Skateboarding: A Jax Unique Sport

Jax Forever Linked to Skateboarding Past and Future

Skateboarding has been a part of the Jacksonville culture since the 1970s with the opening of Kona Skatepark. It’s got the snake runs, the pipes, the walls, the bowls and pools that generations of skateboarders from across the globe have enjoyed!

The Cool Facts

1. Kona is the last of the original private-owned skateparks in the world. This iconic skatepark has seen its fair share of famous moments throughout the history of skateboarding and remains a legend in the sport to this day. When Kona first opened in 1977, it wasn’t the only skatepark in Jacksonville, but it was officially the coolest and that made all skateboard enthusiasts from across the country flock to its doors.

2. The Ramos family, owners of the park, dedicated it to “The Youth of Jacksonville” instilling new values of family and community and creating a skateboard scene unique to Jax.

3. In 1977 and 1978, the USA Open Skateboarding Championship was held at Kona attracting the top pros in the sport at that time. People crowded the stands to be able to see the moves in person and learn from them. During its 40 years in business, Kona has seen its fair share of skateboarding superstars including Tony Hawk and The Birdhouse crew, Tony Alva, Rodney Mullen, Mitch Kauffman, Buck Smith, and Peggy Turner. Back in the 70s they were known as the “Ratpack”. The whole Dogtown gang was there for the first ever pro-am contest.

4. Jacksonville natives, Mike Peterson, went on to become a professional skateboarder and competed in several AM competitions. Clyde Singleton, a world-known African-American skateboarder, ripped at Kona Skatepark as a kid, and moved to California after being sponsored at age 17 and becoming a loud voice for the minority community. They are both great ambassadors for the local skateboarding scene.

5. Kona is known for constantly pushing boundaries and testing new theories in skateboarding. The motivation of the Ramos family stumbled them into the invention of the modern “Vert” ramp; a vertical wall in a bowl that no one had seen before. People were even afraid to test it out at first. The “Vert” ramp opened doors for endless possibilities for skaters. The first ever “Vert” wall drop took place here and the crowds went wild. At Kona, you can also find what the locals call “The Tombstone”; a vertical wall measuring six feet above the rim of the bowl. It is an original to Kona, remaining from when the park first opened.

40 Years of Kona

During Kona’s 40th year anniversary celebration, in 2017, some of the world’s best skateboarders came back to show off their best tricks, remember the good days, and have fun with the local crowds, and the upcoming young skaters that enjoy the park every day.

Jacksonville’s skateboarding scene doesn’t just end there, the city is also home to several public skating parks, including Oceanside Park in Atlantic Beach, Monument Park in Arlington, and the newest one in South Jacksonville Beach featuring 23,000 sq. feet of ramps, pools, pipes, handrails, bowls and snake runs.

Endless ramps and endless skating, Jacksonville has a jam sesh for any skater!

Top 5 Things to Do at Kona Skatepark

1. KONA HAS RAMPS, PATHS AND HALF-PIPES FOR SKATERS TO EXPLORE AND ENJOY.

The park has a snake run path, which provides diversity to each skate path. Even experienced skaters will be able to find some variety here. Kona is also home to the Vert ramp, where extreme sports fans can practice their tricks.

2. THE PARK’S CONCRETE PATH IS, OF COURSE, THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE PARK.

However, the bright art that covers the park’s ramps and paths is the shining star.

3. ONE OF KONA’S CAN’T-MISS EVENTS IS THEIR ANNUAL ST. PADDY’S SKATE-O-RAMA.

Each March, the skatepark invites musical acts, talented skaters and skate fans to come enjoy an all-ages show with food trucks and a beer garden. The celebration also includes the Pot of Gold Sk8 Competition, where extreme skaters can showcase their talents. The event has featured artists such as Agent Orange, so this is a must-see for anyone who loves skate culture.

4. IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS, KONA SKATEPARK OFFERS PRIVATE SKATE LESSONS FOR CHILDREN 6 AND UP.

They offer beginner, intermediate and advanced classes for all skill levels. Students can learn proper stance, kickturns and even the Ollie. Each class has an achievement test, where skaters can prove their skills to move to the next experience group.

5. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT KONA’S BEACH BOWL, AN ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF PARK QUAD SKATING.

The weekend-long competition features a day of training and clinics hosted by world class coaches that highlight the skills of aggressive quad skating. There is an option for the skaters to camp out for the weekend and enjoy the exhibition-style competition at the conclusion of the event. This camp is a great opportunity to show off your skills and have the full Kona experience.

Learn more about Kona Skate Park: www.konaskatepark.com