Over the years, skateboarding has grown in popularity as a sport and pastime, and it has its own terminology. There are several ramps, bowls, and rails in skate parks, each with their own name and use. The kicker ramp is one of the most frequently seen elements in skate parks. However, why is it known as a kicker ramp?
A ramp with an angled takeoff that propels the skater into the air is referred to as a “kicker ramp.” The term “kicker” refers to the movement of kicking a skateboard down a ramp in order to increase height and speed. A crucial component of skateboarding, the kicker ramp is utilized in numerous tricks, such as ollies, kickflips, and 360 flips.
Similar to that, a U-shaped ramp that resembles half of a cylinder is referred to as a “half-pipe.” Because it was intended for vertical skating, the half-pipe was first referred to as a “vert” ramp. The half-pipe, however, became a common element of skate parks as skating advanced, and the name stayed.
Skate park is typically referred to as either one word or two in the skateboarding community. It can be either, is the response. Depending on the context and writing style, the compound noun “skate park” can be expressed as one or two words.
Now let’s talk about the idea of flow parks, which are skate parks created to enable skaters to transition smoothly from one obstacle to the next. A flow park’s objective is to produce a free-flowing movement pattern that enables skaters to keep their momentum as they glide around the park. Smooth transitions, curving banks, and wide spaces are common elements of flow parks that enable skaters to connect their tricks.
Last but not least, a ramp’s base is referred to as its flat bottom. The flat bottom of the ramp is where skaters can land their tricks and restore their speed before encountering the next obstacle. It is located between the two transitions of the ramp.
In conclusion, skateboarding has an own vocabulary and language, and knowing what the terms signify will improve your skate park experience. Understanding the definitions and history of skateboarding terminology like kicker ramp, half-pipe, flow park, and flat bottom will improve your ability to converse with other skaters and help you develop a greater respect for the sport.