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Discovering Pura Pura, the highest skatepark in the world

Bros Around the Globe went to La Paz, Bolivia, and found the highest skatepark in the world, a 4,000 square-foot DIY at an altitude of 13,615 feet (4,150 meters), where the air is so thin that you look for coca leaves and water all the time. A true breathless experience.

We found ourselves wandering the unforgiving rough streets of La Paz in search of a skate spot that wasn’t cheese grater asphalt. Though it was June and winter in Bolivia, we had a warm bluebird day ahead of us, so the mission was on. After being kicked out of plaza after plaza, we decided to head to a municipal park on the outskirts of the city center. Somewhere to kick and push on some smooth flat ground without being hassled. We set off on our journey.

La Paz Cable Car

After an hour of walking uphill on busy city streets, what we would find at an altitude of 13,615 feet (4,150 meters), we couldn’t have imagined in our wildest dreams. Maybe it was the thin air talking, but it literally took our breath away. There it was in all its glory: Pura Pura. Proof you can find a skatepark anywhere in the world, even in the most unlikely of places.

The city of La Paz Bolivia

Pura Pura is located in La Paz, Bolivia, bordering the neighbouring city of El Alto (The Tall). This 4,000-square-foot DIY masterpiece holds the crown for the highest-elevation skatepark in the world. The park was built in 2014 by a dedicated group of local skateboarders, who were frustrated with the lack of skateboarding infrastructure in the city and took matters into their own hands. The project was led in collaboration with Bolivian skater Milton Arellano, the Make Life Skate Life NGO, Levi’s Skateboarding, and an army of over a hundred volunteers from fifteen countries who weren't afraid to get their hands dirty. Camping out at the park during the build, in less than just one month, the team helped bring the vision to life.

Rock and roll on the QP

Implementing a true DIY mindset, the park was constructed using mostly recycled materials, including wood, bricks, cement, and steel coping

Implementing a true DIY mindset, the park was constructed using mostly recycled materials, including wood, bricks, cement, and steel coping. A labour of love, it was designed with passion to be a community space where skateboarders of all levels could gather and practice their skills. The one-of-a-kind park features an assortment of obstacles, including quarter pipes, banks, stairs gaps, and rails. The transition is smooth and has a unique, organic flow that utilizes the natural features and contours of the land.

We received a warm welcome from the local skaters during our visit who were amped to show us some of the best lines to be had in the park. We spent the day at the park and became friends as they helped us practice our Spanish and we helped them practice their English. However, it never ceases to amaze me, no matter where you find yourself in the world, skateboarding is a universal language. The session was all-time and resulted in a memory I will never forget. It was an amazing experience to skate this hand-built park made possible by old-fashioned hard work. Skaters worldwide are resilient and have a determined mindset: they won’t stop until they see something to completion.

Break time due to the altitude

The altitude here is no joke, leaving you gassed, reaching for coca leaves and water. Skating here, you need to take more breaks than unusual.

The altitude here is no joke, leaving you gassed, reaching for coca leaves and water. Skating here, you need to take more breaks than unusual. While I was catching my breath, I let some local kids use my board. To my surprise, they were eager to alert me that it was their first time ever on a skateboard. We helped them get the hang of it and they were cruising in no time. Witnessing the smiles and stoke on their faces as they kicked and pushed on their own was priceless. This is why we travel.

Since its construction, Pura Pura has become a hub for the local skateboarding community in La Paz and has also attracted skaters from around the world, who’ve come to Bolivia specifically to shred the park. It’s even been featured in several skateboarding documentaries and has helped put Bolivia on the map as a destination for skateboarding. To allow underprivileged kids in the area to get involved, skate gear is available for free from the Ayni Skate Project organization's youth center and offers free skate classes for at-risk youth every week.

Teaching the local kids

Despite its popularity, Pura Pura has faced some challenges over the years. In 2018, the park was threatened to be demolished by the local government, which claimed that it was built illegally on public land. However, after a campaign by the skateboarding community and support from international organizations, the park was ultimately allowed to stay. Since then, Ayni expanded its classes to El Alto in 2022, offering outreach on portable ramps. As a result of the construction of Pura Pura, Ayni has also built numerous skate spots in La Paz and El Alto, allowing disadvantaged youth to participate in skateboarding.

Pura Pura is a true testament to the power of grassroots community building and the attitude of DIY skate culture. Providing a much-needed space for skateboarders in La Paz, the park has helped foster a sense of camaraderie and creativity within the local skateboarding scene that thrives to this day.

Nick searching for line

Website Bros around the Globe Visit Pura Pura skatepark

By Nick DeRiso

Wooden Skateparks vs Concrete Skateparks: Which are better?

Wooden Skateparks vs Concrete Skateparks: Which One is Better? Choosing between a wooden or concrete skatepark is one of the most important decisions when planning a new facility. Both materials offer unique advantages and challenges depending on the environment, budget, and intended use. Here's a detailed comparison to help guide the best choice for your project or community. Riding Experience Wooden skateparks are known for their smooth and responsive surfaces. They offer a slightly softer feel, making them great for beginner skaters. Many skaters find wood more forgiving underfoot, especially when learning new tricks. The quieter ride is also a plus in indoor or noise-sensitive areas. Concrete skateparks, on the other hand, provide a fast, stable surface ideal for flowing lines and transition skating. The consistent feel of concrete makes it a favorite among experienced skaters, especially those who enjoy bowls, banks, and street-style setups. Concrete is the go-to for permanent, sculpted terrain that encourages creative skating. Maintenance and Durability Wooden parks require frequent maintenance, particularly if they’re outdoors. Exposure to rain, sun, and temperature changes can cause wood to warp, crack, or rot, reducing the park’s lifespan. Regular resurfacing and inspection are necessary to ensure safety and performance. Indoors, however, wooden parks tend to last longer and maintain their quality better. Concrete parks are extremely durable and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Their weather-resistant nature makes them perfect for outdoor installations, and aside from occasional cleaning or minor repairs, they demand little upkeep over time. This makes concrete a solid long-term investment for public or high-traffic spaces. Cost When it comes to cost, wooden skateparks are generally less expensive to build. The installation process is quicker and simpler, which is helpful for temporary setups or when working with tight budgets. Wooden structures also allow for flexibility, as they can be moved, reconfigured, or replaced more easily. Concrete parks have a higher upfront cost due to the complexity of design, engineering, and materials. However, their long lifespan and minimal maintenance often result in a lower total cost of ownership over time, especially for municipalities or organizations planning a long-term facility. Aesthetics and Community Impact Wooden parks are often modular and functional, but they tend to stand out visually and may not integrate seamlessly into surrounding environments. They’re best suited for temporary locations, events, or indoor use where aesthetics are not the main focus. Concrete skateparks can be beautifully sculpted and integrated into natural landscapes or urban design. Many serve as architectural features or public art pieces that enhance the visual appeal of neighborhoods. These parks often become social and recreational hubs, increasing their value to the community beyond just skateboarding. Safety From a safety perspective, wooden parks offer softer landings, which can be beneficial for beginners and those practicing new tricks. However, if the wood becomes damaged—due to splinters, soft spots, or exposed screws—it can pose risks if not properly maintained. Concrete parks offer a consistent and reliable riding surface, but falls on concrete are harder and more painful. While the risk of injury may be slightly higher, many skaters prefer the consistency of concrete because it reduces unexpected hazards like loose parts or warped transitions. Conclusion Both wooden and concrete skateparks offer important benefits depending on the purpose and location. Wooden parks are perfect for indoor setups, events, and budget-conscious projects that require flexibility and mobility. Concrete parks are ideal for permanent public installations where durability, minimal maintenance, and creative design are priorities. At Trucks and Fins, we document and review every type of skatepark around the world. Whether it’s wood or concrete, indoor or outdoor, every park has its place in the skateboarding ecosystem. If you're planning a skatepark or just exploring new spots, visit TrucksandFins.com to find detailed information, photos, and reviews of thousands of parks worldwide.

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Europe vs USA: Who Has More Skateparks?

A Tale of Two Continents on Four Wheels When people think about the heart of skateboarding, the United States usually takes the spotlight. From the iconic spots of California to the roots of modern street skating, the U.S. has played a huge role in shaping skate culture as we know it. But when it comes to numbers—how many places you can actually go skate—Europe quietly takes the lead. Let’s break it down. Size Matters (But Barely) At first glance, you might think the United States of America, has the upper hand just based on space. After all, it’s massive, right? Well, turns out Europe and the U.S. are nearly the same size. United States: 9.83 million square kilometers Europe: 10.18 million square kilometers That means Europe is just about 104,480 square kilometers larger—so, not a major difference in land area. Skatepark Numbers: Europe Pulls Ahead Now, here's where it gets interesting. Skateparks + Asphalt Pump Tracks in the USA: 3,740 Skateparks + Asphalt Pump Tracks in Europe: 9,831Yes, you read that right. Europe has over 2.5 times more skateparks and pump tracks than the United States. This includes everything from world-class concrete parks in places like Malmö (Sweden) or Barcelona (Spain) to modern asphalt pump tracks popping up across Germany, France, and Eastern Europe.People Per Park: The Real Density Battle Let’s bring population into the mix. How many people does each park serve on average? United States Population: ~332 million Europe Population: ~746 million Now let’s calculate: USA: 1 skatepark for every ~88,770 people Europe: 1 skatepark for every ~75,880 people Even though Europe has a significantly higher population, the number of parks keeps pace—and even beats the U.S. when it comes to accessibility. What Does This Mean? It flips the script a bit. While the U.S. may dominate skateboarding in terms of global influence, media, and history, Europe is quietly building a stronger physical infrastructure for the next generation of skaters. The sheer number of accessible spots, especially in smaller towns, makes Europe an underrated gem for skateboarding and pump track culture. In recent years, funding for public sports infrastructure in Europe has prioritized multi-use spaces like skateparks and pump tracks, especially in places like France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Local municipalities see the value not just in terms of sport, but community engagement and youth culture. The Bottom Line While the U.S. gave skateboarding to the world, Europe is giving it room to grow. If you’re a skater looking to travel, explore, or even relocate, Europe might be your new paradise. Whether you’re bombing hills in Lisbon, cruising pump tracks in the Alps, or skating DIY spots in Eastern Europe, the scene is alive and thriving.

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Odivelas skatepark - European Skatepark Tour – EP 83

Exploring Odivelas Skatepark: A Classic Portuguese Skate Spot Reimagined Our journey across Europe's skateparks continues, and this time we’re stopping at one of Portugal’s most iconic skate destinations—Odivelas Skatepark. Known to locals as "Torre do Skatepark," this legendary spot has been a staple of the Portuguese skateboarding scene for decades. Located in Odivelas, Lisbon, this park holds a special place in the hearts of skaters, both for its historical significance and its impressive evolution. Originally built as one of Portugal's first major skateparks, Odivelas has long been a gathering place for skateboarders of all levels. In 2020, the park underwent a major renovation led by Wasteland Skateparks and Apark, the former Academia dos Patins, bringing a fresh, modern feel to its well-loved features while preserving its raw essence. The revamped Odivelas Skatepark now boasts a smooth concrete bowl integrated with a halfpipe, providing endless lines for transition skaters. The street section, though compact, is thoughtfully designed with ledges, banks, and rails, ensuring that every skater, regardless of style, finds something to enjoy. As part of our mission to document and explore skateparks across Europe, we couldn’t pass up the chance to experience Odivelas firsthand. In our latest video, we take you through the park, showcasing its unique features, the local skate scene, and the smooth flow that makes this place a must-visit. Join us as we dive into the world of Odivelas Skatepark. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or simply a fan of great skate spots, this video tour will give you an inside look at what makes this park so special.

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Cantelowes Skatepark: A London Skateboarding Landmark

Origins in the 1980s and Early Popularity of Cantelowes Skatepark Cantelowes Skatepark, located in Cantelowes Gardens in Camden, north London, traces its roots back to the late 1980s. The original skatepark was a basic concrete facility built by the local council, and by 2007 it was about 20 years old​. Despite its rough design (the concrete eventually cracked and the layout was considered rudimentary), the park quickly became a beloved spot for skaters from all over London​. Throughout the 1990s, Cantelowes developed a reputation as a core skate spot. Local skateboard jams were common – skaters would gather for informal contests or just to session the park together. ​ The original park’s simple banks and ramps still drew riders from across the city​. Many notable UK skateboarders of the era paid visits to Cantelowes. For example, in the late 90s pro skater Scott Palmer famously landed a high kickflip-to-fakie on Cantelowes’ steep concrete bank. Fellow British pros like John Rattray and Paul Shier also pulled off memorable tricks on that same bank (including a lofty melon grab over the fence and a caballerial flip), further cementing the park’s place in local skate lore​. Even earlier in the 90s, legendary UK photographer Skin Phillips shot Carl Shipman at Cantelowes for RAD magazine, an indication that the park was on the radar of the wider skateboarding media​. In short, by the turn of the millennium Cantelowes Skatepark was considered a historic part of London’s skate scene – scrappy and aging, but important as a gathering place and proving ground for skaters. Community-Driven Redevelopment in 2007 By the mid-2000s, it was clear that Cantelowes Skatepark needed a major upgrade. Camden Council initiated a £1.5 million redevelopment of Cantelowes Gardens, which included replacing the aging skatepark​. Rather than leave the design solely to hired contractors, a group of local skaters and BMXers – nicknamed the “Cantelocals” – became deeply involved in the project​. Veteran skaters Matt Elms, Jeremy Donaldson, Hareth Pochee and others volunteered their professional skills (in architecture, engineering and construction) to help plan and oversee a “world-class” skatepark rebuild on their old stomping ground​. The team secured funding (including a grant from Sport England) and collaborated with a skatepark contractor (Wheelscape) to make their vision a reality​. Construction took place in 2006–2007, and the new concrete park was completed in spring 2007. A launch party in April 2007 celebrated the reopening, drawing a huge crowd of skaters and families to Cantelowes Gardens; the atmosphere was “brilliant,” with music and a sense of pride in the community-built facility​. The rejuvenated Cantelowes Skatepark now featured modern, high-quality concrete obstacles and promised longevity that the old park lacked. Features and Evolution of the New Skatepark The 2007 reconstruction transformed Cantelowes into one of the premier skateparks in the UK. The design the Cantelocals came up with offers something for everyone – from beginners to seasoned pros. The centerpiece is a sprawling concrete bowl complex, often praised as one of the biggest and best outdoor bowls in Britain​. This bowl has multiple sections of varying depth (including a deep end with pool-style coping and a unique “cradle” or clam-shaped over-vertical section), plus hips and roll-in entry points that let skaters flow through different lines​. Wrapping around the bowl is an L-shaped street course, which incorporates flat banks, a large banked hip, ledges, manual pads, a rail and other street obstacles​. This mix of terrain means the park caters to various styles – riders can carve the bowl, then hop out to hit street lines along the perimeter. The entire park is all concrete, providing a smooth, fast surface (a deliberate choice to avoid the bumpy tarmac and noisy metal ramps that plagued lesser skateparks)​. Cantelowes also remained free to use and open to BMX riders, inline skaters and scooters as well, keeping with its roots as a community youth facility. Over the years since reopening, minor additions and wear-and-tear have occurred (some ledges are a bit worn now​), but overall the park’s layout remains as built in 2007. Importantly, Cantelowes Skatepark has continued to be a focal point for the skateboarding community – a place where young skaters hone their skills and veterans gather to skate for fun. Its combination of historic legacy and top-notch modern design makes it a must-visit spot. In fact, many describe it as “widely recognised as one of the biggest and best” skateparks in London, if not the entire country​. Notable Events, Tricks, and Famous Visitors Throughout its history, Cantelowes Skatepark has hosted numerous events and attracted famous skaters, further underlining its importance in the skate community. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the park saw grassroots “jam” competitions organized by locals – sessions that often became legendary. After the renovation, Cantelowes gained international attention when Quiksilver selected it as the UK venue for their Bowlriders contest series in 2007. This meant that out of all parks in the country, Cantelowes was chosen to host the British qualifier for a Europe-wide bowl-riding championship. The inaugural Quiksilver Bowlriders event at the new Cantelowes was a highlight: top bowl skaters from around the UK (and some from abroad) shredded the new bowl in front of a crowd. Local up-and-comer Ben Raemers took first place in the UK finals held at Cantelowes in May 2007, securing his spot to represent Britain at the Bowlriders finals in Malmö, Sweden​. This was a breakout moment for Raemers – who would go on to become a celebrated pro skater – and it firmly put Cantelowes on the map as a competition-grade park. The following year, Quiksilver Bowlriders returned to Cantelowes (May 2008) for another full day of “bowl orientated mayhem,” again drawing big names and solidifying the park’s reputation for hosting high-caliber events​. Cantelowes’ iconic bowl has also been the stage for some remarkable tricks captured in skate videos and magazines. During the Quiksilver contests, for instance, renowned Spanish skater Javier Mendizábal wowed onlookers by pulling a frontside rock-and-roll on the bowl’s cradle – a challenging move on an over-vertical feature – which he later recalled as a standout memory​. It was at that same event that Mendizábal met a young Ben Raemers for the first time, exemplifying how Cantelowes became a crossroads for international and local talent​. Over the years, various skate videos and demo reels have included footage at Cantelowes, taking advantage of its mix of obstacles; even the National Lottery featured the skatepark in a commercial, highlighting it as a successful community project (some of the funding for the park came via lottery grants). Prominent UK pro skaters such as Lucien Clarke and Chewy Cannon have been spotted at Cantelowes during London skate tours, and the park is frequently visited by traveling skaters from around the globe who want to test out its famed bowl. In the 2010s, Cantelowes also became a favorite training ground for younger skaters – for example, in interviews, London youth skaters have cited Cantelowes as one of their favorite places to skate, noting the “massive” bowl and the camaraderie they find there​. Importance to the Skateboarding Community Cantelowes Skatepark’s evolution from a humble 1980s local spot to a modern, world-class facility encapsulates a larger story of the UK skateboarding community. It stands as a testament to skaters taking initiative – the 2007 rebuild was community-driven, resulting in a park built by skaters, for skaters. This has made Cantelowes a source of pride in London’s skate scene. The park provides a free, outdoor space where generations of skaters have learned to drop in, refine their kickflips, or attempt their first airs in a bowl. Its location in Camden – long known for alternative culture and youth activities – further anchors skateboarding as part of the local community fabric. Cantelowes has hosted charity skate jams, lessons for kids (local skate coaches often use it for teaching), and it draws a diverse crowd of riders. As one North London skate club described it, Cantelowes offers “a lot to offer both beginners and the more experienced skater,” creating a welcoming atmosphere for all​. In terms of legacy, Cantelowes is frequently mentioned alongside other historic London skate spots like South Bank and Harrow. However, unlike some spots that have faced threats of closure or redevelopment, Cantelowes benefited from proactive investment and continues to thrive. Its successful renovation has even served as a model for other communities – showing how involving local skaters can result in facilities that truly meet the needs of the scene. Today, Cantelowes Skatepark is both a high-quality skate destination and a living piece of London skateboarding history. From the days of cracked concrete and DIY contests in the 90s, to hosting pro competitions and video shoots in the 2000s, and now anchoring a new generation of skaters, Cantelowes has continually evolved while maintaining its core spirit. In the words of one skater involved in its rebuild, there has always been “a lot of excitement about this in the skateboarding world”​– a sentiment that remains true as Cantelowes Skatepark carries its legacy forward.Visist Cantelowes skatepark on skate map

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Stockwell Skatepark: London's Iconic OG Concrete Playground

Stockwell Skatepark: The OG Brixton Bowls Spot If you’ve ever skated London, you probably already know about Stockwell Skatepark—aka Brixton Bowls or Brixton Beach. This legendary spot has been holding it down since 1978, making it one of the oldest skateparks in the UK. It’s a pure concrete paradise, no nonsense, just raw flow, speed, and a legacy of skaters carving lines here for decades. The Setup Stockwell isn’t your standard skatepark with ledges, rails, and perfect transitions. Instead, it’s an organic, free-flowing landscape designed by Lorne Edwards, the same dude who built the first UK skatepark in Portland, Dorset. The park has a huge snake run, tons of bumps, and a new bowled corner with coping, making it a dream for transition skaters. The fresh quarter pipe along the northern wall adds even more ways to keep your lines going. The Vibes The scene at Stockwell is as iconic as the park itself. BMXers, bladers, and skaters of all generations keep the energy high. Whether you're a local or just rolling through, there's always someone throwing down lines or just chilling with a beer, soaking up the Brixton sun. The place is fully free and open 24/7, so whether you’re an early morning cruiser or a night shredder, Stockwell is always ready. The Revamp Stockwell has seen some love over the years, and in 2022, it got a massive £500,000 refurb. Lambeth Council teamed up with Friends of Stockwell Skatepark and Betongpark to refresh the surface, enhance the flow, and add some much-needed updates while keeping the original charm. They brought back the red concrete, giving a nod to its 90s and 2000s golden era, and even installed a plaque dedicated to Lorne Edwards and another for BMX legend Charlie Reynolds. How to Get There Stockwell Skatepark is super easy to find, sitting right on Stockwell Road (SW9 9TN). If you’re coming by tube, Brixton Station (Victoria Line) is just a short push away, and tons of buses (2, 196, 322, 333, 345, N2) drop you close by. Why You Gotta Hit It This is one of those parks that never gets old. It’s not about perfect tricks or playing skatepark chess—Stockwell is all about speed, flow, and creativity. The lines are endless, the history is deep, and the locals keep it real. If you love skating, you owe it to yourself to carve a few laps at Brixton Bowls. Keep the legacy rolling!Visit Stockwell skatepark on skate map

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