop by to get a feel for the beach while enjoying one of the best skateboarding experiences.
2. The Berrics (Los Angeles, USA)
Located in Los Angeles, California, The Berrics is one of the most famous indoor skateparks in the world. What makes this park stand out is its impeccable design and its association with street skateboarding culture. The Berrics offers a variety of street-inspired features, including rails, ledges, stairs, and gaps, making it ideal for skaters who want to push their skills. What’s more, it has become the headquarters for many skateboarding events, including contests and video production.
This park is a must-visit for skaters who love street-style skating, and it remains a hub for the most talented skaters, often hosting high-profile competitions.
3. FDR Skatepark (Philadelphia, USA)
Famous for its DIY ethos, FDR Skatepark in Philadelphia is an underground haven for skaters. This local skatepark was built by skaters, for skaters, and remains one of the most beloved parks in the U.S. with its creative street features, concrete bowls, and massive ramps. It’s a perfect blend of raw skateboarding culture and creative architecture, making it a favorite among both pros and amateurs.
The FDR Skatepark is a great spot for anyone looking to experience a laid-back, yet technically challenging place to skate. It’s also a prime example of a DIY park that thrives thanks to the passion of the skateboarding community.
4. Mellowpark (Berlin, Germany)
Located in Berlin, Germany, Mellowpark is Europe’s largest skatepark, boasting an impressive range of features suitable for every type of skater. The park is outdoor and features both street areas and vert ramps that make it a dream destination for both professional and recreational skaters. In addition to its large size, Mellowpark is renowned for its inclusive community and vibrant skate culture, making it a cultural hotspot for skaters from all over the world.
5. Nassau Skatepark (New York, USA)
Nassau Skatepark in New York has earned its reputation as one of the most comprehensive and well-designed skateparks in the world. With a variety of ramps, bowls, and street skate features, it’s perfect for skaters of all levels. The park is frequently updated with new features and is home to many local competitions, making it a great spot to improve your skills and interact with fellow skateboarders.
How to Build a Backyard Skate Ramp: DIY Guide
While visiting skateparks is always a thrill, having your own backyard skate ramp allows you to practice whenever you want, in the comfort of your own space. Whether you’re looking to build a mini ramp or a full-sized skate ramp, knowing how to create one will enhance your skating experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to building a DIY mini ramp in your backyard.
1. Choose the Right Location
The first step in building your backyard skate ramp is choosing the best location. Ideally, you want a flat, stable surface free of obstructions like trees, rocks, or power lines. The location should also be large enough to accommodate the ramp and offer sufficient room for skating.
2. Create Your Ramp Design
Once you’ve selected the location, it’s time to design your ramp. You can find various backyard ramp plans online, or if you’re feeling creative, you can customize your own. A mini ramp typically requires a quarter-pipe or half-pipe design, which offers a great transition for both vert and street skaters. Keep in mind that the size of your ramp will depend on your available space and how much skill level you want to incorporate.
3. Gather Materials and Tools
To build your DIY mini ramp, you’ll need a few essential materials and tools, including:
- Plywood for the surface and coping
- 2x4s for the frame and supports
- Coping pipe for the top edge of the ramp
- Screws, nails, and wood glue for assembly
- Circular saw, hammer, and screwdriver for cutting and assembling the wood
4. Assemble the Frame
Start by constructing the frame of the ramp. The frame consists of the sides, back, and front of the ramp. You’ll need to cut the 2x4s to the desired length and attach them to form the structure. Be sure to use wood glue and screws for extra stability.
5. Build the Transition and Surface
The next step is building the transition (the curved part of the ramp) and attaching the plywood surface. This part requires some patience, as it’s essential to ensure smooth, even curves for a comfortable ride. Once the transition is in place, secure the plywood sheets on top to create the skating surface.
6. Add the Coping
Coping is a key feature for mini ramps, providing that satisfying grind edge. Use a pipe or steel tube as the coping and secure it at the top edge of the ramp. This step is vital for creating smooth grinding surfaces for tricks.
7. Finishing Touches
Finally, sand down any rough edges and add a coat of weatherproof paint to protect your ramp from the elements. You can also add skate decals to personalize your ramp.
8. Enjoy Your New Ramp
Once your ramp is complete, it’s time to test it out. Grab your board and start skating! A well-built backyard ramp can provide hours of fun and help you practice new tricks, all in the comfort of your own home.
Conclusion
skateparks and DIY ramps offer endless opportunities for skaters to practice, connect with others, and push their limits. Whether you’re visiting iconic skateparks or creating your own backyard setup, the possibilities are limitless. Embrace the skateboarding culture, explore new locations, and experiment with different ramp designs to elevate your skills. No matter your level, there’s always a new skatepark to discover or a new ramp to build—keep skating and enjoy the ride!
