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SHANGHAI SURPRISE!
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Author: Santos, Willy
Section: WARM-UP SPOT
SPOTS
THE WORLD'S LARGEST SKATEPARK OPENS IN CHINA.
For about a week and
a half, I was out in Shanghai, China for the Asia Gravity Games and the
grand opening of the biggest skatepark in the world to date. The
contest was hosted by SMP Clothing, which owns the skatepark, with the
help of the Chinese government backing it. Josh Evin, Dayne Brummet,
Greg Lutzka, PLG, Neal Hendrix, Lincoln Ueda, Sandro Dias, and I were
invited to compete. World Cup Skateboarding was there, because you know
you can't have a proper contest if Dave Duncan isn't on the mic. Dayne
won the street contest, and Josh won the best trick. On vert, Neal got
first, and PLG won the best trick. The skatepark has a separate area
that was built just for contests, and the rest of the park, especially
the bowls and vert ramp, is incredible--just look at the pictures. The
stands were packed even though it rained a ton before the event, and
they plan to host the Asia Gravity Games here for the next four years.
There are currently
about 4,000 skaters in all of China, and skateboarding is growing fast
in the Far East. Now with this monstrous skatepark, there's going to be
some talent coming out of there, for sure. This was my third trip to
Shanghai this year, and I'll definitely be going out there to skate
again soon. The Chinese skaters are lucky to have this park and the
loads of untapped street spots. Oh, wait, did I say that? China kicks
ass!
• Over 40,000 square feet
• Separate 5,740-square-foot park zone
• 170-foot-long vert ramp
• Over five different bowls
• Poured from local granite + stone
• Stadium seating + two video screens
• Toilets + change rooms
PHOTO (COLOR)
~~~~~~~~ By Willy Santos
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