Ten important skateboard spots in Beirut, Lebanon (2024)
1. Beirut Skatepark
Located in the neighborhood of Bachoura, Beirut Skatepark stands as the premier skateboarding destination in the city. Designed and built by passionate skaters, the park features an impressive array of ramps, rails, and obstacles, providing endless possibilities for tricks and lines. Beirut Skatepark is not only a hub for local skateboarders but also hosts events, competitions, and workshops, nurturing talent and fostering a sense of community within the skateboarding scene.
2. Corniche Beirut
Stretching along the beautiful coastline, Corniche Beirut offers a scenic and dynamic skateboarding experience. Skateboarders can cruise along the palm-fringed promenade, carving lines against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. The smooth pavement, wide paths, and occasional ledges provide opportunities for leisurely rides or creative street-style skateboarding. Corniche Beirut is a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking an exhilarating blend of sport and breathtaking views.
3. Mar Mikhael
The neighborhood of Mar Mikhael has emerged as a vibrant street skateboarding destination in Beirut. Known for its artistic ambiance, Mar Mikhael offers a fusion of cultural landmarks, colorful street art, and skate-friendly architecture. Skaters can explore the narrow streets, navigate stair sets, and find an array of ledges and banks to showcase their skills. The neighborhood's energetic atmosphere and unique urban aesthetics make it a favorite spot among local skateboarders.
4. American University of Beirut (AUB)
Situated within the American University of Beirut (AUB) campus, AUB Skatepark provides skateboarders with an urban oasis. The park features a well-designed concrete terrain with banks, ledges, and a bowl, catering to various skateboarding styles. AUB Skatepark's location in the heart of the city and its inclusive atmosphere make it a popular spot for both students and skateboarding enthusiasts from the surrounding neighborhoods.
5. Raouche Rocks
Nestled next to the iconic Pigeon Rocks, Raouche Rocks offers a breathtaking skateboarding experience in Beirut. The rugged rocks and concrete ledges overlooking the sea present a unique challenge for skateboarders, blending natural elements with urban creativity. Skaters can navigate the rocky terrain, incorporating the stunning backdrop into their tricks and maneuvers. Raouche Rocks' fusion of nature and skateboarding showcases Beirut's ability to transform its environment into a dynamic playground.
6. Sioufi Public Garden,
Sioufi Public Garden, located in the Achrafieh district, provides a tranquil setting for skateboarding enthusiasts. With its smooth pathways, spacious lawns, and low ledges, the park offers a relaxed and beginner-friendly environment. Skaters can practice their basics, enjoy leisurely rides, and connect with the skateboarding community. Sioufi Public Garden's peaceful atmosphere amidst the bustling cityscape adds a refreshing touch to Beirut's skateboarding scene.
7. The Egg
An iconic architectural landmark, The Egg serves as an unconventional skateboarding spot in Beirut. This abandoned cinema building features curved walls, steep banks, and unique transitions that challenge skaters to adapt their skills to the irregular terrain. The Egg's eerie yet captivating ambience, combined with the thrill of skateboarding, attracts adventurous riders seeking an alternative urban experience.
8. Verdun Plaza
Verdun Plaza, situated in the heart of the upscale Verdun neighborhood, offers a modern skateboarding facility. This skate plaza boasts a combination of ledges, rails, stairs, and a spacious open area for creative lines and technical tricks. Verdun Plaza's well-maintained surfaces, ample space, and proximity to shopping centers and cafes make it a popular spot for skateboarders looking for a blend of sport and urban convenience.
9. Hamra Street
Hamra Street, a bustling commercial and cultural hub in Beirut, doubles as a lively skateboard spot. Skaters can navigate the busy streets, conquer stair sets, and explore the numerous ledges and curbs that line the area. Hamra Street's energetic atmosphere, vibrant street life, and proximity to cafes and shops create a dynamic skateboarding experience that captures the essence of Beirut's urban spirit.
10. Bourj Hammoud
The neighborhood of Bourj Hammoud, home to Beirut's Armenian community, offers a distinct skateboarding environment. Skaters can navigate its narrow streets, find an array of banks, ledges, and stair sets, and interact with the vibrant local community. Bourj Hammoud's unique cultural blend, combined with its urban landscape, provides a skateboarding experience that embraces Beirut's diversity and multicultural heritage.
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.
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