Skateboarding was born of surfers taking a break from the waters back in the 1950s. Oh, and as is entirely predictable, the first skateboard variants had roller wheels screwed beneath them! (I bet you had guessed this already.)
The Golden State is laden with bounties of beauty, and its beauty comes in all forms. Skateboarding was born and nurtured here. Skateboarding in California is much more than just an action sport. It is a way of life, a habit, a culture, a social activity that everyone looks forward to. It functions like bringing your board, buckling your helmet, or raising a toast to friendships as these places buzz with life. It is right to say that skateboarding birthed here and is now intricately woven in California’s fabric. There are as many as 450 skate parks in the Golden State.
Californians love their skateboards and their skate park visits. I am all things adventure, and I never missed out on skate parks. I enjoy capturing the smooth movements of professionals as they take 12 feet dips even more.
Venice Beach Skate Park, Venice Beach
One hundred marks for location, straightaway! The site is the cherry on the cake. The beach sands flying hither and thither add the charm to this already enthralling skate park. Sprawling across the Venice sands, the most fantastic skateboarding shots that flutter the internet are captured here. This park opened in late 2009 and became an instant hit in no time.
Vans “Off the Wall” Skate Park, Huntington Beach
Vans is not just a brand. It is an emotion. Those who have been to this skaters’ heaven relate to it even more. Thanks to its spacious nature, it can be the battleground for professionals while simultaneously being a cradle for beginners. It is the onsite Vans store that fascinates me more. Multiple events and contests occur here round the year.
The six-foot-tall Vans logo stands taller than ever as skateboarders jump over. I am totally in awe of their checkered floors. Not to forget, it features the Vans version of the Combi bowl, too.
Lake Cunningham Regional State Park, San Jose
It is the largest of its kind in the entirety of California. It is the brainchild of California Skate Parks (a team of professionals who are masters of all things skateboarding, right from landscape architects to professional skateboarders). It is highly inclusive in the sense that it has space for beginners and professionals alike. It has got 12 freaking feet deep bowls for professionals!
The Cove Skate Park, Santa Monica
The Cove is a 20,000 sq. ft classic skate park with bowls, ramps, stairs, and no water pools! (Had to mention this piece of information because their website reads, leave your swimsuit at home!) This one is buzzing with life all through the day. It is here that I have spotted half centenarians and toddlers with the same enthusiasm.
Linda Vista Skate Park, San Diego
Sprawl over nearly 34,000 sq. ft; this public skate park is the largest in San Diego. It has a full-fledged flow bowl, a backyard bowl, a flabbergasting full-pipe, and whatnot. This one is a skateboarders’ paradise. Interestingly, this park has managed to put Linda Vista in the limelight.
Fremont Skate Park, Fremont
Enveloping slightly over an acre, Fremont Skate Park has got to be the most exciting skate park in all of California, thanks to its large palm trees and the Aqua Adventure Water Park right next to it.
Garvanza Skate Park, Los Angeles
Trigger warning: This one is not meant for beginners. You will see the pros of the pros performing live here, and it is a sight you can’t afford to miss. They are sure to leave you flabbergasted. Its graffiti-laden bowl is enough to trigger your adrenal gland!
Portrero De Sol, San Francisco
This one is the largest in my city. From sunrise to sunset, all 16000 ft. of it are buzzing with professional skaters. And, I can’t miss mentioning that this is a popular picnic spot among toddlers and families. The performance area adds charm to the place.
Town Park, West Oakland
Sports fields, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and last but not least a skate park, this place has got it all. Although not so big, this one is strikingly famous for it one of kind hurdles. I totally can’t help mentioning the beauty of the locally painted murals here.
How California-born and brought up’ skateboarding’ became a global phenomenon is a long story! While it has successfully managed to influence the global picture, it thrives with even more verve in the golden state.
