Is the skatepark by your house really busy? Do you not have a skatepark near you? Are your parents tired of driving you to one?
What if you could bring the skatepark to you?
You might think that this is a crazy idea, but it’s actually more possible than you might think. With a little bit of creativity and some hand tool skills, how cool would it be to have a mini skatepark right in your backyard that never gets busy (well, unless all your friends end up skating at your house, too).
(freepik/Freepik)
1. Get Your Parents on Board
If you still live at home, it is super important to ask for permission from your guardians before you start building things in the yard or moving large amounts of dirt. Despite the (incorrect) skater reputation of a rebel who breaks the rules, you don’t want to get in trouble or become banned from skating.
To get ahead of this, here are some reasons you can present to your parents or guardians about why building your own skate ramp would be cool:
- It is an opportunity to learn skills that can help you find a career in the future or just be handy around the house.
- It can be a fun project to do together as a family.
- Many skating accidents occur on the road. An at-home skatepark can help keep you off of the road and close to home.
- You can learn about hard work and dedication and how much it pays off.
Throw in a “please” and clean your room first. You’ll be irresistible! While also asking nicely, don’t forget to ask your parents to check if any local building permits might be required.
2. Use What You’ve Got
Before you even start building, look around at what you do have.
You might be thinking, “But I don’t have a quarter pipe in my yard!” Honestly, that’s probably true. But do you have a swimming pool? We’ve seen others drain it during the cooler months, you can use it as a bowl (in true OG skater style).
If you live on a quieter street, the curb up to your house can be a great place to practice grinding a ledge. And a sturdy handrail up some steps (with a really strong emphasis on sturdy) can also be a great place to perfect grinds and slides.
With a bit of creativity and an open mind, a lot of things lying around could become skateable. Put on your skate lenses and find new ways to use your surroundings.
3. Get Creative
Pull out your phone and search for some YouTube videos on DIY skate boxes, rails, or ledges. Maybe even take out the trash before presenting your ideas to your parents for some brownie points. With some basic tools and a few pieces of plywood, you can build a variety of pieces that can stay in your yard. Tons of YouTube videos give you step-by-step instructions on building everything from a quarter pipe to a grind box.
With your parents on board and supervising, now it’s time to roll up your oversized skater hoodie sleeves and get to work.
Your local hardware store should have everything you need. Plywood, metal pipes, screws, and tools can all be pretty cheap and are almost always in stock. Plus, if you don’t have big tools like saws at your house, you can often rent or use them in-store, so you don’t have to shell out the big bucks for the sake of one project.
Making skating obstacles can be a great project for you, your friends, or your parents. It is a great opportunity to learn some basic labor skills that might be useful later in life.
Once you get the hang of building one ramp, you might find yourself making more. And being able to customize every obstacle to your level and skateboarding style is a total game-changer.
4. Prep Your Yard
When you build obstacles like ramps, the most important thing is that the ground is level. This isn’t too complicated to fix, but it can take some time and energy.
Before you start building, you need to make sure the area you’ve picked in your yard will work. If you don’t, you might get disappointing results.
Using a shovel and moving dirt to make the ground a smooth and level surface is the only way to get the best out of your new pipe or ramp. So, become best friends with your shovel and spend a few hours digging dirt. You won’t regret it.
Building your skatepark at home is not as daunting as it may seem. It can be a great way to learn new skills and try something new. It will also give you a place to perfect your skating skills.
Plus, your friends will be jealous. Everyone will want to try out the new setup at your place. Your friends might even recruit you to help them build some of their own. (But help them take out their garbage first before asking their parents for permission.)