Halfpipe and Quarterpipe

Alright, so let’s face it. After learning the basic skate skills, most skateboarders would typically move on to perform more difficult—and sometimes risky—board tricks on a skate ramp. However, such feat often requires the skaters to visit a neighborhood skatepark wherein they would take turns in using the amenities such as the pools and bowls. For many enthusiasts, this is never a problem especially since skateboarding thrives through peer association. Still, a serious skater should consider his options for improving his skills on the ramp without the pressure from fellow skaters as well as time constraints.

This brings us to the advantage of having your own mini version of a skatepark. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown setup with all the obstacles that are found in a typical skater’s haven; a single skate ramp that resembles the original structure would usually suffice. This can be placed in your yard, or if it is portable, you may also set it up over a friend’s place so your small group doesn’t need to make trips to the local skatepark.

There are several types of ramp and ledges that are being commercially produced these days. Here are some of them:

• Half-Pipe – In the original design, a half-pipe basically consists of a cross section of a huge industrial pipe, hence the name. The miniature version of this famous skating structure resembles a U-shape which is created by joining two concave ramps. It has a flat surface in the middle which allows the skaters to regain stability after gliding the board on the slope. This ramp is now a staple in many skating competitions which showcase skater’s skills in lip tricks and grinds.

A variation of the half-pipe is the mini-ramp—so called for its height which tends to lessen the steepness of the slope. It is considered ideal for beginners and those who would like to hone their spins and other aerial tricks.

• Quarter-Pipe – As the name suggests, this ramp is basically a quarter of a half-pipe. The skater would usually commence skating from the ground before launching into the air and sliding back again. Others would practice stalling on the coping or perform airborne jumps with it. Spine ramp is a variation wherein two quarter-pipes are placed back-to-back, with the vertical end being its middle structure.
• Funbox – It is a box-shaped structure that is formed by interconnecting a table-top and several ramps on all the four sides. The components on each side may be configured to suit various preferences. For example, one side may include a rail while the other may feature stairs. This skate ramp is often used for practicing aerial tricks wherein the skater deliberately misses the table-top and continues with the glide onto the opposite side of the ramp.