David Lin (
Where someone skates depends on whether it's street skating, in which case almost any one of Taipei's public parks are skate-able. Or, if its vert-ramps and half pipes then there are a few skate parks in Taipei city and county.
Constructed five years ago for in-line skating, BMX and skateboarding, the Extreme Sports Park in Yuanshan looks as though it needs resurfacing. Funded by the city government the park was built by a private construction company which, according to people who use the facility regularly, has yet to fix any of the broken ramps.
Contrary to popular assumptions, picking up a board after a hiatus of several years, isn't as difficult as it looks. Starting out or getting back into skateboarding can be costly, but Taipei has a handful of professional, well-stocked skate shops with informed staff.
Those afraid of a little road rash, but who enjoy watching should head to one of the public courtyards or skate parks in the early evening. There are also open competitions held nearly every month.
Additional places to skate and shop as well as dates for upcoming competitions in Taipei are available online at www.slick.com.tw.
For information on skate lessons contact Jimi Skate Shop at 23, Guangfu S Rd, Ln 346, Taipei (北市光復南路346巷23號). Call (02) 2731 1413.
Where to Kiss the Pavement:
Public Areas
1) Zhongshan Hall (中山堂): 98 Yenping S Rd, Taipei (台北市延平南路98號)
2) Tianmu Dong He Park (天母東和公園): 141 Zhongshan North Road Sec. 7, Tianmu, Taipei (台北市天母)
3) Taipei 101 Park, (台北101大樓 公園): 21, Xinyi Rd, Sec. 1, Taipei (台北市信義路一段21號)
Skate Parks
1) Extreme Sports Park in Yuanshan (極限公園): Across from Yuanshan MRT near Taipei Fine Arts Museum (台北美術館對面)
2) TaiMall Park (台茂): B2, 112, Nankan Rd. Sec. 1, Luzhu, Taoyuan, Taipei County (台北縣盧竹鄉南崁路一段112號B2)
3) Shulin Extreme Sports Park (樹林體極限運動場): 81, Shuiyuan St, Shulin City, Taipei County (北縣樹林市水源街81號).
RSS