Skatopia - Buena Park

The heaviest action at Skatopia centers around the 175' half pipe, called the "Pipeline." This was one of the first half pipes built for a skatepark, and has been consistently one of the most heavily favored. Starting from a small snake run, the track turns and goes into a gradual slope. The pipeline is 15' across, and has a spectator area on one side and pure vertical up above the lip of the pipe to the boundary wall running flush to the run. This unique piece of design work has provided skateboarding with some of its most radical moments.

Skatopia has seven other bowls and runs in the two- acre park for everyone from beginner to advanced. The large freestyle area here is highly regarded, as is the "Whirlpool," a four-bowl cloverleaf with two 20' bowls and two 10' bowls, and depths from 6' to 12'.

The big snake is 230' long, and has a 2 percent grade to begin with, and increases to an 8 percent grade. The slope, combined with some really radical, sharp, high- banked turns, produces some pretty hot action on this run also. There is also a little snake for the beginner.

The "Riptide" is designed like a regular swimming pool, is 18' by 30', and ranges in depth from 4' to 8', with up to 3' of vertical. The "Escondido Bowl" is fashioned after the original, and the four-sided bowl with flat, 40 degree walls offers an area of diversity to work out different forms. A banked slalom run finishes off a really hot park that is providing skateboarders with an outrageous environment.

A $3.00 lifetime membership, which includes a photo ID card, is required to ride at Skatopia. A two-hour session costs $2.50, with sessions running continuously. Various discount ticket books are available, including a five-ride book for $10.00, and an eleven-ride book for $20.00. If a team purchases five of the eleven- ride books in advance, they will receive a sixth book free. If you don't have your own safety gear, it may be rented in the pro shop for 25 cents per item.

The pro shop at Skatopia, the Board Room, carries a wide selection of the latest equipment from the major manufacturers, including their own line of skateboards, trucks, wheels, T-shirts, and jewelry. Discount specials are run each Christmas in the Board Room for members and nonmembers alike, so it's a good place to purchase a few of your skateboarding items.

Although no definite schedule has yet been established, amateur contests are held occasionally, so check in the pro shop for more details. A lessons clinic is sponsored occasionally by the Skatopia Demonstration Team, with tips for skaters from beginner to advanced.

The game arcade, located in the pro shop, has 22 pinball and video machines; and the snack bar, the Truck Stop, has a wide selection of food, including a variety of health food goodies, hot sandwiches, and cold drinks. A lounge area is provided for skaters and spectators, and a free spectator area skirts around several of the runs to offer a close-up view.