The COVID-19 pandemic led many skaters to seek creative outlets, and for some, this meant realizing a long-held dream: building a backyard mini ramp. This article explores the experiences of several skaters across the US who transformed their spaces into personal skate paradises, demonstrating that with some space, time, and a budget, you too can build your own ramp.
A skater performing a trick on a mini ramp
DIY Mini Ramp Projects: From Dream to Reality
Building a backyard mini ramp isn’t just about having a place to skate; it’s a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the skateboarding community. Here are some inspirational stories from skaters who took matters into their own hands.
Josh Matlock – Pepper’s Playland
Josh Matlock skating on his backyard mini ramp
Josh, residing in Berkeley, California, constructed “Pepper’s Playland” for his seven-year-old daughter, Pepper. This ramp, measuring 10 feet wide and 2.4 feet tall, features slides and a kiddy pool. The build was a family affair, with Josh and Pepper collaborating on the project. Using a mix of scavenged and gifted lumber, Josh kept the total cost around $800. It has become a place for them to bond and for Pepper to explore her creativity. Josh emphasizes, “We want her to know that you don’t have to be a boy to enjoy the things the boys like.”
Josh and his daughter working on their mini ramp
Nathan Janssen – The Dojo
Nathan Janssen's backyard mini ramp
Nathan, from Port Orchard, Washington, calls his ramp “The Dojo.” This 12-foot wide, 3-foot tall ramp with a one-foot extension, metal coping, and a kaleidoscope paint job, showcases the possibilities of DIY ramp building. It cost him a little under $1,000 to complete. With the help of his friends, the ramp was constructed in a single day. Nathan says, “It’s a dream come true! I’ve felt like I’ve progressed so much in an aspect of skating that I was once unfamiliar with.” Having the ramp has boosted his skills and given him a new respect for transition skating, plus the ability to host skate sessions with friends.
Nathan Janssen skating on his ramp
Andrew Durgin-Barnes – The Fernery Ramp
Andrew Durgin-Barnes at his mini ramp
Andrew, an artist from Deland, Florida, built “The Fernery Ramp” on an abandoned fernery. His ramp is 16 feet wide and 5 feet high, with a 7-foot stench, made primarily from wood. Although the initial plans called for marble coping, Andrew found wood to be surprisingly enjoyable. The total cost came to about $3,500, which included using specialized skate paint. Despite the challenging build conditions with heat, mosquitoes, and fire ants, Andrew found it an amazing learning experience, saying, “It’s helped me get a lot better at transition being that I’m an old gap and rail monkey from the late ’90s.”
Andrew Durgin-Barnes skating on the Fernery Ramp
Joel Jutagir – Metro Ramp/Joeltopia
Joel Jutagir and friends at his backyard skate spot
Joel, from Castro Valley, California, has created a more elaborate setup on his ranch. The “Metro Ramp,” also jokingly called “Joeltopia,” is a 40-foot by 40-foot structure featuring two small capsule bowls, a spine, a slappy-style concrete banked ledge, banks, and a love seat style gap-over transfer. While Joel jokes about the costs, his ramp is a testament to the community spirit of skateboarding. This spot has become a haven for local skaters and inspires Joel to push his own limits. Joel mentioned “45 years old and I feel like a young buck, learning new stuff daily. It’s the best.”
Joel Jutagir on his ramp
Andrew Martin Scott – PEACE & VEGETABLE RIGHTS Ramp
Andrew Martin Scott's backyard mini ramp
Andrew, based in Los Angeles, California, calls his ramp the “PEACE & VEGETABLE RIGHTS” ramp. The 12-foot wide and 2-foot tall ramp with four-foot transitions was constructed using steel coping, ply, and masonite. Andrew chose these materials due to the high cost of Skatelite. The project totaled around $1,000. This ramp is a realization of a childhood dream for Andrew, proving that it’s never too late to chase a passion. Andrew stated “It’s been amazing being able to just go in the backyard and skate in the comforts of my own home.”
Andrew Martin Scott skating on his ramp
Building Your Own Mini Ramp: Essential Takeaways
These stories show that creating your own mini ramp is possible with some effort and planning. Here are some essential takeaways:
- Plan and Design: Consider your available space, budget, and desired features.
- Gather Materials: Explore options like reclaimed wood, local lumber, and consider surface options and coping.
- Build a Community: Invite friends to help with the build; shared effort makes the project more enjoyable.
- Embrace the Learning Process: Building a ramp, like skating itself, involves trial and error.
- Customize Your Space: Make your ramp your own with unique features, artwork, and landscaping.
Conclusion: The Backyard Skate Revolution
The stories of these skaters prove that a backyard ramp can be more than just a skate spot, it’s a place for learning, community, and personal expression. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting out, building your own ramp can be a rewarding experience. It’s a tangible way to bring the thrill and challenge of skateboarding into your own backyard. So, are you ready to join the backyard skate revolution?
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