Thomas WelshmanNumerous major European cities have now found themselves with skateboarding forming large part of their cultural identities. Its connection with youth, music, art and much more is undeniable and never more so than in Madrid. So, why is it so popular, are there any restrictions and where can you do it?
Skate-crazy
Publications like kingpinmag.com follow the craze and highlight reasons for the sport’s ‘explosion’ in Madrid, whilst also helping newcomers get started. They mention, in a nicely romantic way, how during the eighties the skateboarding film The Search for Animal Chin was released with footage of people finding places to skate in Madrid. Since then, more and more skaters have flocked to Madrid to tackle its unique skateboarding opportunities and couple this visit with admiration of the city’s spectacular art and music scenes. This snowballing effect was only increased by the presence of other famous skaters who came to Madrid, inevitably followed by innumerable fans trying to recreate his their magic.
Location, Location, Location
Any guide or book about Madrid should include details of where to skateboard, given the strength of the sport here nowadays. A good online source (and there are many to choose from) is whattodoinmadrid.com who have put together a number of good suggestions regarding where to skate. A key place which many skaters will doubtlessly head to first is Retiro Park, the most popular place to skateboard in Madrid. Interestingly, one will see both experienced skaters as well as beginners, who are just being taught the basics. At the opposite end of the spectrum is Rodriguez Sahagun Park, almost completely devoid of tourists, where local kids will come to skate in the peace and quiet of somewhere off the beaten track. And there are so many other places beside just these examples, perhaps the most fun option would be to discover new areas for yourself!
Any perils?
Aside from the risk of minor injuries that anyone who has skated before will be aware of, the only problems which may arise would do so due to legal or governmental factors. For example, since 2014 a fining system has been put in place whereby people caught skating in the streets by police will receive a 750 euro fine. But aside from that, as it has been noted by the aforementioned websites, problems are unlikely to crop up. The locals in Madrid are extremely accommodating with skateboarding and shouldn’t harass anyone trying to enjoy the sport in the city.