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Most Unique Skateparks in the World

You might have heard the term “golden era” referred to in other things or even when skaters reference the golden era of skateboarding but without a doubt, we are living in the golden era of skateparks.

“I wish I had skateparks like this when I was growing up,” says Spencer Wise, one of our skate instructors in South Carolina. “Especially with a skate coach, I would have gotten better much, much faster. But I’m glad these parks are around for the next generation.”

With skateboarding reaching every corner of the globe and countries committing to an Olympic skateboarding future, more and more skateparks are appearing in parts of the world than before. With this skatepark revolution has come some new and unique approaches to design and construction, including things like hybrid skateparks in urban areas, glow in the dark skateparks, to commissioning local artists for skateable art installations.

No matter what the case may be, in this article we will first detail what makes a skatepark unique compared to a more contemporary skatepark and then break our list into two groups:

Most Unique Skateparks in the World

Most Unique Skateparks in the USA

Whether you’re in the USA or traveling overseas, GOSKATE is here to continue providing the most comprehensive skatepark directory you can find online, complete with reviews from our instructors, students and sourced quotes we’ve researched for over a decade plus.

So without further ado, here are the Most Unique Skateparks in the World brought to you by GOSKATE.

What Makes A Skatepark Unique?

This is a great question. It’s as great as asking “What Makes A Skateboarder Unique?” but with a bit more objective truth than opinion. There’s essentially two ways a skatepark is even eligible for being considered a unique skatepark – either on purpose or on accident.

Truth be told, a skatepark doesn’t necessarily have to be a ‘good’ skatepark to be unique or certainly not beginner or kid friendly like some other skateparks we’ve highlighted. But what makes a skatepark unique? Well for one, a skatepark has to be fun and that can mean something different to each skater.

Skateboarding legend, Eric Koston famously called Chevy Chase Skatepark in Los Angeles, California, “The modern-day boring skatepark.”

A park many skaters consider to be fun and engaging. In comparison to one of his favorite skateparks Frogtown, highlighted on our list below, only has a handful of basic obstacles.

However, it comes down to factors of skatepark design and how rare the skate obstacles or skatepark design can be.

The next factor is the location of the skatepark, this itself can make the skatepark unique. Comparing this factor with personal preference or trending skate practices can make all the difference to why a skatepark is unique or general.

The last factor is something the skatepark has that can’t be anticipated, maybe it’s its unique skate history, skateboarders, relative artwork or skater experience. Nonetheless, each one of these skateparks on this list represent what makes a skatepark unique and by the end of this article, you’ll have an expert’s understanding on why.

Tony Hawk once said,

“If you’re in L.A. then go to Venice Skatepark because that’s always buzzing – there’s always good skaters there.”

With zero mention of any of the park obstacles or design. But he also mentioned, in the same breadth, Linda Vista Skateboard Park in San Diego, as “the premier park in San Diego in terms of size and variety.”

Exemplifying how many factors go into why a skatepark is unique, with not all always applying all the factors to what makes them unique or worth visiting.

Here is our list of the most unique skateparks in the world divided up into two groups: Most Unique Skateparks in the World and Most Unique Skateparks in the USA.

The skateparks appear in no particular order.

Most Unique Skateparks in the World (Outside the USA)

This skatepark is not for the weak. The Pura Pura Skatepark in La Paz, Bolivia is a 3,600+ square foot skate DIY formed in 2014 through a collaborative effort of local skaters and brands. It took over 100 volunteers and Bolivian legends like Milton Arellano and Kenny Davalos and sits a whopping 3,500 meters above sea level. Built in just over three weeks and located in the highest city in the world, Red Bull Skateboarding called this skatepark, “A DIY Skate miracle.” With pool coping quarter pipes, raw ledge constructions with volcanos, spine transfers and all types of incredible one-of-a-kind obstacles, the Pura Pura Skatepark in La Paz, Bolivia is surely one of the most unique in the entire world.

Glow in the Dark Skatepark –Otro Skate Bowl, Beaumont-du-Lac, France

This skatepark’s uniqueness shouldn’t need an introduction as a glow-in-the-dark skatepark but we thought it would make the perfect skatepark to kick off our list. Designed by Koo Jeong and located on Vassiviére island in France, this fully functioning skatepark was built with the intention of eliminating the challenges of skateboarding at night. Although the strategy has not particularly eliminated all the challenges of skating at night, the park has withstood as one of the most unique in the world and coolest skateparks to visit.

SMP Guangzhou Skatepark –Guangdong Province, China

(The Largest Skatepark in the World)

You might have heard of the SMP Guangzhou Skatepark before as at the time of this article being written, it is the largest skatepark in the world. At a total of 182,000 square feet, (168,000 of actual skate obstacles) the skatepark opened in 2015 and cost the city upwards of $25 million dollars. The project took two years to complete and was built in partnership with legendary skate architect Brad Shaw. Since 2017 after some renovations, the skatepark has hosted several world-class skate contests attracting skaters from all continents.

Gratitude Trails, Andros, Greece

Every once in a while a skatepark pops up on our radar we can’t believe exists. The Gratitude Trails skatepark in Andros Greece is one of those skateparks you could never draw on a design board and say, “that looks good.” Because it looks more like something out of a BMX or snowboarding park but with cement. In addition to basically being a living art piece, the skatepark with its waves and waves of skate mounds and hills, makes a skater really in touch with the surfing roots of skateboarding. It’s also one of the most highly photogenic skateparks in the world, with skaters and their sponsors flocking to shoot editorial and skate ads. This skatepark might not be the most beginner friendly but all skaters should check out this skatepark just to witness some amazing grounded skateboarding unique to this skatepark design.

Livingston Skatepark, Scotland

When you think of skateboarding, you might not think of Scotland but the Livingston Skatepark or “Livi” as it’s known by locals –is going to change that. The skatepark is something out of a time capsule, representing the era of United Kingdom skateparks that sprouted after the 80s and 90s skate boom. With unique obstacles like a skate-loop, pocketing corners of banks, quarter pipes and ride on rails, the skatepark has become a community hub for action sports enthusiasts. The skatepark is home to the Livi Pure Fun Skate Party, one of the longest-running skate events in skateboarding history. Weather permitting, the Livingston Skatepark is one of the most fun and unique skateparks on the planet.

Bowl du Prado, Marseille, France

For decades the word “Marseille” has been synonymous with skateboarding. In fact, the Tony Hawk Pro Skater video game features Marseille as a level for a skate gold medal contest. That is because this skatepark’s bowl or transition section has hosted a legendary contest for decades, where skaters competed as a proving ground for park skating. Skaters like John Cardiel, Dylan Reider and Tony Trujillo or some legendary pros that have skated the contest. Covered in graffiti and boasting a design from a simpler time, the proving ground that is the Bowl du Prado in Marseille, France endure as the embedded symbol of legendary bowl contest skating.

The Skate Church, Kaos Temple – La Iglesia Skate, Calle A, Poligono Industrial de Asipo, Llanera, Spain

You hear “this skatepark looks like something out of a time capsule” or you’ve heard “this skatepark looks like something out of a video game.” Well, the Skate Church in Kaos Temple, Spain, “is something out of a dream.” Literally built inside an old cathedral, the skatepark is a giant mini-vert-ramp that fits perfectly under the large tall ceilings. Originally abandoned and taken over the only way skaters can, the big windows and natural acoustics create one of the most unique atmospheres a skater can experience. Honestly, words fall short in describing this unique skatepark, here check out this video:

La Duna Skatepark, Juarez, Mexico

Mexico is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, so it makes perfect sense they would call home to some of the most beautiful skateparks. That being said, the construction and architectural masterpiece of La Duna Skatepark in Chihuahua, Mexico, has one of the most unique (and perfect) skatepark layouts. With trees sprinkled throughout the park on skateable hips, the switch back style downhill ledge lines leading to flat bars, banks, quarters and petite stair sets, this skatepark has one of the best flows ever constructed. Is it really possible for a skatepark to have zero flaws? If so, La Duna Skatepark in Juarez Mexico is that unique skatepark.

Stapelbäddsparken Malmö Sweden

Malmó Sweden has since exploded as a destination for skateboards to travel to from around the world. But most skaters will pleasantly be surprised that the Stapelbåddsparken skatepark has a longstanding heritage for supporting the Swedish skateboarding community. That being said, the skatepark is certainly unique in its own right, boasting unique quarter pipe snake runs and street course obstacles all painted to create a living art piece. This skatepark is a design marvel, having existed generations prior to where skateboarding has evolved to now with a more complex and technical design typically absent for skateparks designed at this time. So when you and your friends are planning your next trip to Sweden, don’t forget Stapelbäddsparken Malmö Sweden.

Most Unique Skateparks in the USA

St. Helena Skatepark, St. Helena, California, USA

St. Helena Skatepark sounds like it is nestled beneath a volcano but it is actually nestled in the bay area of Northern California. This skatepark’s close proximity to skate havens like San Francisco and Sacramento can sometimes cause it to be overlooked but real skaters for years have been flocking to this amazing skatepark for its unique features and design. Built in 2009, the skatepark was vastly ahead of its time. It is largely regarded as the perfect blend of street and transition sections and the perfect blend of traditional and unique can’t-find-anywhere-else obstacles.

Ritchie Valens Skate Plaza, “P-Rods Park” Pacoima, California, USA

Could you imagine what it would be like to be able to skate all of Los Angeles’ most iconic skate spots all in one place? Well, skaters can look no further with the Ritchie Valens Skate Plaza in Pacoima, California. Built by legendary skater Paul Rodriguez, the San Fernando Valley skatepark features replica skate spots made famous by decades of skate videos. The DWP ledges in downtown L.A., the griffith park bank, Sylmar handrails and the L.A. High Shootout rail are just some of the iconic skate spots present at this park. P-Rod wanted to give back to his SFV community and with the help of Nike SB built one of the most legendary and unique skateparks in the world. Check out this video from opening day.

Des Moines Lauridsen Skatepark, Iowa, USA

When you think of amazing skateparks, you might not think of the more rural states like Iowa. But the fact of the matter is, Des Moines Iowa has one of the most amazing skate parks in the Lauridsen Skatepark. We’re first putting this skatepark on the list because it’s unique by being in the state of Iowa but also because it’s a huge skatepark with a complex design of street, transition and vert obstacles that attracts skaters from all across the USA. It was also originally designed to host skate contests and famously opened by hosting Mountain Dew’s DewTour.

Denver Skatepark “D Park” –Denver, Colorado, USA

One of the ways a skatepark can be unique is its ability to remain relevant even when being built decades before popular skate trends. Denver Skatepark, sometimes referred to as Downtown Denver or D-Park, was built in 2001 and coming in at an impressive 60,000 square feet, is one of the largest skateparks in the USA. The skatepark features both designs no longer typically found at skateparks and designs that were way ahead of its time. For example, the park features ice-cream scooped bowls or ponds throughout the park, which make for interesting obstacles unfound in other parks. However, the park also has a mini pump track and slappy curbs not typically found at skateparks built in 2001. A sprawling street section, huge bowls with cut wedges and elevated coping, this massive skatepark also has a pink hue, making the skatepark an instant icon when appearing in any footage. The author of this article considered this his favorite skatepark, which is worth the stop if you’re in the Denver area alone.

Skateable Art Skatepark – Famu Way, Tallahassee, Florida, USA

As we mentioned in our opener, some skateparks will hire an artist to create skateable art installations in a skatepark’s design. While in most instances these installations are more cosmetic, there are some rare instances where the installations are a main skate obstacle. Famu Way Skatepark in Tallahassee, Florida, has an incredible art installation of a skateable dragon-like snakehead, spawned down a snake run covered in mini quarter pipes and bulbous mounds. Not only is it a marvel to look at but it’s much more skateable than some other installations and truly makes the Famu Way skatepark unique.

Venice Skatepark, Venice Beach in Los Angeles, California, USA

There’s an argument that Venice Beach skatepark is the most iconic skatepark in the world and how can you ever leave Venice skatepark off a list about skateparks. That being said, this skatepark is often overlooked in terms of its uniqueness. It’s unique for several reasons, the most obvious being that it is such a high profile skatepark that any time you skate there, there’s always a healthy crowd of onlookers and skaters putting on a show. The next would be how the skatepark is literally right on the sand with a breathtaking view of the pacific ocean and the surrounding quarter pipes being shaped like waves, making you feel like you’re surfing concrete waves. Being here at sunset is honestly one of the best experiences any skater can have and we highly recommend coming at this time even if it’s just to watch the amazing skaters.

Marsh “FrogTown” Skatepark, Atwater Village, California, USA

Marsh Skatepark, also known as “FrogTown” in Atwater Village, is one of the most unique skateparks in the world and it represents a growing conversation among aging skaters –are all skateparks becoming too similar? As we stated in the opener, legendary skateboarders like Eric Koston love FrogTown and criticize more contemporary skateparks like Chevy Chase. Many of today’s skateparks (especially in California) are built by the same designers and feature obstacles made popular by street league and the Olympics. Older skateparks like FrogTown, which features a simple box, a perfect flat bar, a metal mini ramp, and an interesting funbox pyramid surrounded by large metal ramps, homages the old saying, “unique skateparks produce unique skaters.” There’s a video below which perfectly explains the current conversation and what makes a skatepark like FrogTown so unique.

Haulover Skate Park, Miami Beach, Florida, USA

Pump tracks are one of the hottest trends in skatepark design in today’s newest skateparks. Partly because it allows new skaters a great way of developing the skill of pumping which often escapes beginner skaters. That being said, have you ever seen a skatepark basically entirely a pump track? As if being nestled right next to the ocean isn’t unique enough, the Haulover Skatepark in Miami Beach is an entire pump track painted in unique colors to get skaters zooming and booming around corners and over bumps to catch massive airs. Step into the pump track of a lifetime and test your skill level at this unique skatepark in South Florida.

Kailua-Kona “Kona” Skatepark, Hawaii, USA

What makes the Kailua-Kona skatepark in Hawaii so unique? How about the fact that this skatepark is known by one name “Kona.” As the second skatepark to appear on this list, Kona was featured in a Tony Hawk Pro Skater video game franchise and checks several boxes we’ve discussed that make the skatepark so unique. This skatepark first opened in 1977 and has hosted some of the most legendary skate contests of all time. Skaters like Tony Hawk and Steve Caballero were blasting into the air, literally inventing tricks before our eyes. Additionally, the skatepark predates modern design with unique tombstones and bowls that would never appear in contemporary skateparks. Last but not least, this skatepark is in Hawaii, where skateboarding comes from surfing, connecting skating to the deepest roots of board sports.

Lot 11 Skatepark, Miami, Florida, USA

We wanted to end this list with a special, special skatepark. The Lot 11 skate park in South Florida is one of the highest caliber skate parks the world has ever seen. Built with the best construction in terms of harnessing a street section with transition elements and also in homaging famous Miami skate spots, this skatepark just doesn’t have any cons. Without a doubt, a thriving skate scene is present at this skatepark and surely will produce some of the best skaters out of South Florida the skate world has ever seen. When we talk about the golden era of skateparks, Lot 11 is the crown jewel of that statement.

The post Most Unique Skateparks in the World appeared first on Goskate.com.

How To View Your 3D Custom Skateboard Graphic

Get a full 3D look at your custom skateboard graphic before purchasing at BoardPusher.com. Check the placement, concave, nose & tail specs, etc.

1. Create your graphic in the BoardPusher Deck Designer.
2. Once you’re finished, click the Show 3D icon in the upper left corner.
3. Grab the deck with your mouse or finger in any direction to get a full and accurate view of the entire skateboard. Scroll or expand to zoom in and inspect the specs and graphic.
4. X out of 3D Mode and try different base options for your graphic to see which one compliments your design the best.
5. You can also choose different deck shapes while in 3D Mode from the drop-down menu in the upper right.
6. Once you’re happy with your deck, click Next, and on this page you can add custom griptape by clicking the Make Complete or Add Griptape Only buttons.
7. Customize your griptape in the designer, and when you’re done you can now see what the top and bottom of your skateboard will look like with the griptape applied in 3D mode!

The post How To View Your 3D Custom Skateboard Graphic appeared first on Boardpusher Blog.

Best Skateparks & Skate Spots in Greater Washington DC

Washington D.C. is home to some of the best skateparks and skate spots, especially when you add the greater Washington D.C. area. Designed by the rich architectural minds of the freemasons and the founding fathers, Washington D.C. is the starting point to a big skate map that stretches throughout Maryland and beyond.

We’ve gone ahead and listed the Best Skateparks in Greater Washington D.C. as well as the Best Skate Spots so you and your skate crew can enjoy everything the greater Washington D.C. area has to offer.

We have also included the most “kid friendly” and “beginner friendly” skateparks, essentially skateparks suitable for lessons. We’ve described what makes a skatepark kid friendly and beginner-friendly, so you can take that knowledge with you to whatever state you skate next.

To learn more about each skatepark simply click through the link. We also invite you to claim a Free Trial 1-on-1 skateboard lesson at participating skateparks. Just click the link on each page and find out which GOSKATE instructors are in your area.

Now let’s GOSKATE the best skateparks and skate spots in greater Washington D.C.

Best Skateparks in Greater Washington D.C.

The best skateparks in the greater Washington D.C. area have been put on this list for several reasons, including but not limited to: their proximity to Washington D.C., skatepark obstacles and obstacle variety, amenities and those quality of life aspects like shading, parking and parent spectating and if the skatepark is new or has been kept to industry standards.

However, generally the skateparks on this list are the best because they are the most fun to skate and provide a great experience for you and your loved ones. So let’s drop right in for the best skateparks in greater Washington D.C.

Aberdeen Skatepark is the first skatepark on this list for a reason. Built in 2023, the skatepark is less than a year old at the time of this article, meaning it’s built with the contemporary skater in mind and with the newest and best concrete practices from skatepark builders. Its two-quarter pipes and spine transfers outline a street combination section complete with bank walls, flatrails, slanted ledges and a mellow stair set paired nicely in a flowy assembly of skate obstacles. A large bowl completes the skatepark’s transition section tucked away nicely by the surrounding grass and bleachers which make the area inviting to parents and spectators.

Every now and then a skatepark pops up on our radar that looks like something out of a fairytale. Rockville skatepark is that skatepark, beautifully nestled alongside a forest backdrop instead of a freeway or downtown alleyway we find too often next to skateparks. While this skatepark might not be the biggest skatepark or have the most obstacles, it’s one of our highest rated, proving sometimes the simple skateparks are the most fun and just like anything with craft, is a great place to hone fundamentals. Check out our direct link to find out more.

Walker Mill Skatepark is one of the coolest looking skateparks we have ever seen. There’s just something about its snake-like features and unique obstacles like its slanted launch pad and back to back bean bowls covered in a red and orange cement. With its robust transition sections and color designs, the skatepark did not forget about its street skater population, with rails and stair sets and funboxes sprinkled around the park. Making sure wherever you drop in you’re headed to a challenging and fun skate obstacle to skate.

Bowie is another great example of just how far skateparks have come in their design for both skaters to enjoy and the city they inhabit. Right next to a large sports complex, Bowie skatepark has ample shading and seating, in addition to its rich obstacle features. With a ton of boxes, quarter pipes, banks and lower rails, this skatepark offers a robust range of skill sets to enjoy. The only two caveats with this skatepark is its one-time fee of $10 (which isn’t bad when it comes to supporting the skatepark) and the fact it’s only about 10,000 square feet. Not that that isn’t a decent size but with a skatepark as awesome as Bowie, you can’t help but wish it was bigger.

Olney skatepark in Maryland reminds us of a skatepark out of Oregon (largely regarded as having the best skateparks) with its deep concrete and old style design. Angle iron on its manual pads and quarter pipes means this park is built to survive the test of time and with its large open spaces and obstacles being spaced in a great manner, makes this skatepark friendly for skaters of varying skill levels. While this skatepark does cost money to skate, many of our reviewers suggest this is the best skatepark in the greater Washington D.C. area.

We knew it would only be a matter of time for an indoor skatepark to end up on this list and we’re glad it’s a skatepark like Charm City Skate. This skatepark is massive and includes an actual real halfpipe. Something increasingly rare in the entire world. That being said, this massive park is built with bikers and rollerbladers in mind as well, so many of these obstacles might seem oversized or unbefitting to the contemporary skatepark. Even so, with designated beginner hours, skateboarding-only hours, and it being a wooden skatepark, if you have the budget and the planning flexibility, Charm City Skate is a great indoor skatepark in the Baltimore area.

Every now and then a skatepark from the past sneaks onto our best skatepark list and it’s usually because their design was unique to the times it was created. Carroll Park Skatepark in Baltimore Maryland looks like old dogtown Venice, complete with deep-cut bowls and sharp transitions all tagged in radical graffiti. Many of today’s skateparks are designed by the same companies and can cause people to skate the same, so skaters who frequent Carroll Park are going to develop their own unique flare and skill set. Something all skaters can appreciate.

We find ourselves admiring another forest-laid skatepark with Charles County Skatepark but this time this fine park is almost 20,000 square feet. Also being one of the older skateparks near Washington D.C. the beautiful skatepark is dubbed a “legendary ” skatepark, producing some of the best transition skaters in the state of Maryland. With the only downside being a pay-to-skate skatepark, the unique bowl obstacles and traditional street section and overall design of the skatepark make the Charles County skatepark a must-skate for greater Washington D.C.

With a name like CloudBreak, you better believe it’s going to be an awesome skatepark. Nestled in the scenic town of Ocean City Maryland, the banks make for an awesome ride-the-wave type flow with beginner and advanced skate obstacles peppered throughout its course. The cement is stronger than most new skateparks, giving skaters that old-school style feel. While some would say the skatepark might lack contemporary obstacles, our reviewers have commented that its backyard pool-style bowl and simple obstacles are very charming.

We can’t believe we’re saying this but another skatepark in greater Washington D.C. has an authentic halfpipe. That’s right. The Ocean Bowl Skatepark in Ocean City Town Maryland has a full-sized wooden halfpipe. It’s like looking at something directly from a Tony Hawk Pro Skater video game. The rest of the skatepark fits right in with its transition-style skatepark, including its backyard pool-style bowl equipped with tile coping for an authentic feel.

Nicolet Skatepark is on this list for all the best reasons when it comes to identifying what makes a skatepark great. While it might not be the most beginner-friendly in terms of obstacles, the skatepark has some of the richest and most complex transition and street course designs. Being made of great cement and nestled in a scenic forestry park full of seating and decent shade, the Nicolet Skatepark experience is one you’ll keep coming back for.

What Makes a Skatepark Beginner Friendly?

This is a great question. What makes a skatepark beginner-friendly can sometimes vary based on what a skater feels is friendly but ultimately it starts with the obstacles present at the park being too difficult for beginners to skate and if the skatepark gets crowded.

When compiling our list we asked: is there a lot of flatground space for beginners to master the fundamentals of skateboarding? Is there enough room where the advanced skaters won’t have to compete with beginner skaters in the same spaces? Are obstacles only skateable when skaters are able to ollie? In answering these questions we have come up with the Best “Beginner Friendly” Skateparks in Greater Washington D.C.

Best “Beginner Friendly Skateparks” in Greater Washington D.C

The Baltimore skateboard park in Rosedale Maryland is a staple for the Rosedale community helping skaters master the fundamentals for years. With its open design and wide array of skate obstacles, the skatepark allows beginners great visibility with other skaters, helping to minimize the threat of collision or getting in someone’s way. The mellow banks, bumps and ramps also provide a great learning area to improve beyond flat ground. Highly recommended by our instructors who if you click on the link, have 2 remaining free trial lessons at Rosedale.

Ellicott City Skatepark in Maryland is one of those skateparks that takes us back to the golden era of skateboarding, where funboxes, ramps and creative rails sprinkled throughout this basketball court turned skatepark. But what makes this skatepark particularly well suited for beginners is its open flat ground spaces and clear skate lines for beginners to have their own space away from experienced skaters. Its relatively simple design has skaters mostly skating in two directions, giving beginners great visibility to learn uninterrupted and with clear goals.

Coming in at 3.5 stars out of 5 on our user reviews, the Cockeysville skatepark is a bit polarizing for skaters of various skill levels. That’s because the city basically dropped a bunch of prefabricated ramps on a gravel lot and put barbed wire fencing all around it like a prison yard. That being said, the skatepark has an incredible miniramp and the obstacles themselves are fundamental pieces like pyramids, spine transfers and ledges and flatbars. A beginner skater can really take it all in and learn about what makes up a skatepark.

The Brunswick skatepark might be the most beginner-friendly skatepark on this list with its wide open spaces and obstacles selected nearly perfectly for the beginner skater. Long curbs, pyramids, and flat rails and sprinkled throughout the park but with plenty of space between each other. There is a miniramp and a large quarter but they are also out of the way of beginners hoping to master the fundamentals of skating.

Every skater should experience what it’s like skating in a bowl even at the beginner level. Our instructors always encourage our students to feel what it’s like to ride on a ramp wall, even if we have to hold their hands while doing it. Westminster Skatepark has been introducing beginner skaters to the joy of bowl skating for years and we highly recommend booking a lesson here to do the same. There’s also a fun street course with clear progression lines making the Westminster skatepark one of the best parks on this list regardless.

What makes a Skatepark Kid Friendly?

While most of the same aspects apply to best beginner skateparks for kid-friendly skateparks, there are more factors when considering what makes a skatepark kid friendly. For starters, one aspect can be how well a parent or guardian is able to watch their child skate or if some parks have designated hours for kids and beginners.

Statistically, most skateboarders are teenagers and many kids can be intimidated while skating at a skatepark, especially when they are beginners. It’s why we suggest booking a lesson with one of our expert trained skate instructors but in the meantime, we have the Best Kid Friendly Skateparks in Greater Washington D.C. to get you rolling in the right direction.

Best “Kid Friendly Skateparks” in Greater Washington D.C.

Truxton Park Skatepark is a great free skatepark in the Annapolis or “Nap Town” Maryland area built with kids and beginner skaters in mind. It essentially has a “big and small” version of everything. There is a big quarter pipe and a small quarter pipe. There’s a small rail and a bigger rail. The skatepark is also located in a beautiful park with lots of green and anything else your child might want to partake in via a healthy outdoor activity.

Not every skatepark that is great for a beginner or is kid-friendly is going to be the best skatepark. That’s because we have to be unbiased in skill level as some skateparks are just more bleak than others. But with that bleakness comes an incredible amount of flatground and practice space and a freedom from more aggressive and experienced skaters. That is precisely why the Sawmill Skatepark in Glen Burnie Maryland is on this list.

As you might be starting to understand, a lot of prefabricated skateparks are great for kids as wooden structures are often safer and many of these parks have designated kid sessions. They also generally enforce pads and a deeper commitment to skatepark etiquette. Germantown Maryland Skatepark is the epitome of this and has proven to be a great safe and fun skatepark for kids of all ages.

Here are several skateparks listed on our “best beginner skateparks” section which also make amazing “kid-friendly skateparks.” Click directly through the link for more information about the skatepark and to claim a free trial 1-on-1 skateboard lesson by a professionally trained GOSKATE instructor.

Don’t forget to check out the best skate spots in the greater Washington D.C. area below as well.

Baltimore Skateboard Park, Rosedale Maryland

Charm City Skatepark Baltimore Maryland

Brunswick Skatepark, Brunswick Maryland

Westminster Skatepark, Westminster Maryland

Cloud Break Skatepark, Ocean City Maryland

Best Skate Spots in Greater Washington D.C.

Many parents or newer skaters might be surprised to know that Washington D.C. is home to some of the most legendary skate spots in the world. Actually, it has one of the most famous and iconic skate plazas ever in Freedom Plaza. A skate spot that has literally changed the trajectory of skateboarders careers.

So without further ado, let’s get right into our Best Skate Spots in Greater Washington D.C.

This Woodside Urban Skate Spot is one of the prettiest skate spots in the entire estate of Maryland. It is also a great beginner skate spot and can be really kid friendly at the right hours. Nestled in Silver Spring, the skate spot is a hybrid between an urban skate spot and a skate park. It’s a great way to transition into more serious street skating and to get a feel for what skating in the streets is like.

There is nothing more skateboarder than skating at a DIY skate spot, especially one like Kensington where the city has officially recognized it as an outdoor recreational area. Built with the elements of cruising and pumping in mind, the flow of the park is something out of the 90s. As the community has evolved, so have the obstacles, with ledges and high curbs and quarter pipes of various sizes built all around in this open space. While the skatepark has a rich community of seasoned locals, it is still beginner and kid-friendly and a skate spot every skater in the greater Washington D.C. area should skate.

After the destruction of L.O.V.E. Park in Philly, Freedom Plaza is heralded as the most legendary skate plaza left on the planet. As a breeding ground for skaters throughout greater Washington D.C, every major professional skateboarder has skated Freedom Plaza at some point in their careers, making it one of the most recognizable and iconic skate spots. Filled with incredible marble ground with small stairs, ledges and gaps galore, this skate spot is practically a skatepark any skill level can enjoy. You can take your child there any day of the week and most likely a professional skateboarder will be there. Don’t just take our word for it, check out this minidoc from Thrasher Magazine:

Welfare Banks Welfare Park, American Indian Museum

The Welfare Banks at the American Indian Museum in Washington D.C. is a great example of how a building can transform into a skate spot based on its architecture. While this skate spot is largely considered a bust now by industry standards –meaning security will kick you out when you try to skate it –the history and uniqueness of the spot make it an essential skate spot to include on our list. Check out the video above for more!

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20 Most Common Skateboarding Mistakes & How to Fix Them

When it comes to riding a skateboard, we might be quick to label falling as the ultimate failure that we want to avoid, when in actuality falling is a sure sign of progress. So what else could we be mistaken about?

While it’s true that we want to avoid those mistakes that keep us off our skateboard, it’s also mistakes that can lead to injury or keep us from progressing.

Sometimes this comes from a lack of knowledge and know-how but now with the internet, once you know what to search for, you should be quick to correct your mistakes.

Right?

Well, as you will read in this article, many of these common mistakes are physical acts of incorrect form or lack of know-how. But many will also include knowledge and information that skaters have kept secret over the decades.

That is, until now.

And remember, while falling is an inevitable part of skateboarding, it ultimately teaches us how to get back up and overcome obstacles and fear both in skating and in life.

So in addition to that, we will go over in this article those mistakes that can lead to injury or the misinformation we want to avoid.

And finally, the most common mistakes for:

Mistake for Beginner Skateboarders
Mistakes While Skating at a Skatepark
Mistakes While Learning Skateboarding Tricks

Luckily, there’s many proven techniques to do so and with over 3,000 skateboarding instructors at GOSKATE – we’ve got a lesson or two to help reduce the most common skateboarding mistakes for beginners.

Most Common Mistakes for Beginner Skateboarders & How to Fix Them

Discovering a new passion for skateboarding is truly an exciting feeling. So much so, many new skaters will hop on the first skateboard they see without putting in much thought.

But just like any craft, art form or even sport, proper form and proper equipment can make all the difference in your progression. And with skating, many of these factors first appear at the introduction point to skateboarding.

So let’s get right into it:

Skating the Wrong Type of Skateboard – Skating the wrong type of skateboard means you didn’t get a chance to check out our “Best Skateboards For Beginners Guide” or our “Free Skateboard Size Calculator.”

But it’s never too late!

Okay, in all seriousness, you probably were walking down the isles of Big 5 and saw a radical looking skateboard and thought, “Hey, this looks fun.” Or maybe you’ve borrowed your friend’s cruiser board but can’t figure out how to pop an ollie. Well, that’s because only certain skateboards can produce an ollie and low quality skateboards from retailers like Big 5 will only get you down the driveway and not into the skatepark.

That being said, knowing there’s a right board and a wrong board for you depending on your skateboard goals is the first step to knowing which skateboard is actually right for you.

How to fix it – Check out our article on “How To Pick the Right Beginner Skateboard” or check out our “GOSKATE Free Skateboard Size Calculator.”

We also have GOSKATE complete skateboards you can purchase through our website that we guarantee will help you master the foundations of skateboarding.

Skating without Proper Safety Equipment – This one might seem obvious because we should all endeavor to skate safely. However, proper safety equipment means more than just pads and a helmet. It also means proper shoes, proper attire and even the proper location.

How to fix it: Always skate in an open area, like an empty parking lot or vacant sidewalk. Always wear closed toe shoes, preferably skate shoes with proper ankle and arch support and attire suitable for outdoor athletics. That doesn’t mean Yoga pants or basketball shorts but jeans and a T-Shirt. Knee pads and elbow pads are encouraged for beginners and helmets for anyone under 15 years old.

(Ask your parents or consult with an adult about protective gear !)

Skating Alone or Without Supervision – There’s several reasons why beginners should buddy up when learning how to skate. The first being it’s a lot safer to skate with someone who has your back in case you fall and need help. Secondly, skating with someone will also help push you to learn new tricks and unlock new moves. When it comes to supervision, both of the above are true. And in today’s skate age, it’s always fun to have someone to help film your progress to post to social media. But meeting someone your skill range can be hard and skating with your parents can only get you so far.

How to fix: We invite you to contact a GOSKATE instructor today to set up 1-on-1 lessons or group lessons for all ages and skill levels. You can also head to the local skatepark early in the morning for beginner friendly hours or even pedal around the neighborhood in search of a fellow skater. Keep your ears and eyes open for signs of skaters in your neighborhood.

Not Knowing Your Foot Stance – There’s an old folklore passed down that right footed people should skate regular footed and left footed people should skate goofy footed but that is simply not a proven rule of thumb. And many beginner skaters might not realize how to actually know your correct stance. Here’s how:

How to fix: Have someone stand behind you about 6 inches and gently nudge you from behind enough for one of your feet to branch out and catch your fall. Whatever foot came out naturally is the foot that is your front foot. If your left foot came out, congratulations – you’re regular footed. If your right foot came out, congratulations – you’re goofy footed!

Improper Pedaling Form [Mongo] – What the heck is mongo? Check out our Dictionary of Skate Terminology for the most comprehensive free guide to skateboarding lingo! In the meantime, mongo is when you take off your front foot to pedal instead of using the back foot. While the debacle around mongo pedaling is generally fueled by aesthetic reasons, (it looks a lot better to pedal with your back foot) there’s also some practical reasons you’ll discover as you become a better skater.

How to fix: Practice pedaling with your back foot at all costs or reevaluate your stance. You might actually be the other stance and that’s why you’re more comfortable taking your front foot off. Also do not be alarmed if you’re a mongo skater. Many of the world’s top pros skating mongo at first and it will help you become a better switch stance skater down the line.

Not Taking Care of Your Bearings – You know the saying, “Out of sight – out of mind?” Well don’t let your bearings get lost in your wheels. Because if your bearings are rusted, busted or just not properly lubricated, you’re going to slow you roll and have a hard time gaining momentum on ramps or even just learning how to master the foundations of skateboarding.

How to fix: Keep an eye and ear out (your bearings will sound like mice when broken) for rusted or busted bearings. Stay away from puddles, sand or even oil spots to avoid debris hitting your wheels and keep some speed cream or lubrication in your skate pack.

Buying Low Quality Skateboards – Buying Low Quality skateboards can be one of the most detrimental mistakes a new skater can make (or even a parent for their kid). That is precisely why we created the GOSKATE skateboard. So thousands of our students can get started with a high quality skateboard built and designed by actual skateboarders. That being said, it’s not easy for the skate novice to notice which skateboard will leave them stuck versus another skateboard that will have them popping a perfect kickflip.

How to fix: Avoid retail skateboards like Big 5 or Target skateboards. Avoid plastic decks or mini skateboards that do not have aluminum trucks. Make sure the wheels are made of actual polyurethane and the bearings allow the wheels to spin for more than just a few seconds. A good skate wheel will turn for over a minute when brand new. A good rule of thumb is to also count the layers on a skate deck, make sure there’s seven layers!

Have fun! – We cannot stress enough that skateboarding’s end goal is always to have fun. Avoid comparing yourself to others, every skater was once in your shoes. Remember, you’re a skater now. You get to do whatever you want that makes you happy. That also means those things within skating that can stress you out. You don’t have to film every single clip your child does, you don’t have to buy the latest clothes and you don’t have to try any tricks you don’t want to.

How to fix: Remember, the best skater is the one who’s having the most fun! And this helpful maxim: A mad skater is a bad skater.

Most Common Mistakes made by Beginners at Skate Parks

The Skate Park can be an amazing training ground for a beginner skater. It’s also a great place to witness how skaters interact with each other and how your local skate scene operates. However, the skill sets of other skaters can be intimidating. Not to mention the obstacles, ramps, bowls, half pipes, stairs and other things you won’t know how to skate off the bat. You have to be vigilant and ready. But don’t worry. That’s why we’re here now.

Skating a Skate Park at the Wrong Time – This is one of those mistakes that might not be the young skaters fault. Sometimes your parents work till 5 and that’s the only time they can take you. But there are better times (including weekends) that are more suited for beginner skates. Here are some times you might find yourself overwhelmed by the local skaters at your skatepark and rather, the times you might feel more comfortable.

Last hour before sunset: is usually when the local scene is thriving. This is partly due to the fact many adult skaters get off work and want to get a session in before the sun sets. It’s also a gnarly time to be at a skatepark if there aren’t any lights and the after hours vibes of parking lot hangs start to get lit. Avoid this time if you don’t want to feel like you’re in the way or if you’re intimidated by locals who’ve mastered their skatepark obstacles.
Weekdays: Weekdays are when skaters might stay closer to home rather than venturing off to other skateparks or hit street spots. So the ecosystem of the skatepark will be stronger during the week. This is something you can look forward to when you’re ready, but it might be better off to hit the skatepark on the weekend when they are less crowded.
Early Mornings: Early mornings are the best time for beginners to skate at the skatepark. And what’s early? Certainly before 11:00 am when things start to fill out. Generally, there’s an older crowd more accepting of new skaters and often they can be the best “first skate buddies” you’ll make. Just remember to practice proper skatepark etiquette and be vigilant to where more advanced skaters are skating.
Contests or GOSKATE Day: Contests and GOSKATE Day are some of the gnarliest and most beautiful times to be at a skatepark. You’ll witness first hand the raw scene of your local skate scene. But this also means the skatepark will be flooded with skaters hucking themselves down obstacles or grabbing at each other for free product. So make sure you go with your skateboard but be an observer. Maybe bring a camera to take some pics to share with your new skate mates.

Skating a Skate Park Before Mastering Foundations of Skateboarding – Many parents will drop their kids off at the skatepark thinking it’s more of a day care than a place where people come to hone their skills. These youngsters often have yet to master the foundations of skateboarding (yet alone have the right skateboards) and their boards shoot out from under them and trip another skater. Or worse they veer off and cause a collision. Many young kids will tell you the first time they slammed into an adult at the skatepark and how scary that was.

How to fix: This is exactly why we teach our students how to master the foundations of skateboarding: standing, riding, turning before we ever enter a skatepark with them. Doing so ensures a boost in confidence and safety. After all, many beginner skaters and kids alike will feel intimidated at first. But knowing they’ve mastered the foundations of skating ensures they’re off to the right foot.

Improper Skate Park Etiquette – We’ve got an entire article about skate park etiquette we invite you to check out. Sourced from our 3000+ instructors and thousands of satisfied students!

Most Common Mistakes when Learning Skateboarding Tricks

Not understanding there’s a nose and a tail – Many skaters will be surprised to learn your skateboard has a designated nose and tail, each providing different opportunities for tricks and even changing their names.

How to fix: Your tail will be the smaller, flatter end of the board and the nose will be the larger more concave end of your board. Basic tricks should always be performed with your tail in the back. Eventually, fakie and nollie tricks will be on the nose.

Improper Foot Placement – Improper foot placement leaves so many skaters dragging behind in terms of progressing to learn basic tricks like the ollie, pop shove-it, drop in, or heelflip.

How to fix: Understand first and foremost, there are a plethora of tutorials out there to help you understand proper foot placement for tricks like the ollie and kickflip. But you should also experiment with more toe and ball of your foot than using your whole foot which can weigh down the board or mute your pop.

Not crouching enough – Not crouching enough is generally a sign you’ve yet to become comfortable with maintaining your center of balance on a moving skateboard. Don’t worry, keep practicing.

How to fix: Maintain rolling at a comfortable speed and practice crouching low to the ground. Think sidewalk surfing and even grab your board. This is actually one of the most fun things to do and will help you gain the leap needed to perform high ollies. You can also practice crouching on a mini ramp rolling back and forth in the opposite direction.

Skateboard or Deck too busted – Your first skateboard might be a hand me down. And that’s okay. But at some time you’re going to have to get a new skate deck with brand new pop. This will help you in more ways than you could imagine.

Too Big or Too Small of a Skateboard – We can’t tell you enough about the times we’ve seen new skaters skate a board that is way too big or way too small for them. This is the reason why we created our Free Skateboard Size Calculator so all new skaters can hone their skateboarding skills with the proper skateboard.

Not Documenting Progress – Documenting your progress is one of the best ways to understand the mistakes you’re making. You know how dancers or gymnasts workout in front of a mirror? It’s a similar philosophy.

How to fix: GOSKATE has a new tool for every skater out there to help progress their skateboarding skills. We invite you to submit your video for GOSKATE feedback. So no matter where you are in the World, you can enjoy world class skateboarding instruction and master whatever skateboarding goals you might have patnership.

The post 20 Most Common Skateboarding Mistakes & How to Fix Them appeared first on Goskate.com.

18 years ago today a little chunk…

18 years ago today a little chunk of the Chocolate team (+ Alex Olson) took a trip down to Australia. There were a couple of demos, some signings and an Evan Hecox show put on by Monster Children the footage was later used in our first Chunk of Chocolate edit