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.
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, 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.”
Nathan Janssen – The Dojo
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.
Andrew Durgin-Barnes – The Fernery 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.”
Joel Jutagir – Metro Ramp/Joeltopia
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.”
Andrew Martin Scott – PEACE & VEGETABLE RIGHTS 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.”
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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