Why Skateboarding?

Benefits of Skateboarding:

✅ Builds Balance & Coordination – Mastering tricks and transitions improves balance and body control.
✅ Strengthens Muscles – Core, legs, and stabilizer muscles are constantly engaged.
✅ Enhances Mental Focus – Success in skateboarding requires problem-solving and quick adjustments.
✅ Teaches Resilience – Falling and getting back up is part of the learning process.
✅ Creative Expression – Skaters use the environment to create unique lines and combinations.

“Skateboarding is the freedom to go wherever your board takes you.” – Tony Hawk

Essential Skateboarding Gear

To stay safe and perform at your best, you need the right gear:

✔ Skateboard – Choose a deck width that matches your riding style
✔ Trucks – Match truck width to your deck for stability and control.
✔ Wheels – Smaller wheels (50mm–54mm) for street; larger wheels (55mm–60mm) for park.
✔ Bearings – ABEC 5 or higher for smooth, fast rolling.
✔ Grip Tape – Provides foot grip and control.
✔ Helmet – Mandatory for vert and park riding.
✔ Knee and Elbow Pads – Essential for vert and bowl skating.
✔ Wrist Guards – Helps prevent injuries from falls.

🛒 Need recommendations? Check out our Best Skateboarding Gear Picks for expert reviews!

Top Skateparks & Street Spots in Ottawa

Looking for the best places to skate? Here are Ottawa’s top skateparks and street spots:

🛹 Legacy Skatepark – Ottawa’s largest skatepark, featuring bowls, ramps, rails, and ledges.
🛹 Charlie Bowins Skatepark – Located at McNabb Community Centre with a mix of elements.
🛹 Walter Baker Skatepark – A smaller park ideal for practicing flatground tricks and beginner transitions.
🛹 Bob MacQuarrie Skatepark – A well-maintained park with quarter pipes, rails, and a large bowl section.
🛹 Kanata Skatepark – A smooth park with plenty of flow, banks, and ledges.
🛹 Bayshore Skatepark – Compact but packed with rails, ledges, and small transitions.
🛹 Orleans Skatepark – A mid-size park with street features and a small bowl.
🛹 Westboro Beach – A popular street skating location with ledges and natural curbs.
🛹 Parliament Hill (Ride at your own risk) – Famous for its long ledges and smooth ground.
🛹 Lansdowne Park – A mix of street and open flatground, ideal for meeting other skaters.

Pro Tip: Legacy Skatepark is the go-to spot for serious skaters and local events—it’s where you’ll find the best competition and street style.