For a skateboarder, sometimes a sea of concrete is pure heaven. But what happens when you set a skatepark down in the middle of heaven itself? The transitions you skate give way to a beautiful destination that inspires the soul. Here are 10 parks you’ll want to surf with your skateboard.
1. Venice Skate Park. California
https://goo.gl/maps/xyCAQptWD4M2
The Venice Skate Park in California is a popular destination as it sits on the beach with views of mountains in the distance. Longboard down the boardwalk, surf the concrete bowl, then set your feet in the sand as you kick back to enjoy the sunset.
2. Tilawa Skatepark. Costa Rica
https://goo.gl/maps/vYgZYhWCfH52
Costa Rica is a great destination, especially for some surf and relaxation. But while you’re there, check out the skatepark at Tilawa. This skatepark is in the heart of the jungle, with volcanos and a beautiful lake to retreat to after a memorable skate sesh.
3. Skatepark di Lugano. Switzerland
https://goo.gl/maps/fbKJh9jHk9E2
The skatepark located in Lugano, Switzerland is a unique piece of art, with murals of vibrant colors and complex patterns painted by a moscow-based art group. In the backdrop, a beautiful glacial lake and mountains leave you with a breathtaking view.
4. SkatePark Taghazout. Morocco
https://goo.gl/maps/Pc7Hv2k6ywv
Taghazout might be known for its surf beaches, but take a break from the surf to catch the waves at this beautiful skatepark that overlooks a fishing village below. As you carve the waves of the wall, you’ll catch a view where the blue sky touches the ocean, until the sunset and the magnificent shades of yellows and oranges overtake the horizon.
5. Jack Malmgren Skate Park. Sedona, Arizona
https://goo.gl/maps/14WTnt5isyw
The steep and colorful walls of the grand canyon create an amazing backdrop to the skatepark in Sedona Arizona. This oasis of a skatepark will no doubt quench your thirst if you’ve been seeking breathtaking views as carve the round walls.
6. SMP Skatepark. Shanghai, China.
(The World’s Largest Skatepark: New Jiangwan City, Shanghai, China)
https://goo.gl/maps/re7SgCnjdSA2
China’s largest city sets as the backdrop to one of the world’s largest skatepark. The park itself spans nearly 45,000 square feet and sits on the North side of Shanghai in New Jiangwan City. With the biggest bowls and ramps and large full pipe, you may not have the time or energy to explore the futuristic city and many cultural sites while you’re visiting.
7. Wanaka Skatepark. New Zealand
https://goo.gl/maps/q4qQgmcpjmv
Tucked away in the resort town of Wanaka, New Zealand, is a recently renovated park with plenty of features to skate while the sun glistens on the crystal-clear waters of the lake that sits in front of snowcapped alpine mountains. And if all that snow in the distance has you dreaming about carving some snow, there are ski resorts nearby.
8. Garota De Ipanema Skatepark. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
https://goo.gl/maps/GDmbSfrg6Qm
It may require a small hike away from the beach, but finding this gem of a skatepark in the hills of Rio de Janeiro is a treat. This secluded skatepark overlooks the city and the beaches with mountains rising out of the water in the distance. The park has two bowls that have been recently refurbished and graffitied with artwork that draws you into everything that is Rio.
9. Quebradillas Skatepark, Puerto Rico
https://goo.gl/maps/LYyJCzKP5xQ2
Let’s go a little off the beaten track for this little park nestled in the jungle on the north-western shore of Puerto Rico. You’ll find good surf in the newly poured concrete bowls. The lush greenery surrounding the park gives way to a stunning view of blue Atlantic waters. There’s some good surfing nearby, so be prepared to hit the water before or after carving the concrete.
10. The Skate Church. Asturias, Spain
https://goo.gl/maps/EaHqjYabfx82
To skaters, skating is their religion. So why not enjoy the miraculous artwork as light shines through the windows of this once abandoned church in Spain. Red Bull, along with online donations, salvaged the building transformed it into a public skatepark known as Kaos Temple. You’ll find this unique skate scene in the nothwest region of Spain, known for it’s mountains and medieval architecture. So the views outside The Skate Church are as remarkable as the ones from inside.
BONUS: Floating Skate Ramp, Lake Tahoe, Bliss Sate Park, California
https://goo.gl/maps/W8mNJ2zvfPo
Pro Skater Bob Burnquist had dreams of building a floating ramp. His dream is now your reality. When you visit the crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe for paddle boarding or wake surfing, grab your skateboard for the unique opportunity to skate the lake with views of the Sierra Mountains behind you.