There was a time skaters had to enact ‘guerilla’ tactics (a term coined by the Dogtown skate crew), using streets, curbs, alleyways, slopes in pavements, etc to make riding more challenging and exhilarating.
Much like motions suitable to those in wetsuits, the original street skaters carved, curved and ‘bottom turned’ atop pavements like water.
As the sport and intensity of riders progressed, engineers and avid skaters orchestrated skateparks, a controlled environment, crafted for the sole purpose of skateboarding, replete with ramps, half pipes, rails, bowls and more.
Of course the finest skatepark is the one nearest to home. Skateparks have evolved to indoor settings as well for riders to practice their skills regardless of the weather.
The ‘guerilla’ mentality of riders makes no terrain safe from skaters who thrive on versatility; yet, the following five skateparks are recognized as among the world’s finest.
If you are a skateboarder keen to take a trip abroad, head to one the following destinations.
5. Stapelbäddsparken, Malmo, Sweden
Malmo is a city in Sweden, and nestled within an old harbour area is a highly rated skaepark engineered by Oregon-native, Stefan Hauser.
Since Hauser likes to ‘handcraft’ his skateparks, he travels on-site with a group of riders and seers to construct something unique and aesthetically inspiring and Malmo is nothing short of that.
The curves of the skatepark are smooth, lined in metal and include a kidney-shaped pool. The inviting slopes make it possible for riders to continuously lap and zigzag the Malmo peaks and valleys of concrete.
4. Livingston Skatepark, Scotland
The park opened in 1981, when some commercial parks were waning in popularity. The free, unsupervised ‘state of skate’ was a major triumph of the sport; the creation of the park inspired further developments around the nation, including Philadelphia and parts of California.
The ‘Livi’ is fitted with two bowls, 4 and 8-feet deep respectively. The park is structured like a jungle gym for skaters, replete with reservoirs, 30-foot long straightaway extensions and mole-hills.
You can find local UK skaters like Stuart Graham, Ben Layden, and rising talent tearing up concrete during the week or at local organised events.
A number of amateurs and pros alike consider the ‘Livi’ to be among the world’s greatest skate park. The park is open to all, yet curators organise skate competitions and parties for kids. Many famous British skaters herald from the park.
If it is going to be your first time in the north of the UK check out Scotland road trips or Edinburgh travel tips.
3. SMP Skatepark, Shanghai, China
SMP’s name is exercises brevity, yet those brave enough to peruse the course had better have the longevity to travel its 44,000-plus square feet.
The park, which was for a long time the biggest skate park in the world is
SMP is infamous around the world, hosting “The Showdown,” yet non-competitors are always welcome at ‘the world’s largest skatepark,’ enjoying food and beverages on its 12,000 square-foot deck.
Like surfers who target world destinations such as South Africa and Hawaii, China, specifically Shanghai, is often on avid skaters’ lists of must-go destinations. As expected, like a well-curated Master’s golf course, the SMP has areas inviting to skaters of varying skill levels.
While some bowls and sections are designated for professional-level skaters, riders may save their bravery for later dates, opting for less-advanced portions.
2. Burnside, Oregon, USA
Back to the western hemisphere to visit our second top-rated park.
To get to the next skate destination, you’ll have to travel to the north west coast of the US.
Portland, Oregon is known for liberal attitudes, and natives are quite serious about skateboarding, a popular mode of transportation as well as a extreme sport within the city confines.
Burnside, the production of visions of a small number of skate enthusiasts, has quickly gained notoriety around the world.
Nestled almost unassumingly beneath the Burnside Bridge, the skatepark is public, free and is easily one of the best skate destinations in North America.
Hundreds to thousands vid skaters come to Burnside each month to enjoy a shared passion, discuss tricks, and most of all, shred concrete.
1. Black Pearl Skatepark, Cayman Islands
When you think of the Cayman Islands you probably have visions of beautiful white sandy beaches and amazing resorts, yet many skaters believe THE go-to park in the world is located here, the Black Pearl.
The Cayman Islands Skateboard Association owns and runs the park and it was officially opened in 2005 by one of the best professional skaters ever – Tony Hawk. Caribbean
The park offers 62,000 square-feet of concrete surface. Those responsible for creating the park are authors of notable skateparks around America, such as those in Arizona and Las Vegas.
One of the parks added benefits is the variety of surf-and-turf goers enjoy, getting to ride on amazing slopes and courses as well as mechanically-engineered waves in the respective surf portion of the park.
If you are worried about the cost of visiting the Cayman Islands view our Caribbean budget travel tips.
Other Top Rated Locations
If you love to skate and need an adrenaline fix get yourself to one of the parks above.
There are though hundreds of skate parks all around the world and all are different but special in their own way.
Some more popular parks to check out include:
• GMP Skatepark, Guangzhou, China (the world’s biggest skatepark)
• Parque da Juventude, São Paulo, Brasil
• Pura Pura, La Paz, Bolivia
• Gratitude Trails, Andros, Greece
• Kaos Temple, Oviedo, Spain
• Vancouver Plaza, Vancouver, Canada
• Skatepark Los Reyes, Santiago, Chile
• Venice Beach Skatepark, California, USA
• Kona Skate Park, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
• Prado Bowl, Marseille, France
• Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park, California, USA
• Amazing Square Skate Park, Tokyo, Japan
Planning a skate holiday really is a great way to mix your passion with exploration, browse our trip inspiration for ideas for things to do.
You could also check local listings for parks in your area or research ways to build advocacy and inspire action in your own community. As with Burnside, a world-renowned skatepark begins with the vision and passion of a few.
