Ten important skateboard spots in Djibouti, Africa (2024)
1. Djibouti City Skatepark
Djibouti City Skatepark, located in the capital city, is the primary destination for skateboarders in the country. The park offers a range of obstacles, including ramps, rails, and ledges, providing riders with opportunities to practice tricks, improve their skills, and connect with the local skateboarding community. Skateboarding at Djibouti City Skatepark allows riders to immerse themselves in the skate culture, engage in friendly competitions, and enjoy a supportive and inclusive skateboarding environment.2. Port of Djibouti
The Port of Djibouti, a major seaport along the Red Sea, offers skateboarders a unique and unconventional skateboarding spot. The large concrete surfaces, warehouses, and shipping containers create an urban environment perfect for street-style skateboarding. Skateboarding at the Port of Djibouti allows riders to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling port, showcase their skills on unique obstacles, and engage with local workers and visitors.
3. Doraleh Beach
Doraleh Beach, located near Djibouti City, provides skateboarders with a scenic and coastal skateboarding spot. The smooth sandy beaches, gentle slopes, and open spaces offer riders a unique terrain for freestyle riding, carving, and creative exploration. Skateboarding at Doraleh Beach allows riders to combine their love for skateboarding with the tranquility of the Red Sea, enjoy stunning views, and experience the thrill of skating alongside the waves.
4. Day Forest National Park
Day Forest National Park, located in the Goda Mountains, offers skateboarders a thrilling and adventurous skateboarding experience. The rocky terrain, winding trails, and natural obstacles create an exciting and challenging environment for riders seeking off-road skateboarding adventures. Skateboarding at Day Forest National Park allows riders to connect with nature, appreciate the biodiversity of the area, and enjoy a unique blend of skateboarding and outdoor exploration.
5. Arta Gorge
Arta Gorge, situated in the Arta Region, provides skateboarders with a breathtaking and adrenaline-pumping skateboarding spot. The steep cliffs, winding roads, and scenic views create an ideal setting for downhill skateboarding enthusiasts. Skateboarding in Arta Gorge allows riders to experience the thrill of speed, navigate hairpin turns, and enjoy the stunning landscapes of Djibouti's rugged interior.
6. Lac Assal
Lac Assal, a saltwater lake located in the Afar Depression, offers skateboarders a unique and otherworldly skateboarding experience. The vast expanse of white salt flats, minimal vegetation, and surreal surroundings provide riders with an unconventional and visually striking terrain to skate on. Skateboarding at Lac Assal allows riders to connect with nature, appreciate the natural wonders of Djibouti, and enjoy the freedom of riding in a truly unique setting.
7. Gulf of Tadjoura
The Gulf of Tadjoura, an inlet of the Red Sea, presents skateboarders with a scenic and coastal skateboarding spot. The paved roads, waterfront promenades, and panoramic views of the gulf create an enjoyable environment for riders to cruise, perform tricks, and soak in the beauty of the shoreline. Skateboarding along the Gulf of Tadjoura allows riders to connect with the coastal atmosphere, appreciate the marine environment, and experience a refreshing skateboarding session.
8. Grand Bara Desert
The Grand Bara Desert, located in the southern part of Djibouti, offers skateboarders a unique and adventurous skateboarding experience in a vast desert landscape. The sand dunes, open spaces, and remote setting create an ideal environment for off-road skateboarding, sandboarding, and creative exploration. Skateboarding in the Grand Bara Desert allows riders to connect with the raw beauty of the desert, experience the thrill of riding on sand, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind skateboarding adventure.
9. Lake Assal Volcano
Lake Assal Volcano, a dormant volcano near Lac Assal, provides skateboarders with a unique and visually striking skateboarding spot. The volcanic rock formations, rugged terrain, and otherworldly landscapes offer riders a challenging and adventurous skateboarding experience. Skateboarding at Lake Assal Volcano allows riders to connect with the geologic wonders of Djibouti, appreciate the natural forces that shaped the landscape, and enjoy the excitement of riding in a truly unique setting.
10. Godoria Hot Springs
The Godoria Hot Springs, situated in the Goda Mountains, offers skateboarders a distinctive and soothing skateboarding spot. The natural hot springs, rocky terrain, and surrounding lush vegetation create a serene and peaceful environment for riders to enjoy a relaxed skateboarding session. Skateboarding at the Godoria Hot Springs allows riders to combine the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs with their passion for skateboarding, offering a unique blend of relaxation and skateboarding.
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