Ten important skateboard spots in Havana, Cuba
1. Malecón
The iconic Malecón, a seawall stretching along the Havana coastline, offers breathtaking views of the ocean and historic buildings. Skateboarders can enjoy cruising along the wide promenade, soaking in the Caribbean breeze while watching the sunset over the horizon.
2. Plaza de la Revolución
As one of Cuba's most significant public squares, Plaza de la Revolución features vast open spaces and iconic landmarks like the José Martí Memorial. While it's not a traditional skate spot, skateboarders might find smooth surfaces and wide avenues for practicing flat ground tricks
3. Parque Almendares
Located along the Almendares River, this lush park provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Havana. Skateboarders can explore winding pathways, open fields, and shaded areas, offering diverse terrain for skating and freestyle maneuvers.
4. Old Havana
The narrow cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings of Old Havana create a picturesque backdrop for skateboarding. While the terrain can be challenging, skilled skaters can navigate the historic district, weaving through alleys and plazas while immersing themselves in Havana's rich cultural heritage.
5. Univeristy of Havana
The sprawling campus of the University of Havana offers expansive green spaces and architectural landmarks. Skateboarders can find smooth pathways and open courtyards ideal for cruising and honing their skills, all while surrounded by the energy of academic life.
6. Wider Havana
Throughout Havana, skateboarders can discover hidden gems in local neighborhoods, from quiet residential streets to bustling plazas. These diverse urban landscapes provide endless opportunities for exploration and creativity, allowing skaters to engage with Cuban culture on a personal level.
7. Havana Skate Park (Parque de Deportes Extremos)
This recently renovated skate park in Havana provides ramps, rails, and obstacles for skaters of all levels. Located in the Vedado neighborhood, the park offers a dedicated space for skateboarding, BMX, and rollerblading, fostering a vibrant community of extreme sports enthusiasts.
8. José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune
Adjacent to the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, this open-air amphitheater serves as a venue for political rallies and cultural events. Skateboarders can utilize the expansive concrete platform for freestyle sessions and creative expression, embodying the spirit of resilience and defiance.
9. Ciclovía de 23 (Avenida de los Presidentes)
Every Sunday, Avenida de los Presidentes transforms into a car-free zone known as Ciclovía de 23, inviting pedestrians, cyclists, and skateboarders to reclaim the streets. Skateboarders can join the lively procession, gliding past historic monuments and lively cafes while experiencing Havana's vibrant street culture.
10. DIY spots
In Havana's dynamic urban landscape, skateboarders can discover DIY spots and creative enclaves hidden beneath the surface. From abandoned buildings to makeshift ramps, these unconventional skate spots embody the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Cuba's skateboarding community, inspiring innovation and collaboration.
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