Learn about the features, pros and cons of the YMCA Tri-City Skatepark in Edina, Minnesota.

The Midwest has a lot of great skateparks to visit. However, if you live near Bloomington,Richfield or Edina, Minnesota, or if you are visiting the Mall of America, then you will want to make plans to stop by the YMCA Tri-City Skatepark located at 7355 York Avenue S., Edina, Minnesota. This park was set up to serve the skaters of the three cities mentioned above so it will have plenty of traffic, however, it is a large enough park to accommodate a good population of skaters so you don't have to worry about being crowded out by locals or tourists.

The Basics

First of all, the cost for using this park is $8 for non-members and $4 for members and residents of the tri-city communities of Bloomington, Richfield and Edina. Next, you are required to wear full pads and a helmet. You will also be required to submit a waiver if you are under 18 years of age. Finally, this park is operated and managed by the Southdale YMCA so their rules rule the park. This means that you will need to keep your bad language to a minimum, wear the proper safety equipment and be somewhat courteous to the other skaters using the park.

The hours of operation for this park are going to depend a lot on the weather. The skatepark closes its doors during bad weather for the safety of the skaters. So if it is raining, thundering,
too windy or snowing, don't bother showing up. Summer hours of operation for this park run
from June 6 through August 31 and are 9 a.m. until sundown on Monday and Wednesday, noon to sundown on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and noon to eight p.m. on the
weekends.

The Features

This is a good sized skatepark with about 17,000 square-feet of skateable terrain. It is an all concrete park that was put together by Grindline. The depth of this park ranges from four feet to 12 feet, it has a couple of over-vert pockets and several other common skatepark features such as ridges and ramps. The design of this park is in-ground, which is uncommon to find in the Midwest, which is just another reason to visit this park.

Tim Windell, the "voice of American snowboarding" during the 1980s, has evolved into one of the leading camp operators on Mt. Hood near Portland.

Snowboarding continues to gain some history, but few people have been involved long enough to put together multiple careers. One of them is Tim Windell. He was a champion World Cup Pro racer during the 1980s, and became a rider representative and shop owner. He now is entering his third decade operating year-round camps on Mt. Hood, near Portland, Ore., known simply as Windell's Camp.

Yes, Mt. Hood is one of the few places in the continental United States that has enough elevation to keep fine powder even in summer for superpipes, kickers and rails. Windell says his main goal, other than to earn a living, is to demonstrate "fun professionalism" for campers of all ages. The process is "snowboarders teaching snowboarders."

He started during the late 1980s with a small group of mostly professionals, but soon expanded his vision to focus on youth and offer instruction for all skill levels. Snowboarding is definitely the focus, but his venue also offers a skateboarding facility, a 12,000-square-foot indoor recreation center, a BMX track, mountain biking trails and pro shops.

He called his location "Shred the World" for several years, but by 1994 he decided that the term "shred" wasn't cool anymore, so he dropped it.

At the same time he purchased the Shamrock Motel, which was in bankruptcy court, to provide ideal housing for the campers. During his competitive career, while the sport became popular during the 1980s, Windell was known as "the voice of American snowboarding." He won nine national championships and twice finished as runner-up in worldwide competion. Since then he has won multiple awards for promoting the sport, including the 2006 Anna McIntyre Citation and the 2007 Russell Wilder Award.

"Snowboarding has defined my life, from the first day I stepped into bindings to the overwhelming joy of being crowned two-time vice world champion. This was the beginning of the rest of my life," Windell says.

"My love for snowboarding helped me characterize myself and find something even more amazing: snowboard, ski and skateboard camps. Seeing a smile on the face of a camper makes it all worthwhile. Camp has changed people's lives forever, including my own."

The web site for Windells Camp is www.windells.com. The sign on the side of the road says, "The 'funnest' place on earth." : )

SOURCES: www.mthoodmagazine.com

Learn about the great skateparks, events and resources offered by Vancouver, B.C.

Vancouver, B.C. is one of the best places in the world to take a vacation if you are a skateboarder. This city offers numerous high quality skateparks, it is the home to the X Games Trials for this region of Canada and it has great local board shops that you can peruse. So no matter if you are looking for a break from the typical tourist attractions or are in desperate need for catching some air, you will find what you are looking for in Vancouver, B.C.

Skateparks in Vancouver, B.C.

Vancouver, B.C. is the home to at least nine skateparks. One of the best in the city is the Vancouver Downtown Skateboard Plaza. This unique skatepark looks like a Downtown office plaza, but inside there is about 26,000 square feet of terrain and features to skate. Some of the features that this skatepark offers are rails, curbs, ramps, open space, embankments, walls and steps. It also offers a variety of terrain textures to explore including exposed brick, steel and concrete. To find this park, look under the Sky Train near Georgia Street and Main Street.

If you enjoy bowel boarding then you will want to visit the Hastings Skatepark located on the corner of Triumph Street and Renfew Street. This park is known as having the best skateboarding bowels in the world, so it is at least worth a look. In total this park has three bowels with depths of 1, 2 and 3 meters. It also features a halfpipe, hips, snake run and spines.

In addition to the above skateparks there are another seven parks to choose from. If you are in Midtown Vancouver then look for Bronson. In East Vancouver there is Canada's oldest skatepark China Creek as well as Strathcona. In North Vancouver you will find Park Gate and Griffin. Outlining skateparks include Richmond and Town Center.

Other Skateboarding Resources

When planning a trip to Vancouver, B.C., you may want to talk with the Vancouver Skateboard Coalition. They will be able to tell you what skateboard events are planned, what the city's skateboarding rules are and where to find the best skateboard park for your boarding style. Finally, they can help you find great local shops to find boarding equipment and clothing.

Learn the ups and downs, ins and outs of the Shields Skatepark in Flemington, New Jersey. Great for parties, skating, boarding, biking or scootering.

Shields Skatepark is a multisport skatepark that welcomes skateboarders, inline skaters, scooters and BMX bikers. This park, located at 19 Royal Road, Flemington, New Jersey, offers you 10,000+ square feet of terrain and features to play on. In addition to great features and courses to explore, this park also offers a pro shop, lessons, space for parties and a variety of annual and impromptu events.

Shields Skatepark Features

Unlike a lot of parks that only offer a few features and a couple of bowels, Shields Skatepark offers one of the best selections of skating features in the state and it is a great park to go to if you are looking for variety. One of its best features is its eight foot tall halfpipe that has a 46 foot long lead up. In addition to this amazing feature, Shields also offers quarterpipes, ledges, spines, rails, gaps, roll-ins, wedges, vert walls, boxes and banks, not to mention a few custom designed ramps.

Cost and Schedules

Shields Skatepark offers a variety of skating, boarding and biking sessions to choose between. You can choose a mixed session where BMXers, scooters, skaters and boarders are all allowed to use the park; boarding sessions where scooters, skaters and boarders are allowed to use the park and special BMX only sessions. The price of each session is going to range between about $10 and $15. The $10 session is scheduled on Wednesday nights from 6 pm until 10 pm and on Saturdays from 6 pm until 8 pm. The $15 session is scheduled for Friday nights from 6 pm until midnight and it is a boarding session where only scooters, skateboards and inline skaters are allowed to use the park

Other Important Information

Shields Skatepark is definitely a one stop shop. Not only do you have a great park to skate or bike in, but there is also a top notch pro shop on site where you can pick up gear and clothes. If you don't have the dough to buy new equipment, or if you are just visiting the area and want to skate, equipment rentals are available. For example you can rent a helmet for about $5 and padding for about $3. You can also take private lessons here for about $30 for a half hour session.

A 14-year-old female phenom is making waves on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

Like gymnasts, tennis players and golfers, teenage girls can make a quick start into professional surfing. A case in point is Leila Hurst of the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

"I look at surfing as a job," says Leila, a blue-eyed blonde who will turn 15 this summer on August 17.

She was all of 11 when she earned one of her first checks, $800, for a second place finish in regional competition against older girls. Coaches, observers and veteran surfers say Leila has potential to join the best surfers in the world one day. One moment she will show her youthful adolescence, and the next she has the focus of a competitor with seven years experience.

"Leila has all the ingredients of a world class surfer: power, style and dedication," says her coach, Rainos Hayes, on her website, www.leilahurst.com. She represents her home state of Hawaii during international competition, and she also has been a member of the Billabong Youth Squad since she was 9 years old.

"She seems to be constantly exuding a happy, lovable and optimistic vibe, and is the girl you wish you'd been friends with when you were 14," writes Alee Thompson in FreeSurf Magazine. "She's your stereotypical teenager: bubbly, chatty, and addicted to MySpace. She loves Beyonce and Rhianna, and is rumored to have quite the collection of home movies of her singing along to her favorite songs."

But don't be fooled, Billabong Team Manager Megan Brainard tells Thompson "(Leila) takes it very seriously," Brainard says. "She wants to have a surfing career." On her website, Leila reports that she lives with her parents on Kauai's north shore and has two older sisters. She started surfing at age 4, too young to remember her first wave. She says her father began taking her to the water at a toddler, but has never pushed her career in an overbearing way. To help accommodate her twice-a-day practice schedule, she has homeschooled with a small group of her peers.

"I love surfing new waves and getting to surf at spots around the world," Leila reports. "There is nothing I like more than traveling and experiencing great waves and different contests."

"I live a great, calm but radical life at the same time. I couldn't ask for anything more," says Hurst.

SOURCES: www.leilahurst.com

www.freesurfmagazine.com/volume-5-Number-2/She-Rips-Everybody-Loves-Leila.html

www.surfline.com/womens/story_bamp.cfm?id=9883

Many may view Wyoming's Jackson Hole as an Old West community, but it also provides a hot spot for snowboarding.

When time comes to choose from among "best on the planet" snowboarding destinations, Wyoming's Jackson Hole starts with a disadvantage.

The name is not the most ritzy or compelling, but this only sparks even more civic pride.

A website, alljacksonhole.com, describes a unique synergy: "Jackson Hole's culture is a unique blend of its western heritage with that of a destination resort. On the board sidewalks of Jackson, cowboys with hats and spurs are often juxtaposed against snowboarders with dreadlocks and nose rings."

The local area has three main snowboarding destinations:

JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT

"Don't hit the snowboarding jumps with too much speed, or you'll miss the landings and ruin your trip," advises writer Melissa Larsen in Jackson Hole Skier magazine.

Snowboarding lessons are offered, with a youth element at Little Britches Mini Park. This provides an opportunity to practice tricks for the bigger features in the Rodeo Grounds.

For the social scene, Larsen advises visits to "the unassuming little white building right of the Tram loading dock." The Village Cafe; is on the first floor, and videos of snowboarding and other resort activities are produced on the second floor. Music hot spots are the Mangy Moose Saloon, the Wort, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, the Shady Lady and the Stagecoach.

Contact: 1-888-DEEPSNO (1-888-333-7669), www.jacksonhole.com.

SNOW KING RESORT

This in-town venue "has traditionally held the reputation of a small, friendly ski area, popular among local residents and tourists searching for a less-intimidating alternative to nearby behemoth Jackson Hole Mountain Resort," writes local freelancer Ed Bushness.

Other features include a small terrain park, the area's only snow tube park, and lighting for evening activities.

Snow King proprietors assert that because their territory faces north, snow remains dry and chalky for a longer time that at other facilities.

Contact: 1-800-522-KING (1-800-522-5464), www.snowking.com

GRAND TARGHEE RESORT
Average snowfall is reported at more than 500 inches, earning Ski magazine recognition in its "Greatest Snow on Earth" category.

Also, voters in the Family Travel Forum several years ago among "Top 10 Getaways for Tiny Travelers for 1999." The Kid's Club for up to age 5 offers activities that range from sledding and sleigh rides to scouting for animal tracks. Powder Scouts introduces snowboarding exposure for youngsters ages 6 to 14.

Cardboard snowboarding? The annual Cardboard Box Derby requires participants build vehicles using only cardboard, paper, glue, tape and string. Victory is simply making it to the bottom.

Contact: 1-800-TARGHEE (1-800-827-4433), wwwgrandtarghee.com.

OTHER SOURCES

www.jacksonholenet.com/jhskier/bd_ski_schools.htm

www.jacksonholewy.net/area_info/history_of_jackson_hole.php

Explore what Houston, Texas has to offer skaters. This is an up-and-coming vacation destination for skateboarders.

Houston, Texas is an up-and-coming vacation destination for skaters. This city is investing a lot of money to create state of the art skateparks for locals and visitors. In the first half of 2008 two new skateparks were opened. If you are looking for a great place to visit on your next vacation, and are a skater, then add Houston, Texas to your short list of possibilities.

Houston Skateparks

Houston is home to numerous privately owned and city owned skateparks. They offer in ground and above ground parks, as well as indoor and outdoor parks. As you can see, you have a lot of great skateboard park options to choose from. Here is a short list of the skateparks you can try out while on vacation:

Dex Skate Park, located at 10327 Lake Road and Dirtwood Ramppark, located at 948 Wakefield, are both private skateparks that are open to the public.

The city of Houston also supports seven great skateparks located throughout the city. The newest skatepark opened in Houston is the Lee and Joe Jamil Skatepark, located at 103 Sabine Street, Houston, Texas. This in ground skatepark just opened on June 1, 2008. Another skatepark opened this year is the Cliff Tuttle Park, located at 6200 Lyons, Houston, Texas. It opened on January 18, 2008 and is an above ground park.

Dyland Duncan Skate Park, a.k.a. Kingwood Skatepark, is another option that you have. It is located at 3950 Rustic Woods, Houston, Texas. If you are interested in a concrete park, then Eastwood Skate Park is a good option, and it is located at 5020 Harrisburg. If you are interested in a small skatepark, then go to Linkwood Skate Park located at 3699 Noris. Your final options are Watonga Skate Park, located at 4100 Watonga Blvd, and Clinton Skate Park, located at 200 Mississippi.

Houston Skate Events

In addition to being the home of several varieties of skateparks, Houston is also the home of several skating events. This year, in fact, Houston will be the host venue for the 12th Annual Texas Skate Jam. This even is scheduled for November 8, 2008, and will feature the nation's top skaters and tricksters.

Houston is a great city to visit if you enjoy skating. However, its efforts to cater to skaters are still in their infancy. This means that there are really few, if any, annual skating events that you can count on. Instead skating events are going to be introduced to the public through on-the-spot announcements. For example, local reading programs hosted by the city's public library include skateboard demonstrations. The best way to find skating events that are scheduled during your vacation time is to check out the local newspapers and media sources for PSA and other announcements.

Houston Skate Equipment and Shopping

What would any vacation be without shopping at local specialty stores. You can find skating equipment at several local stores including:

Cylcone Cycles, 1525 W. 18th Street, Houston, Texas 77008-1533

Kingpinz, 8584 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas

Southside Indoor Skate Park, 510 Iowa Pasadena, Texas 77501

The Source Board Shop, 2511 Rice Blvd, Houston, Texas 77005-3220

In addition to the above stores, you can also find pro shops located at many of the larger local skateparks.

If you are looking for a great skatepark near Austin, Texas then check out the Intellect Ramp Ranch in Liberty Hill, Texas. This is just half the fun, as the sister park of Intellect is located in Round Rock, Texas.

If you are looking for the coolest skate parks in the country and are either visiting or living in Austin, Texas, then you need to try out the dual skateparks of Intellect Ramp Ranch and Capital Skatepark. These sister parks will offer you both ramp action and trick accessories. While a little driving will be involved if you want to enjoy both parks, the drive will be worth it.

Intellect Ramp Ranch

Intellect Ramp Ranch is located at 10355 Highway 29 in Liberty Hill, Texas. This is an indoor/outdoor park with over 20,000 square feet of skating terrain. This park's specialty is ramps. It offers a twelve foot vert ramp, a four foot half pipe, a three foot spine ramp and a seven foot half pipe. In addition to these ramp features this park also offers two street courses. What makes this park great is that it offers lesson and also is a great spot for buying items you need to skate.

If you are a skateboarder, BMXer or inline skater then you are welcome at this park. However, in order to use this park you will need to sign a liability waiver and follow the rules of the park. Helmets will only be required if you are under 18 years of age, and rentals are available on a limited basis.

This park is open six days a week. It is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. It is also open on the weekends. On Saturday the park's hours are from noon until 10:00 p.m. and on Sunday from noon until 7:00 p.m. This park holds weekly specials. Monday night is "Old Man's Night" and people over 18 skate for half price after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday is "Young Man's Night" and people 17 and younger will skate half price after 6:00 p.m. Wednesday girls skate half price for the whole day, Thursday bikers get a 50 percent discount after 6:00 p.m. and Friday you can skate or bike for free if you bring a paying guest.

The cost of this park is fairly affordable, compared to some of the other private skateparks in the area. VIP members will provide you with unlimited entry during normal hours of operation for an annual fee of $350. A basic six month membership costs about $30, and the daily member's fee will be $7. If you are a non-member, then your entrance fee will be $12.

Capital Skatepark

If you are interested in more than just ramps, then you will want to take your boards to Intellect Ramp Ranch's sister park, Capital Skatepark. This park is located at 2008 Picadilly Drive, Round Rock, Texas 78665. This park not only offers a great selection of skating features and terrain, but it also offers skate camps, a pro shop, contests and equipment rentals. This park is a little more expensive. It will cost $45 a month, $395 for an annual membership and a $12 non-members daily entry fee. You can save $6 a month by signing a 12 month contract with auto bank draft.

Plan a vacation in San Francisco, California, the self-proclaimed skateboarding capital of the world.

San Francisco, California has named itself the skateboarding capital of the world. However, if you want to skateboard while on vacation in this city you will need to know where to go, where to find equipment and what skating rules to follow. Use the following information to help you plan a skating themed vacation this year.

Skateboarding in San Francisco, California

Before you go skateboarding in any city it is important that you understand the rules. San Francisco is actually a very skateboarder friendly city, however, they do have a few rules that you will have to follow. First of all you can't use a motorized skateboard anywhere in the city. Next if you are under 18 years of age you are required to wear a helmet while skating. This rule applies to all skaters including skateboarders, in-line skaters and roller skaters. Rule three applies to skaters that use the city's skate parks, this rule requires you to wear safety equipment like elbow pads, kneepads and a helmet.

If you want to skateboard in the city then you need to know that you can't skateboard in the streets, nor can you skateboard on sidewalks found in the business districts of the city. You can skateboard on non-business district sidewalks, however, between sunrise and sunset. Finally, don't skate in any area, private or public, that has a no-skating sign posted. Follow these rules and you'll have a great vacation.

Parks and Areas in San Francisco, California

Obviously the first thing that skaters want to know about a vacation destination is where they can go skateboarding. In San Francisco there are several in-city skate areas that you can use including the Crocker Amazon Skatepark, which is also sometimes referred to as the San Francisco Skate Park, Pier 7 and the Golden Gate Park.

Crocker Amazon Skatepark is located off of Geneva Boulevard and is a free skate park. It is one of the only skate parks found within the city limits. Most of the skate parks in the San Francisco area are going to be found in the outlying areas and in the suburbs.

Pier 7 and the Golden Gate Park are not skate parks per se, but they are popular spots for skateboarders to ride. Technically you're not supposed to skateboard at Pier 7, but it is still a hot spot of skaters to hang out and have fun. You are allowed, and even encouraged, to skate in the Golden Gate Park. This skating destination has a lot of great paved trails that will take you past waterfalls and amazing gardens. Sunday is the best day to skate in this park because JFK Drive is closed to automobile traffic and you can ride on this road without worrying about getting run over by a car.

Rent Equipment in San Francisco

If you need to rent your skating equipment while visiting San Francisco you're in luck. There are several bike and skate shops in the area that rent equipment. Some of your choices include: Golden Gate Park Bike and Skate found at 3038 Fulton Street, Skates on Haight found at 1818 Haight Street and Stow Lake Bike & Boat Rentals found at 50 Stow Lake Drive.

Skateboard Shopping in San Francisco

If you are in the mood to do a little shopping, then San Francisco has a lot of great skateboard shops to choose from. Some of your options include:

• Comet Skateboards, 7 Freelon Street, San Francisco, CA 94107-1705
• Dlx Skateboards & Clothing Store, 1831 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103-1112
• Ftc Skate Boarding, 1632 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA 94117-2816
• Purple Skunk, 5820 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121-2005

Denver, Colorado is the home to many great skateparks. One of the most versatile skateparks in Denver is the Denver Skatepark. This park is open seven days a week from 5:00 in the morning until 11:00 at night. If you are looking for quick access to both street terrain and bowls, this is the park for you

Getting to the Denver Skatepark

The Denver Skatepark can be found at 2205 19th Street, Denver, Colorado. To get to this park you will need to make your way to Downtown Denver and then turn onto either 15th Street or 20th Street heading toward Lo Do. Next turn onto Little Raven and take this street to the park. If you are trying to map out your way to the park from your house, apartment or hotel, make sure the directions don't include Lipan Street. This street, while still on maps and online map tools, doesn't exist any more. Stick to 20th, 15th and Little Raven.

Denver Skatepark Size

One of the best design features of the Denver Skatepark is its overall size. The street terrain section of the park alone is larger than most skateparks in this part of the country, and it is the largest free skatepark in the United States. The overall size of this park is around 50,000 square feet and its features were designed by the city's skaters.

Denver Skatepark Street Terrain

The street terrain section of the Denver Skatepark contains everything you could want from a street terrain run. It contains stairs, trannies, curbs, banks, rails and ledges. These obstacles and platforms are located off to the side of the skatepark so they don't get in the way of the other skate features. This park is continuously being updated and added to. One of the latest additions to this park is the snake run, which circles the bowl section of the park and includes lots of hills and valleys to run.

Denver Skatepark Bowls

For a quick warm-up before you start tricking out on the bowls, try riding the moguls. These gentle bowls will allow you to warm up your legs and get the feel for the park's terrain before you try out the more challenging features.

If you are into vertical skating, then you are going to love the bowl section of the Denver Skatepark. This park has several different bowls with various depths and features that you can choose from. The first bowl option is the Handicapped bowl. This bowl offers a roll-in feature that makes it easier for novices to get into and out of it. It offers bowl depths between about three feet and five feet. If you are looking for a challenging vertical bowl then you will want to try out the deepest bowl in the park. It offers a bowl depth of about nine and a half feet.

Safety Warnings

Here are a few warnings that skaters new to the Denver Skatepark need to understand. First of all the roll-in feature of the Handicapped Bowl makes it easy to get into for novices, however, it is still a challenging bowl to ride. If you have never skated in a bowl before, then try a shallower bowl before attempting the Handicapped Bowl. Another feature that you will want to be aware of is the tight transitions that many of the bowls in this park contain. Even the shallow bowls seem to be tighter than you would expect. The final safety warning is that you need to wear safety equipment including a helmet and proper padding. This is a skate at your own risk park, so do what it takes to protect your "assets" from damage and live to skate another day!

One of the coolest skate parks in California is located in Santa Barbara: Skater's Point. This skate park is unique because it is located adjacent to the beach and close to the Chase Palm Park. While not the largest skate park in the state, this park offers 14,600 square feet of street terrain and special concrete features that are fun to bank, grind and ride.

Skater's Point - The Basics

Skater's Point can be found at the corner of East Cabrillo Boulevard and Garden Street. Its perimeter is lined with fabulous palm trees and it is seconds from the beach. Enjoy a great ocean view as you explore the park's concrete features like the taco bowl, ledges, hips, banks, pyramid, rails, a five foot bowl and quarterpipes. In addition to a lot of interesting skating features in this park, it also is a free park with free parking and it is open to the general public.

Getting to Skater's Point

To get to Skater's Point in Santa Barbara, California you will want to take Highway 101 to the Garden Street exit. Depending on which direction you are coming from you will want to turn either left or right, which ever way will take you towards the ocean. Follow Garden Street until you run out of road. At this point you will see the parking lot of Skater's Point. Park in the parking lot, it's free, and take your gear to the park. It will be located near the wharf. Just follow the crowds.

When to Skate at Skater's Point

Skater's Point is open seven days a week from eight in the morning until thirty minutes after the sun goes down. This is a popular skate park because of its location and because it is illegal to skateboard on the streets and in parking lots in many parts of Santa Barbara. Because of these reasons this park fills up fast. Intermediate and advanced skateboarders, roller skaters and in-line skaters tend to use the park in the afternoons. If you are a novice skater or a younger skater, you'll find that the best times for you to use the park will be before 12 p.m. on the weekends.

Who Can Use the Park

The park is open to the general public and anyone who wants to skate here can. However, only skateboarders, roller skaters and in-line skaters are allowed. This is not a BMX park. If you want to skate at Skater's Point you will need to wear safety equipment, including a helmet.
Happy Skating!

Oahu, Hawaii in general is a great vacation destination, however, if you are into extreme sports, then it is a world class vacation destination. Skateboarders are going to find numerous skateparks to choose from, great skateboard shops and other fun skateboard related sports to try out. If you are planning a vacation this year and you are a skateboard fanatic then consider Oahu.

Skateparks in Oahu, Hawaii

Skateparks can be found all over the place in Oahu. Some hotels and resorts even have their own skating areas on site. However, before you get out your board you will want to ask if skating is allowed in the parking lot, or if the hotel has a special area dedicated to skateboarding and in-line skating. Generally, most of the skateparks that are located on Oahu will not be associated with hotels or resorts.

Your first choice is a free skatepark that is located in Kailua, Oahu. It is called the Keolu Skatepark and it is ADA accessible. It offers about 15,000 square feet of terrain and pads and safety equipment are not required. Your other skatepark choices include:

• Aalo Park, 280 North King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Ewa Beach Skatepark, 91-955 Nroth Road, Ewa Beach, Hawaii
• Hawaii Loa Skate Park, Kaneoho Bay, Hawaii
• Kapahulu YMCA Skatepark, 1112 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Makiki District Skatepark, 1527 Keeaumoku Street, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Hickman Skateboard Hanger, Building 2065, Hickman Air Force Base, Oahu, Hawaii

Since skateboarding is a sport that is rapidly gaining followers in the U.S., keep your eyes open for new and improved skateparks in Oahu. Ask your hotel concierge service for recommendations and directions to the best skateparks on the island.

Skateboard and Equipment Shops

While on vacation in Oahu, don't forget to stop by some of the local skateboard shops. These shops offer boards with uniquely Hawaiian graphics. Find great boards and equipment for your Hawaiian skateboard adventures, or stock up on special items to take back to the mainland with you. Here are three great skateboard shops located on Oahu, Hawaii

• 808 Skate, 354 Hahani Street, Kailua, Hawaii 96734
• Apb Aala Park Board Shop, 1200 College Walk, Suite 110, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
• Mission Skateboard Shop, LLC, 812 Lehua Avenue, Suite C, Pearl City, Hawaii 96782

Expand Your Board Sport Repertoire

While there are a lot of great places to skateboard while on the island of Oahu, you can find more activities to participate in if you expand your board sport repertoire. Try surfing or kite boarding. Both of these sports take similar skills as skateboarding, including balance, quick decision making and thrill seeking. As you become familiar with these alternate sports, look for free clinics, free lessons and special events that will educate you more about your boarding options and provide you with the chance to exercise your competitive nature. With all of the sand, sun and various terrains to explore in Oahu, this skateboarding vacation will not disappoint.

Learn all about the Coronado Skate Park in Coranda, California.

If you happen to be roaming around near Coronado, Calif., and you are a skater then you are in luck. One of the coolest skate parks in the country is located in this city at 2000 Mullinix Drive. It opened back in 2001 and offers skaters 16,000 square feet of skateboarding fun. This park is designed for skateboarders and in-line skaters who want a safe place to skate and a park that offers a variety of skating formations.

General Attractions

There are four main skating formations in this skate park. The first formation is the Street Plaza. It is a shallow bowl with wall heights between 2 and 3 feet. This is a formation for beginners; if you are looking for a place to work on basic skills, this is a great formation to work on.

Intermediate skaters are going to enjoy the second formation, which is called the Clover Bowl. This bowl has wall heights between 5- and 7-feet tall. This is a great formation for skaters who are trying out new tricks and are not ready for the challenge of the Teardrop formation.

The Teardrop formation is designed for experienced skaters. It has walls that are up to 8-feet tall. This formation is great for air tricks, though some skaters criticize the height limitation of this formation.

The Street Course is the final skateboarding option that you can explore. It includes pyramids, banked hips and a fun box. This is the formation that you will want to try out if you are interested in a variety of skating terrain and formations. This course is great for breaking out of a rut.

Coronado Skate Park Costs

To start with, everyone will need to pay a one-time annual waiver fee of $10. This fee applies to everyone. In addition to the annual waiver, you will also need to pay an admission fee. There are several different admission passes that you can buy. Your first option is to pay a $5 daily admission each time you use the park. This is a great option for people who are in town on vacation or who don't plan on using the park that much. Your second option is to buy a Youth Year Pass. This pass costs $60 a year and is sold to kids between 6 and 17 years of age. Adult Year Passes are for adults, ages 18 to 54, and they cost $100. Senior citizens receive a discounted price on their year pass. The Seniors Year Pass only costs $60.

If you need to rent your safety equipment then you can do that right at the park. It will cost you $1 for a basic safety equipment rental package, which includes a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. You can also rent a skateboard for $2; however, the parks supply of skateboards is limited.

Rules

The rules for this skate park are designed to keep skaters safe. The first rule is that you have to wear safety equipment if you want to skate here. As mentioned above, if you don't have your own safety equipment you can rent it at the park. Next, only skateboarders and in-line skaters are allowed in the park. No bikes are allowed. Spectators are also not allowed in the park. Rule three is that you have to sign a liability waiver in order to skate at the park. You only have to do this once. Your waiver will then be kept on file. The final rule is that you need to be at least 6 years old to skate here, and you will need to have proof of your age.

Scottsdale, Arizona has several great skateparks to choose from, however, a great one for families and kids is the McDowell Ranch Skatepark. This skatepark is actually part of a large activity complex that includes an aquatic center, two ball fields, four soccer fields and a great urban skatepark. If you are looking for a safe and fun park to practice your tricks in then make your way to 15525 N. Thompson Peak Parkway.

The McDowell Ranch Skatepark - The Basics

The McDowell Ranch Skatepark is generally open from sunrise until 10:30 p.m. However, for skaters' safety, the park shuts down during rain storms, electrical storms, when the park is wet and when the maintenance team is working on it. If you are planning a trip to the park it is a good idea to call ahead to make sure it will be open, especially if the weather has been less than ideal.

The skatepark offers both in-line skaters and skateboards about 16,000 square feet of terrain. This park has an urban set up that includes sturdy tables, planters, benches and ledges to practice on. There are three different areas of the park that you can work in, the six foot park, the ten foot park and the twelve foot park. According to local skaters, the pavement is smooth and the transitions into verts are very easy.

The Rules

Like any skatepark,you need to follow the rules to keep using the park and to make sure that the park stays safe. The first rule for this park is that no BMX bikes are allowed in. This rule was made to protect skaters from collisions and to protect the integrity of the park. The next rule is that no tagging is allowed. Again this rule is designed to keep the park looking great. Rule three is that you can't bring in any outside modifications like ramps. Just work with what the park has to offer. Finally, unlike many other parks, safety equipment is not required, however, it is recommended. This is a "skate at your own risk" park so you are in charge of your own safety.

What Makes McDowell Ranch Skatepark Cool

The seting of the McDowell Ranch Skatepark is one of the best features of this park. How often do you get to skate with beautiful scenery as your backdrop? Another great feature of this park is that it is set in the center of a multipurpose activity compound. This means that after you work up a sweat skating on the hot cement you can go for a dip in one of the pools or play a game of baseball. If you have young kids or if you are under 13, then you are going to love this park. Because it is set inside of a family activity center a lot of kids with skills skate here.

As far as cool skating features are concerned, this park offers a variety of shapes and obstacles to play off of, the cement is nice and smooth, there are various wall heights to work with and the transition zones that lead into the vert are smooth and easy. Overall, this is a fun and versatile park that offers you more than just a great day on your board.

Los Angeles is one of the best places to go on vacation if you are a skateboarder or skateboarding fan. This city offers multiple skate parks, museums, skateboard shops and skateboarding events. No matter what time of year you visit L.A., this city has a full menu of skateboarding activities and venues for you to enjoy.

Los Angeles Area Skate Parks

There are more than seven public skateboard parks in the Los Angeles area, four of which are in Los Angeles proper. The first park is the El Sereno Skate Park located at 4721 Klamath Place, Los Angeles, Calif., 90032. This park is open Monday through Sunday.

Gilbert Lindsay Skate Park is another option and it is located at 429 East 42nd Place, Los Angeles, Calif., 90011. It costs $1 for kids under 18 and $5 for adults 18 and older. The park is open Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. until dusk, and Saturday and Sunday from noon until 6 p.m.

Hollenbeck Skate Park is your third option. It is located at 415 South Saint Louis Street, Los Angeles, Calif., 90033. The entry fee is $1 for minors and $5 for adults. Helmets are required at this park.

Your fourth option is Lincoln Park Skate Park located at 3501 Valley Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif., 90031. It is open Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. until dusk, Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. This park offers both rails and ramps and costs $1 for skaters 7 and up.

Other skate parks in the Los Angeles area include Pedlow Field Skate Park in Encino, Sunland Skate Park in Sunland and Wilmington Skate Park in Wilmington.

Skatelab Skateboarding Museum

Another plus to vacationing in Los Angeles is the Skatelab Skateboarding Museum. This museum opened in 1997 and is free to visit, however a donation is appreciated. This museum is located just north of Los Angeles at 4226 Valley Fair Street in Simi Valley, Calif. It has a great collection of over 2,000 vintage boards and classic skateboarding memorabilia. In addition to a great display, this museum also hosts summer camps, book signings and other special events that you won't want to miss.

Skateboard Shops

While you are in Los Angeles don't forget to get a little shopping in. This city offers over 30 skateboarding shops. Your first option is the Brooklyn Projects Skateboard Shop Echo Park located at 2125 W. Sunset Blvd., your second option is DT Board Shop located at 3024 W. Vernon Ave. and your third option is Ghetto Stars Skates located at 4040 W. Washington Blvd.

Skateboarding Events

The final attraction of Los Angeles is a kicking collection of skateboarding events. The premiere skateboarding event that you won't want to miss when it is in town is the X Games. The WCS Bowl Series is another great skateboarding event that is hosted in Los Angeles. Skateboarding events and venues change each year, so you will need to keep your eyes open when reading your favorite skating magazine or ezine for the next great event.