Skateboard Ramp Facts

A skateboard can be used for transportation as well as a piece of sports equipment. Considered an extreme sport, skateboarding is a popular activity, in which participants ride and perform tricks on the skateboards. Skateboard ramps are pieces of equipment that aid skateboarders with tricks.

Function

Skateboard ramps are used by skateboarders to "catch some air" or become airborne. They are the launching pads for aerial tricks and jumps. There are also tricks performed over ramps used as raised surfaces.

Construction

A ramp generally consists of a frame, wood bent against the frame and screws to hold the wood in place, followed by a finish to protect the wood. Newer ramps are also built with plastics. Companies such as OC Ramps use computer-controlled technology to create perfect slopes on their ramps and use special weather-treated woods for longevity.

Types

Skateboard ramps come in a variety of styles. There are half pipes, quarter pipes, grind boxes and launch decks. Half pipes can also be called vert pipes, because the section before the flat table above the lip is vertical instead of slanted like smaller ramps. A quarter pipe is one-half of a half pipe. Grind boxes are used as surfaces to "grind" on, which involves sliding across the top of them with a skateboard. Launch decks are ramps that are used for jumps.

Warning

Ramps can be dangerous for inexperienced skateboarders. Skateboarders who do not have experience should be very careful when approaching tricks or riding on ramps. It is easier to transition to bigger ramps from smaller quarter pipes because they are not completely vertical, like half pipes. Launch decks can vary widely in size, so it is best to start with something under two feet tall.

Significance

Skateboard ramps are a integral part of any skate park and enable many skateboard tricks. Most skateboard competitions and exhibitions will feature very large half pipes, and smaller parks will have every variety of grind box, launch dec, and quarter pipe.