Thanks very much to Nat, from Skatenewzealand.com fame, for providing the knowledge on his area...
The south coast has always been a haven for skaters. The long seaside proms, the beautiful Riviera-like weather……well, sort-of. Up until recently, the ‘scene’ has been very fragmented. Skaters here and there, doing their own thing. The occasional meet up now and again. The last year has seen an explosion of different scenes and groups of skaters meet up, hang out and skate.
What we skate:
We all skate. some slalom, some luge, some slide, some downhill, some carve, some push and some grind. Up until recently that was what separated us, it’s odd because it should have been what binded us. We have have Joel on his luge, Si loving his Insect, Neal on his downhillers, Bish on his new Pavel slalom, Nat on everything from his rollsrolls to his OMA pool deck. Come along to one of the hook-ups, there will be something you like!
Where we skate:
Hove prom ... Hove has been having regular slalom sessions for a few years now. Friday evening usually sees about 10-15 skaters of all levels decend on the smoothest bit of tarmac this side of the men’s toilets. Regulars include Martin Drayton (2005 World Champion), Curt, Munchh, Nat, Mmedo, Steve, Paul and the odd visit from the Hyde Park Massive.
Southsea prom ... A new venue this, similar to Hove a few years ago. Smooth tarmac and a beautiful view. Regulars include Neal ‘boneless’, Psy and Nat. Each time we skate we get more people. A swim after perhaps? Go on then!
‘The hill’ ... After being slid for a few moths or so, the sessions have become more regular. This hill is closed off, amazing for sliding and if you really push it you can get over 30 on a speedboard. Regulars here are Joel ‘Gravity King’www.gravityking.co.uk, Nat, Neal ‘Boneless’ www.saftandboneless.co.uk Psy. This hill is also going to be the venue for an outlaw GS slalom race in a month or so. See www.skatenewzealand.com or www.ncdsa.com for more info.
‘The Basement’ ... This place has been running for over 4 years and recently closed its doors to those in the know. An underground 65ft wide Mini complex. A sad day indeed. www.myspace.com/thepompeybasement Wipe up your tears though, a basement replacement is on its way. Open 24/7 to those in the know!
‘The Euro-hairpin’ ... It’s only been skated a few times and the last time it was almost dark. Closed off, fast-as-hell, huge foot breaking and a right hand hairpin. It will be skated again!
As well as all of this, we have some great parks here. Southsea of course – 70’s classic. Just bring soft wheels. Verwood bowl – 4-5ft of smooth kidney perfection. Slades Farm – another 70’s classic. Excellent for blasting round. King’s Park in Bournemouth. A huge concrete park that caters for everyone. Go early and carve the whole park or go late and tear the deep end to bits
As for injuries and the like, Nat knackered his shoulder racing at Gurston – 4 weeks off. There have been lots of skin lost, knees tweaked and shoulders ke-danked. But we are still here...
