Skate parks give skaters of all skill levels a safe place to practice their sport. These parks often include ramps that launch skaters into the air to perform tricks, or simply to enjoy the thrill of the jump. Skate park ramps feature a number of different designs to meet the needs of different skaters. Materials like concrete and wood provide flexible ramp design, but must be chosen carefully to maximize the skating experience.
Launch Ramps
Launch ramps are one of the most basic skate park ramp designs. They consist of a wedge-shaped structure that launches riders into the air to perform aerial tricks. The rider can either land on the ground or on another nearby obstacle.
Kickers, or mini-launch ramps, allow riders to launch themselves into the air and perform small jumps or tricks. They can also be used to help riders jump onto a nearby obstacle.
Quarter Pipes
According to Skatewave, the quarter pipe resembles a launch ramp, but has a curved profile. One edge of the ramp sits flush against the ground, while the other terminates at a platform that sits parallel to the ground. This top platform may feature rails for safety, though some skaters also incorporate these rails into tricks. Skaters ride up the quarter pipe and perform aerial tricks, then land back on the ramp and travel down to reach the ground. The quarter pipe provides lots of air time, and allows skaters to grind against the joint between the curved ramp and the top platform.
Half Pipes
The half pipe consists of two quarter pipes that meet in the center. These ramps mimic the design of a swimming pool or bowl, which skaters have traditionally used in place of modern ramps. Half pipes help riders perform a series of tricks in quick succession while maintaining speed between each jump. One or both ends of the pipe may feature a flat surface where riders gather between rides. This surface also allows riders to "drop-in" to the pipe, or to perform grinds and other tricks.
Pyramids
Pyramids include a series of ramps and platforms joined together to resemble a flat-topped pyramid. They allow skaters to change the direction and flow of the ride in between tricks, and also help skaters to maintain their speed. Some pyramid ramps feature rails or other obstacles built-into the top of the structure, which allow riders to combine jumps with grinding tricks. According to Skatewave, pyramids are primarily designed for experienced riders, and are not appropriate for most beginners.
Materials
According to the nonprofit group Skaters for Public Skateparks, concrete has traditionally been the popular material for building ramps. It provides a high level of design flexibility and requires little maintenance. One of the drawbacks to concrete construction is that it can increase construction time for skate parks.
Prefabricated ramps consist of wood or composite materials used to create freestanding skate obstacles. Because they are made of wood rather than concrete, these ramps require a high level of maintenance and have a relatively short life compared to concrete models.
Pre-cast concrete ramps combine the strength and durability of concrete with the quick construction associated with prefabricated ramps. Because pre-cast ramps are produced in concrete factories, however, they reduce overall design flexibility for park planners.
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