There’s nothing cooler than showing up for a day of skateboarding at the Vans Skatepark and running into legends such as Tony Alva, Steve Caballero or even Tony Hawk, shredding on one of the courses.
Since the park opened in 1998, it’s served as a favorite for beginners, amateurs, experts and even the greatest of the greats.
The 50,000-square-foot park is one of the largest in the region. It features five indoor/outdoor courses, ramps, stairs, a pool and dozens of other obstacles.
“What’s great about this park is that it has something for everyone,” said Chase Weikal, a Vans spokesman. “If you’re barely learning to skate, or if you’re a pro, you can find a challenge.”
The park has always worked to remain affordable for patrons, with day passes costing from $7 to $15, Weikal said.
“Some of these guys never tell us they’re coming, they just show up,” he said. “You’ll see these guys skateboarding next to the kids.”
Tyler Dugan, 14, from Orange, has been skateboarding at the park since he was 7.
“All the skateboarders are pretty cool to each other. Nobody is going to laugh if you eat it,” he said. “But once you learn how to handle these courses, you can pretty much skate anywhere.”
Skating through the park:
Main Street Course
The 20,000-square-foot indoor wood (birch) street course features several obstacles. The setup includes many popular street features such as stair sets, banks, rails, ledges and manual pads. Features on this course can challenge even the most advanced street skater.
The Combi Pool
The Combi is a replica of the original Combi pool at the Upland Pipeline Skatepark during the early 1980s. It was touted as one of the best pools in skateboarding history. The Vans pool features 9-foot transitions and is 12 feet deep. This pool always dares even the most experienced skater.
Pee Wee Area
This area is specifically designed for beginners to develop their skills in a less intimidating environment. The course simulates all the features of the Main Street course, only on a smaller scale. All features on this birch course are 3 feet or lower.
Mini Ramps
The main mini ramp is 80 feet wide and has heights ranging from 5 feet to 9 feet. The majority of the ramp runs 5 feet with extensions in the back escalating to sections of vert. The ramp has sections of pool coping and is entirely surfaced in birch. The secret micro mini is a perfect warm-up spot. The ramp is 12 feet wide and 4 feet high, surfaced in birch.
Outdoor Street Course
The concrete course features ledges, stairs, manual pads and more. This course also has movable obstacles that can be set up as the skater chooses.
Contact the writer: 714-704-3773 or fleal@ocregister.com
