Costa Mesa is home to one of the most fun and rippable sakteparks in orange county. Sure, there could be some regional bias, since that’s where our HQ is and where a lot of us grew up skating or still skate to this day. But when you have some of the greatest pros in CA skating it regularly, it’s hard to deny this park has that special something. And what might that something be? If we had to guess, we’d pin it to variety. It’s a big park, which means plenty of room for features. The park boasts a fun sized bowl, and full sized vert bowl, and a pretty fun street course with banks, rails, ledges, pyramids, a euro gap, etc. Everything you need to hone your skills and be a well rounded skater. Let’s deep dive into the three major zones of the park.
The Vert Bowl at the Costa Mesa Skatepark
The vert bowl at the Costa Mesa Skatepark is one of the most exciting and challenging features of the park, designed for experienced skaters who enjoy vertical transition skating. Located within the park's expansive layout, the vert bowl stands out for its steep walls and deep transitions, offering skaters the opportunity to push their limits with high-speed carving, airs, and lip tricks.
Typically around 10 to 12 feet deep, the vert bowl features nearly vertical walls that require skaters to generate significant speed and control. The steepness of the bowl makes it an ideal spot for practicing big airs, grabs, and vert-style tricks, such as rock-to-fakies, frontside and backside airs, and even more advanced maneuvers like invert grabs or grinds on the coping. The bowl's deep transitions demand precise timing, quick reflexes, and a high level of skill, making it a favorite among seasoned skaters.
For those looking to progress in vert skating, the vert bowl at Costa Mesa offers an ideal training ground. The smooth, consistent concrete allows for fast runs and smooth transitions, while the high walls provide plenty of air for more advanced tricks. It’s a challenging feature that rewards skaters with a sense of accomplishment as they master the vertical world of bowl skating.
Though the vert bowl is geared toward more experienced riders, it remains an essential feature of the Costa Mesa Skatepark, adding variety and excitement to the park's diverse obstacle offerings.
The Mini Bowl at the Costa Mesa Skatepark
The mini bowl at the Costa Mesa Skatepark is a standout feature, offering a mellow and approachable space for skaters of all levels to practice and refine their transition skills. Located within the park, this compact bowl is designed with smooth transitions and a shallow depth, making it an ideal spot for both beginners learning the basics and intermediate skaters looking to perfect their tricks.
Typically around 4 to 5 feet deep, the mini bowl’s shallow walls make it less intimidating than the larger, more vertical bowls in the park. This design encourages riders to work on carving, pumping, and building speed, all essential skills for transition skating. For beginners, the mini bowl offers a forgiving environment to practice the fundamentals of bowl riding, like smooth turns and basic stalls.
As skaters progress, the mini bowl becomes a great space to experiment with airs, grabs, and lip tricks. The gentle transitions allow for controlled launches off the coping and provide plenty of opportunities to work on technical maneuvers. Tricks like rock-and-rolls, axle stalls, and disaster grinds are commonly practiced here, allowing skaters to improve their precision and flow.
The mini bowl also fosters a social atmosphere, as its smaller size encourages skaters to interact and share the space. Whether you’re learning the basics or refining more advanced tricks, the mini bowl is a versatile and welcoming feature that contributes to the overall appeal of the Costa Mesa Skatepark.
The Street Section at the Costa Mesa Skatepark
The street section at the Costa Mesa Skatepark is a dynamic and diverse area, designed to cater to skaters of all skill levels with a wide variety of obstacles. This section is ideal for those who enjoy technical street skating, offering everything from ledges and rails to stairs, manual pads, and small banks. Its layout encourages flow and creativity, making it a favorite spot for skaters to build lines and experiment with different tricks.
The street section features a mix of low and high ledges, perfect for practicing grinds and slides like 50-50s, smith grinds, and feebles. There are several rails of varying heights and shapes, including square, round, and kinked rails, which offer challenges for skaters looking to master their grind and slide techniques. The set of stairs is another highlight, with multiple levels that provide an opportunity for skaters to work on ollies, flips, and stair tricks.
Additionally, the manual pads and hubbas in the street area allow for more technical control and creativity. Skaters can focus on perfecting their manual tricks, like nose manuals or manuals to grinds, while the hubbas offer a more grind-centric challenge. The small banks and quarter pipes allow skaters to link transitions with street tricks, further enhancing the flow and versatility of the space.
Overall, the street section at the Costa Mesa Skatepark is a well-rounded area that provides an excellent environment for both beginners and seasoned street skaters to develop their skills and try new tricks in a highly skateable and accessible space.
BONUS: The Rest Area at the Costa Mesa Skatepark
The rest area at the Costa Mesa Skatepark offers a much-needed retreat for skaters to take a break, relax, and recharge between sessions. Located conveniently throughout the park, the rest area is designed with comfort and convenience in mind, making it a welcoming spot for both skaters and spectators.
One of the key features of the rest area is the ample shaded seating, which provides a break from the California sun, especially during warmer months. There are benches and picnic tables strategically placed around the park, offering comfortable spots to sit and watch the action. These areas allow skaters to rest, hydrate, and take a moment to cool down before jumping back into their next session. The shaded seating areas make it easier to relax and stay refreshed, ensuring that skaters can recover without feeling overheated.
The rest area is also social by design, fostering a sense of community among park-goers. Skaters can hang out, chat, or watch others skate, creating a supportive and positive atmosphere. For new riders, this space provides an opportunity to interact with more experienced skaters and exchange tips or advice.
In addition to the seating, the park is equipped with water fountains to stay hydrated and clean restrooms, making it easy for skaters to take care of their basic needs without having to leave the park. Overall, the rest area is an important feature of the Costa Mesa Skatepark, offering comfort, convenience, and a sense of community for everyone who visits.
