- Skateboarding moves into the mainstream with debut at Olympic Games next summer
- City has a number of indoor and outdoor parks
Skateboarding is the sport where style, risk and creativity blend into one.
It has transcended its street culture roots and will make its debut on the biggest stage at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Hong Kong is the ideal place to jump on the bandwagon and dream of Olympic gold at one of the city's many skateparks.
Here's where to get your skate on.
Hong Kong Island
Morrison Hill Road Playground
Located on Sun Tak Street, with buses N70 and N90 reaching the park, Morrison Hill Road Playground is one of the oldest skate parks in Hong Kong. While it does not have the biggest ramps or any half-pipes, it has a fun downhill loop track along with side ledges for sliding and grinding. You can expect a larger crowd late in the afternoon and night at this 24-hour park.
Chai Wan Poolside Garden
A 14-minute walk from the Chai Wan MTR station, the skatepark on the east side of Hong Kong boasts a 2,000 sq ft area replete with ramps, a mini half-pipe, boxes and rails. Its ramps vary in size, so even if you are looking to test the waters, the park is perfect. On weekdays, you can expect to see few people at the park, but weekends can get crowded. Open from 7am to 10pm
Kowloon
Tseung Kwan O Velodrome
You might recognise it from its similar appearance to the famous skatepark on Bondi Beach, Sydney. A seven-minute walk from the Hang Hau MTR station, the large skatepark has three half-pipes, bowls of varying levels, rails and ramps. Whether you are looking for a smooth ride in the park or challenging ramps and drops, the Velodrome is the perfect place for you. Open from 8am to 10pm
Fanling Skatepark
While Fanling Skatepark might be a bit far for most, its facilities more than make up for the travel time. Buses 78K and 79K drop you off across the street at Ma Sik Road. With HK$51 million spent on the construction of the park, riders have praised the concrete. In addition, its three sets of bowls plus rails and ledges attract many riders. Open from 9am to 11pm
Po Kong Village Park
Another world-class concrete park, Po Kong Village Park is just a 15 minute walk from exit A of the Diamond Hill MTR station. The park features a replica of Sydney's famous Bondi skate bowl. While the park has the facilities to hold professional competitions, there are also different-sized ramps and ledges to accommodate beginners. Open from 10am to 10.30pm
Tung Chung North Park
Tung Chung North Park attracts riders with its beautiful surroundings and ample amount of shade throughout the day. Built in conjunction with 8five2shop, skaters can access the park via buses 37, 37H, E32A, E34P, E34X, N31, N37 and S64P. Furthermore, Tung Chung North Park is equipped with bowls, ramps, and a few rails. Open from 7am to 10pm
Vans Sk85IVE2
Located in a Kwun Tong Factory, riders can have at 3,000 square metres of indoor park. Wooden ramps, rails and ledges are a 10-minute walk from the Kwun Tong MTR station in the Heng Seng Industrial Building. With the park's maximum capacity just 15 skaters, online bookings for time slots is recommended. Open from 11am-8pm on weekdays and 11am-6pm on weekends.
La Chi Kok Park
Split into three sections ranging from beginner difficulty ramps to expert level ones, La Chi Kok Park is the perfect place for skaters of all levels. Just a seven-minute walk from the Mei Foo MTR station and open 7am to 10pm daily, it is a busy location for skaters from around the area. It is one of the longest-standing skateparks in Hong Kong, and comes fully equipped with quarter pipes, mini ramps, and a small street section. As of now, the park is under maintenance, but will reopen in September 2019.
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