The most common feature in skate parks are skateboarding ramps of varying sizes that allow skateboarders to perform their signature stunts. Small units are great for beginners and street trick skaters while large ones allow skaters to propel themselves through the air high enough in order to produce the most spectacular stunts. Building your own ramp is great fun, and if its small, will be portable enough to take to a skating site. It is amazing that just with the addition of a couple of curved inclines, an otherwise dull skate park can be transformed into an electric affair.
Each ramp is designed with a specific use in mind and the type of tricks that can be performed are often limited by its size. A ramp is made up of a frame, which can be thought of its skeleton, a sub-surface which creates its characteristic curves, a high-speed surface, and an optional rail at the top edge called a coping.
It is important that a ramp is carefully constructed according to plans so that the transitions of the sub-surface line up properly. Good quality two-by-fours or two-by-six lumber is usually used along with plywood. The entire structure is usually held together by screws with sunken heads for added rigidity and safety.
Kickers, launchers, grind boxes, fun boxes, minis, and street slopes are all considered small systems and are often combined with various obstacles and grind rails for added variety. Minis are usually made at home and provide good practice. Street slopes are made of a number of gradients of varying sizes and may include obstacles like a wall or a grind pole.
Large inclines like pipes and verts are the most iconic pieces in skate parks. Pipes have flat bottoms which lead to concaves and come in various heights. Verts are almost always higher than six feet and is a half-pipe with its side built up so that they reach vertical for several feet before the top. The vertical section allows skateboarders to perform tricks that are not possible on the quarter-pipe or half-pipe.
The least complicated slope to construct is the launch ramp which has a gentle incline and two existing side supports. Novices would benefit from using this ramp to practice their roll-ups, manipulate a trick and do roll-downs. Professional skateboarders will build up more speed on the ramp before jetting into the air and performing an ollie.
When making a ramp it is important to ensure that all joins are neat and accurate. Using the services of a professional to build the structure according to the plans provided will ensure that the project is completed with maximum safety. A thick grade steel or sheet metal can be used to cover the surface of an outdoor ramp, to improve its durability, otherwise all wood should be treated with a waterproof paint or sealant. An indoor ramp can use Masonite or Skatelite on its surface.
Skateboarding ramps allow skaters to perform various tricks on their surface, or can be used to launch the rider into the air to execute the most awesome stunts. Small inclines are easy to build and are great for those who want to practice their tricks at home. Plans to build your own ramp can be found online or at a reputable skateboard store.
Skateboarding is great fun and so are skateboarding games. You can play many skateboard games for free online.