It's Time to Ride - Skateboarders Wanted!

Do you hear that? It's the gritty sound of well-worn skateboard wheels rolling and rattling over concrete.

It's a siren song for those who crave the thrill of mastering a new trick, the camaraderie of the skate community, and a steady stream of rushing adrenaline.

If the sound alone doesn't entice you to hop on a board, perhaps your inner skater will be inspired by a peek at Hillsborough County's skate parks and programs. The County manages five skate parks -- all free to use -- and a range of happenings geared towards beginner skaters, advanced skaters, and everyone in between.

6 Ways to ride the concrete waves of Hillsborough County

1. Hit a Hillsborough County Skate Park

There's a skate park for every level of skater in Hillsborough County. Not only are all parks free to skate, but they're open until 9 p.m. or later, Monday - Saturday. On Sunday, skate parks close at 6 p.m.

• Apollo Beach Skate Park
• Best park for beginners, but still fun for intermediate and advanced skaters
• Course features include: five stair and three flat two stair sets, two Euro gaps, handrails, and smaller rails

• Carrollwood Village Skate Park
• Best park for beginners and intermediate skaters
• Course features include: concrete pump track, mini ramp with extension, manny pad

• Fish Hawk Skate Park
• Designed for beginner and intermediate skaters
• Course features include: concrete pump track, mini ramp with extension, manny pad

• Jackson Springs Skate Park
• Designed for intermediate skaters, but beginners and advanced skaters are welcome
• Course features include: rails, key hole, snake run bowl

• Providence Skate Park
• Designed for intermediate and advanced skaters, but beginners will have fun, too
• Course features include: 9.5-foot peanut-shaped bowl, quarter pipes, pyramid

Helmets are mandatory for skaters aged 17 and younger. Elbow pads and knee pads are required for those 12 years old and younger. Children 12 years old and under must have a parent or guardian with them at all times. Get more details at Hillsborough County Skate Parks.

2. Attend Skate Summer Camp

Skate Summer Camp is designed for first-timers, beginners, and intermediate skaters. The program covers everything from equipment and terminology to etiquette and basic maneuvers. This summer camp also includes field trips, playing other traditional sports, arts and crafts, reading, and additional activities.

There are five two-week sessions, each 10 days long, all held at Providence Skate Park in Riverview. The first session starts June 3. Be sure to sign up early before room runs out

Learn more and register at Skate Summer Camp.

3. Take skateboard lessons

Interested in developing fundamental skateboard skills and learning tricks? Hillsborough County offers hour-long lessons for only $5. All skill levels, including beginners, are welcome.

Lessons are available August 1, 2024 - April 30, 2025, at Apollo Beach Skate Park, Carrollwood Village Skate Park, and Providence Skate Park. Visit Skateboard Lessons for details and to register.

4. Compete in the Best Shredder Contest

The Best Shredder is Hillsborough County's annual four-part contest series that started in 2015. Skaters can compete in one of several divisions based on their demographic or skill level.

Skaters compete in a jam-style format for first, second, and third place in each division. Winners are awarded prizes based on their podium placement. In addition to prizes at each stop of the series, skaters who make podium placement are awarded series tally points. After the year's final contest, the skater with the most overall series tally points per division is named that year's Best Shredder.

The next Best Shredder Contests are Sept. 14 and Nov. 2, meaning there's plenty of time to perfect your skate skills prior to competing. Learn more and register at Best Shredder Contest.

5. Join the HC Skateboard Team

Think you've got what it takes to learn how to ollie, kickflip, or drop-in? Try out for the HC Skateboard Team!

The HC Skateboard Team provides residents of all ages an opportunity to participate in skateboarding. The team is designed to help develop skateboard skills, expand community engagement, and instill a mindset of giving back and helping the local skateboard community with events, contests, and services.

Applications to join the team will be accepted in fall. Learn more about age divisions, tryouts, and more at HC Skateboard Team.

6. Celebrate Go Skateboarding Day on June 21 at Providence Skate Park

Go Skateboarding Day was created in 2004 by the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC) to help make skateboarding more accessible through events held in major cities internationally.

Hillsborough County will celebrate Go Skateboarding Day on June 21, 6 to 9 p.m., at Providence Skate Park. This event will feature contests, which are free to enter, and prizes for all winners. Skaters can also enjoy complimentary pizza and drinks.

More details are available at Go Skateboarding Day.

Skateboarding can be a fun way to exercise, build resilience, and improve balance and coordination. It can also be an opportunity to connect with others who share a similar passion. At Hillsborough County's skate parks, an inclusive environment welcomes skaters of all levels and ages to enjoy the ride.

So what are you waiting for? It's time to roll! Grab your board and get ready to feel the wind on your face.