Xhilarating Xperience at XDubai

When it comes to extreme sports, Dubai is always at the forefront. From skydiving to parasailing, wakeboarding and skateboarding – residents have pushed themselves to test their limits and enjoy the best sporting activities the city could offer.

That being said, Dubai is also home to the region’s largest dedicated state-of-the-art facility for skateboarders. Called XDubai Skatepark, located at Dubai’s Kite Beach, is one of the “active space” facilities built for the youth.

Ever since it was opened to the public early last year, local skateboarders — novice and the more experienced ones alike — troop to the skatepark to hone their kickflips, aerial grabs, pole jams, rails and other tricks.

The 3,100 square metre XDubai Skatepark, designed by Convic, an Australian company which specialises in the construction of recreational facilities, and includes 29 different elements designed for novices all the way through to professional skateboarders, such as pole jams, rails, and soft-ended walls.

For the bold and more experienced skaters, the most notable attraction is a 3.2 metre deep “XBowl” built specifically for professional-level skaters.

In an interview with Khaleej Times, XDubai managing director Ismaeil Al Hashmi, said: “We developed the XDubai Skatepark with a vision to create a dedicated stateof-the-art facility for skateboarders in the emirate and from around the world who come to Dubai. We are confident the facility will become one of the most iconic and buzzing hubs in Dubai,” he added.

True enough, XDubai has become a favourite not just for skateboarders, but also for BMXers, inline skaters and scooter riders. They all enjoy the park’s design which help local novice skateboarders learn from more experienced ones and become better at the sport.

But before young skaters can try the vert (vertical) ramps, they are first taught the basics and safety regulations. According to an instructor, “some are quick to learn and we hope that some of them will become future big pro skaters.”

angel@khaleejtimes.com

READY TO ROLL... With proper training and guidance at XDubai Skatepark, this young girl could become one of the future big pro skaters. The facility is the largest dedicated one for skateboarders in region.

SQUAD GOALS... Skateboarding is not just a recreational activity for children. It builds deep friendship bonds and strong camaraderie.

RISE UP... Scooter riders trying to hone their adventure skills gliding on the soft-ended walls at the XDubai Skatepark.

THE VERTICAL RIDE...A young skater trying the vertical ramp, one of the first tricks taught by instructors. Observing safety guidelines is mandatory for skateboarders.

AUSTRALIAN ROOTS... XDubai Skatepark is designed by Convic, which specialises in the construction of recreational facilities.

SAFETY FIRST... Skateboarding is an extreme sport. Instructors ensure that students are not negligent of their safety duties.

GETTING READY TO GO... A kid secures his shoelace before beginning to skate at the XDubai Skatepark.

ALL OUT FOR AN OLLIE... One of the oldest tricks, a combination of popping, sliding, and jumping — all at the same time.

HERE I COME... A professional skater showing off skills and testing his limits on the ramp at the XDubai Skatepark.