3 Ways you can get started skateboarding in Birmingham now
Reading time: 4 minutes
2022 is turning out to be an exciting year for local skateboarders in Birmingham. Once complete, the upcoming CityWalk BHAM park will include a brand-new, 57,000 square-foot skatepark built by Newline Skateparks, and is set to open to the public this June. Want to make the most of the new skatepark? Keep reading to learn more about everything you need to get started skateboarding in Birmingham.
Peter Karvonen, owner of Faith Skate Supply Skate Shop got his skateboarding inspiration from watching Marty McFly tearing up the streets of Hill Valley in Back to the Future. Karvonen + Kanten Russell are the two driving forces behind the inception + completion of the new Downtown skatepark.
Local skaters also referenced Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Shaun White, Bucky Lasek, the Stacy Peralta 2001 documentary Dogtown & Z-Boys, monthly skateboarding magazines + VHS skate tapes from the 80s such as Streets on Fire.
Wherever your skate fever originates, we have your prescription covered!
1. Where do I get my gear to start skateboarding in Birmingham?
Faith Skate Supply
Skateboarding has one of the lowest entry level costs of any sport at $100 or less and is economically viable for anyone and everyone.
“Come by the shop and I’ll get you a complete board for $89, grab a pair of old Chuck Taylor’s or shoes with a flat sole and you’re ready to start creating.”
Peter Karvonen, Faith Skate Supply
- Location: 1201 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 12PM–5PM | Monday Closed
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
The Wood
Jason Agan, creator of All Hands Skateboards and his partner at The Wood, Cameron Williams have a cool shop on their hands. They sell vintage t-shirts, branded hats, footwear, skateboarding supplies as well as vintage novelty items.
As a way to give back to the community + attract more locals to skateboarding, The Wood also has a bin offering free skateboard decks.
- Location: 5530 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35212
- Hours: Monday–Saturday 11AM–6PM | Sunday Closed
2. How do I learn how to skateboard?
The majority of the local skateboarders that I spoke with mentioned the best way to learn is to just grab a board and learn from other skaters.
“All you have to do is get a board and show up because the community of skateboarders are awesome. They are amazing people and they love to help. If you’re interested in learning, they’re down to help you. All of a sudden you’re one of the family and community.”
Peter Karvonen, Faith Skate Supply
Interested in taking lessons? Practice makes perfect + call these numbers!
- Faith Skate Supply: Call (205) 244-1102
- Jon Waarvik: Call (540) 305-0999
3. Where can I actually go skateboarding in Birmingham?
As previously mentioned, the new City Walk Skatepark will be unveiled in June, but until then here are some places you can go skateboarding in Birmingham now.
Railroad Park
- Location: 1700 S 1st Ave Birmingham, AL 35233
- Hours: Daily 7AM–11PM
- Website | Facebook
Veterans Skate Park
- Location: 7305 Hwy 119 Alabaster, AL 35007
- Hours: Wednesday–Friday 4PM–8PM | Saturday 12PM–8PM | Sunday 1PM–8PM | Mondays & Tuesday CLOSED
- Fees: $1 per day on weekdays + $2 per day on weekends
- Website
Willow Wood Park Tennis Court
- Location: 5312 Georgia Rd, Birmingham, AL 35212
- Hours: Sunday–Saturday 6AM–10PM
Our own backyard on the streets of Birmingham
Coming soon, you can skate in Downtown + Hoover!
Downtown
The City Walk BHAM Skatepark is on schedule to open this June!
Hoover
According to Johnny Grimes of Skate Alabama, the city of Hoover has donated the land + approved the skate park and the project is currently in the fundraising stage. See details below on how you can show your support!
Skate Alabama
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Now, who’s ready to start skateboarding in Birmingham?!
