| Open
from 8 a.m. to sunset every day, this Skate Park was open
long before its much lauded cousin to the north. It
has quietly been serving the skating needs of Carpinteria
youth since 1999 and has proven to be quite a success.
Made
of wood rather than concrete, this park is perched above
ground rather than seated within the ground.
Situated right next to the train tracks, the park offers a
great look at the talents of young riders.
The
day I went for a photo shoot at the Carpinteria Skateboard
Park, I first encountered Breana
Alonzo skating alone, with her father watching
nearby. I was later told by more than one of the park
regulars that she is likely the best skater around.
Watching her spend nearly as much time in the air with her
board as on the ground, there was little doubt in my mind
of her amazing skills. As
Breana left for the day, Eric
Romero took her place as my volunteer action star,
performing triumphantly for the camera. The park was soon
filled with other after school regulars, including Nathan
Zemke, Noah
Babcock, Vincent
Figueroa, Sebatian
Medal and Stevie
Mirkin. Unlike the rest of the skaters in the park,
Vincent preferred to use the popular Razor
(a skateboard with handlebars) to perform his mobile
miracles. A
skater myself many years ago, I watched these young
athletes perform tricks considered impossible by the
world's best skaters of my day. |
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A
popular move is to ride level across the park then
suddenly kick the board in the air. The rider sails upward
with the board and lands on a ledge high above where they
started. It seems to defy all laws of physics and is
amazing to watch. Not satisfied to just land on a ledge
these days, they like to add 360 degree spins in mid-air
just to make sure that an onlooker's jaw drops all the way
to the ground. Come
check out this park. It is great entertainment for the
audience and one of
the best places for kids to burn off that after school
sugar! |
