'Rom': Europe's first heritage listed skatepark

'Rom' is iconic in British skate and Bmx culture. It represents a time when skating was a little more raw – much like its roughness of its own surface.

When I first started sessioning skateparks in the late 90s, it was common to see wooden indoor and pre-fabricated outdoor skateparks in videos and magazines. But every so often an image would pop up of this huge outdoor concrete skatepark in London made up of mogul bowls, pools and downhill snake runs. 

Far from the smoothed surface skateparks being built in the 1990s and 2000s, Rom from back in the '70s was bumpy, rough and raw. I couldn’t wait to one day check it out.

Built in 1977, Romford skatepark has for decades attracted Bmx and skate talent from across the world. 

Fast-forward 15 years, and I’d still never visited... 

That was, until a text came through last week, “who's up for a Romford session?” A couple of days later a group of us were jammed into the back of a van, heading east towards 4,000 square metres of pure concrete.

It seems the excitement of Bmx and skating hasn't worn off in our older age. Exploding out of the van, we spent hours carving seemingly endless lines over humps, bumps and massive transitions. 

Everything about this place characterised - to me - the early years of skate and Bmx culture. 

Originating from the surf lifestyle of Southern California in the 50s and 60s, early skaters explored swimming pools and concrete drains to surf. Over time, they began creating purpose built parks, which still gave the sensation of carving a wave. Rom – England’s oldest surviving skatepark – is the perfect example of this.

The bowls and snakeruns weren’t created for the modern, tech kid. But they represented the old-school style of skaters who preferred high speed carving lines.

70s snakeruns were designed to feel like a never-ending wave. 

Merlin carves while Mike records the sound of his tyres.  

Local shredders at The Rom can skate bowls like few others can. 

Mike Mansfield carving through the over-vert half. 

It was no surprise to me when I heard last year that Historic England would give Rom a Grade II heritage listing. The park has become an icon of the British skate and Bmx culture. Although both sports have blown-up into the mainstream in recent years, the park represents a time when skating felt more alternative and raw .

As we hopped back into the van and drove back towards London, I was so psyched to have finally check out this piece of history. With the threat of destruction of loads of amazing parks in recent years, it's awesome to know that at least place is immune. I can't wait for some solid afternoons here in summer 2017. 

For a complete rundown on other incredible places to visit in England, be sure to check out the Your RV Lifestyle's comprehensive list.

Tom

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Malaga: why cities should invest in culture

A couple of weeks ago, a bunch of my friends and I decided we would explore Malaga in Spain. Not only is there is some cool stuff within and around the city that is great to ride on bikes, but the city is now home to one of the world's greatest skateparks designed by the legendary Rueben Alcantara.

Back in the 90s and 2000s, Ruebenwas one of the world's most well-known bmx riders -  known for his unique style and ability to create interesting new tricks. Although he exploded in popularity in the United States, his home was always Malaga. Today Rueben has moved back to this city and although he still shows up most professional bmx riders today, he isn't quite the bmx-celebrity he once was.

Upon his return however, the city of Malaga has benefited from investing in Rueben's talent, knowledge and global popularity.

In the 18th century, Malaga was the second most important industrial centre in Spain. Today, converted into a world capital of tourism, thanks to the development of the Costa del Sol and its privileged climate and strategic location, Málaga continues to grow. However, with the recent recession having taken its toll on tourism, the city is also redefining itself in knowledge-based sectors and the arts.

Initially just allowing Rueben to design the bowl, the local authority/investor allowed Rueben to slowly take much of the control of the creation and management of the entire park.

Today, it is a fully flung skate and bmx centre named quite appropriately Malaga Skatepark Rueben Alcantara and it now attracts some of the most well-respected bmx riders and skateboarders from around the world... Just on our trip we met bus loads of riders from across Europe, the States and Australia.

Who knows what energy this will spark in the local neighbourhood? Who knows what attention in will bring from across the global community? How many more Rueben's will this park help to create?

Creative ideas, people and trends can completely transform local economies and even improve social cohesion within a community. Helping the arts and new ideas to prosper can - arguably, of course - have an even greater impact on government policies and other top-down community-building programmes.

Local governments often seek out consultants to guide them on what's best for local economies or place making. Here's another idea: see what already exists and help it to thrive.Perhaps the best way for local governments to stimulate neighbourhoods is by seeking out local talent and helping it to grow - much the same as a good business does with its employees.

Each neighbourhood comprises a unique history and has a diverse range of local residents. These people have talents, skills, ideas and perspectives. By allowing them to thrive in their community, the community will also thrive as a result.

I'm strong believer in individual creativity and ambition. When this is met with support and funding with the institutions and organisation who have it, great things can happen. Sometimes it just takes a little bit of risk-taking.