Eight important skateboard spots in Tampa, Florida, USA (2024)
1. Skatepark of Tampa (SPoT)
Located in Ybor City, the Skatepark of Tampa (SPoT) is one of the most well-known and respected skate parks in the world. It has been a fixture in the skateboarding community since it first opened its doors in 1993. The park features a 25,000 square foot indoor street course, a vert ramp, and an outdoor concrete park. SPoT has hosted numerous professional skateboarding events, including the Tampa Pro and Tampa Am, which attract skaters from around the world.2. Bro Bowl
The Bro Bowl is a legendary skateboarding spot located in Perry Harvey Sr. Park in downtown Tampa. Originally built in 1978, the Bro Bowl is one of the oldest surviving skate parks in the United States. It features a unique kidney-shaped pool and has been the site of many iconic skateboarding photos and videos. In 2014, the park was renovated and restored to its original glory, making it a must-visit destination for skateboarders.
3. Jackson Springs Skatepark
Jackson Springs Skatepark is a 11,000 square foot concrete park located in Tampa's Forest Hills neighborhood. The park features a variety of obstacles, including a large bowl, a street course, and a snake run. It is a popular spot for both local skateboarders and visitors, and is known for its smooth transitions and challenging lines.
4. Coping Block Skate Shop
Coping Block Skate Shop is not a skate park, but rather a skateboarding shop that also happens to have its own mini ramp. Located in Tampa's Seminole Heights neighborhood, Coping Block offers a wide selection of skateboarding gear and apparel, as well as regular skateboarding events and competitions. The mini ramp is a great place to practice new tricks and meet other skateboarders in the area.
5. Oldsmar Skatepark
Oldsmar Skatepark is a 25,000 square foot concrete park located in nearby Oldsmar, Florida. The park features a large bowl, a street course, and a vert ramp, as well as a separate area for beginners. It is a popular destination for skateboarders of all skill levels, and has hosted several professional skateboarding events over the years.
6. Bradenton Riverwalk Skatepark
Bradenton Riverwalk Skatepark is a 34,000 square foot concrete park located about 20 miles south of Tampa in Bradenton, Florida. The park features a variety of obstacles, including a large bowl, a street course, and a snake run. It is known for its smooth transitions and challenging lines, and has hosted several professional skateboarding events.
7. Apollo Beach Skatepark
Apollo Beach Skatepark is a 10,000 square foot concrete park located in Apollo Beach, Florida, about 15 miles south of Tampa. The park features a variety of obstacles, including a large bowl, a street course, and a vert ramp. It is a popular destination for skateboarders of all skill levels, and is known for its smooth transitions and unique features.
8. Elijah Skate Plaza
Elijah Skate Plaza is a 7,000 square foot concrete plaza located in New Tampa. The park features a variety of street obstacles, including stairs, rails, and ledges, as well as a small bowl.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
BellyRash