The State of Skate in Charleston
Skateboarding in Charleston, or the “843” as known by locals, has been thriving, with skaters in the area enjoying the sport and its inherent culture of friendship, camaraderie, and shared learning. The skate parks in Charleston today stand as a testament to the community’s dedication and enduring effort.
Charleston: A City Embracing Skateboarding
In the early days of the East Coast skateboarding boom in the 1980s and 90s, the city lacked any official skate parks. Over time, however, multiple skate parks have been established in the city, including the popular SK8 Charleston on Oceanic Avenue, and the “Bridge Spot,” a community-run park located under Interstate 26 near Huger Street. Local skate legend Hank Biering sums up the long-standing struggle, “Charleston County has finally embraced skateboarding — me and the people I skated with, we had to wait our whole lives for that to happen. We fought for that skate park our entire lives.”
The Bieringville Bowl: A Legendary Local Spot
Notably, the Bieringville bowl, a skate spot located on Hank Biering’s property on Johns Island, carries significant local history. Biering and a crew of volunteers moved the legendary “Charleston Hangar” bowl to Bieringville in 1993 following its scheduled demolition. Over the past 30 years, the surviving bowl has seen numerous refurbishments, repairs, and additions. It remains open for seasoned skaters and regularly hosts an annual Halloween bash attended by locals and tourists alike.
SK8 Charleston: A Result of Persistence
SK8 Charleston, a park initiated by the local skating community, finally opened its gates in 2017. The skate community was instrumental in funding a quarter of the $4.8 million project with Shannon Smith leading the push with the support of the nonprofit PourItNow. Lending credence to the saying, “it takes a village,” the rest of the decision and realization process was a collective effort involving the local community, the city council, and then-Mayor Joe Riley.
Bridge Spot: An Emblem of Skate Culture
The Bridge Spot is another remarkable instance of the skateboarding community’s self-reliant spirit. It was a DIY project started in 2009, and the skate park boasts an array of obstacles suitable for both beginner and advanced skaters. This spot, much like the sport itself, stimulates activities ranging from casual art markets to DJ set plays and fosters intergenerational friendships.
Benefits of Skateboarding and Its Prominence in Charleston
Charleston’s skateboarding scene has been transformative, offering more than just a sport; it provides a platform for self-expression, skill development, community service projects, contests, and fun events. Furthermore, it bridges social gaps by creating a tightly-knit community where long-lasting friendships are made. SK8 Charleston has been particularly successful in nurturing beginners, with lessons available for enthusiasts as young as five.
In an echo of Charleston’s thriving skate scene, the Bridge Spot hosts its annual contest in honor of Charleston skater Ben Bartowski in September, raising funds for suicide prevention. Meanwhile, SK8 Charleston prepares for its biggest contest of the year, offering much more than just cash prizes – it fosters personal and community development.
