In many areas across the United States, skateboarding remains illegal on public and private property. As a result, skateboarders have started a joint effort to build training facilities known as skate parks. While street skateboarding continues to be a prominent genre, many skaters have turned to the safety of the skate park to avoid run-ins with local law enforcement. The skateboard park houses various riding obstacles.
Mini Ramp
The mini ramp remains a staple in skateboard parks across the globe. Often referred to as the little brother of the half pipe, the mini ramp features a U-shape. Mini ramps commonly have a wooden construction. While wooden ramps remain ideal for indoor skateboard parks, they will slowly deteriorate if left outdoors. Professionally built mini ramps feature a concrete design that can withstand even the harshest of weather conditions. The mini ramp features a metal bar at the top lip known as the coping.
Bank Ramp
The bank ramp serves multiple functions in the skateboard park. As opposed to the concave shape of the mini ramp, the bank ramp features a steady incline. Roll to the top of the bank ramp and perform a trick that involves flipping your skateboard in the air. The bank ramp also allows you to gain speed while cruising around the skateboard park. Bank ramps often have a wooden or concrete design. Wooden bank ramps commonly feature a piece of sheet metal to ensure a smooth roll up.
Rails
Many street skateboarders enjoy grinding down the handrails found in metropolitan areas. To re-create the natural street skateboarding obstacles, skateboard parks commonly feature metallic grinding rails. Skateboard park rails often have a circular or square shape. Square rails offer increased stability for young riders just learning the grinding technique. Skateboard parks offer rails that have been fastened into the ground as well as rails that you can transport throughout the training facility.
Ledges
The ledge refers to a prominent part of the skateboard park. Ledges vary in height to increase the difficulty of the obstacle. Skate park goers can use the ledge for grinds as well as a balancing maneuver known as the manual. Wooden ledges have been equipped with a piece of angle iron to aid in the grinding technique. Rub a piece of candle wax on the top of a concrete ledge to ensure a smooth grind.
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