Skate parks on the Asian side
Kalamış Skatepark
Kadıköy is even more beautiful in summer and there’s no better time to bring a skateboard, skates or a bike to Kalamış Skatepark, located inside Kalamış Atatürk Park. Established in coordination with a sports brand, a non-governmental organization, and the local municipality to inspire young skateboarders, Kalamış Skatepark is one of the buzziest skate parks on the Anatolian side. A bicycle park is parallel to the skating area, which also includes lockers and a skateboard repair counter.
Pendik Skatepark
Also on the Anatolian side of İstanbul is Pendik Skatepark, one of the city’s most advanced. The 740-square-meter park offers elements such as a bowl, grind rails, a pyramid corner and spines. Enjoyed by skateboarders of all skill levels, Pendik Skatepark is especially popular among extreme athletes.
Maltepe Skatepark
Extending over more than four thousand square meters, Maltepe Skatepark is one of İstanbul ’s largest. Located inside Orhangazi City Park in İstanbul, Maltepe Skatepark is well-equipped and houses major extreme sports organizations. It is particularly popular among skateboarders, rollerbladers and BMX riders.
Skateparks on the European side
Beşiktaş Square
Although Beşiktaş Square is not a purpose-built skatepark, the plaza is a well-known gathering place for skateboarders of all levels. In fact, competitions for the Vans Italy Skateboarding Team were recently held there!
Skateboarding area in Maçka Park
The expansive Maçka Park has areas that are suitable for rollerblading, skating and skateboarding. Although we should clarify that aggressive inline skating is not welcome here, the various staircases in the park are favorite places for grind tricks.
Avcılar Skatepark
Avcılar Skatepark is one the largest skateparks in Türkiye, with an area of two thousand square meters. A popular destination for skateboarders since 2014, the skatepark includes a variety of corners, ramps, and funboxes. Avcılar Skatepark is in İstanbul’s Denizköşkler neighborhood.
Beylikdüzü Skatepark
The site of the Turkish Skateboarding Championship, Beylikdüzü Skatepark features the deepest skateboarding pool in Türkiye – a full Olympic-sized pool. Professional skateboarders are enthralled by the park’s roll-in entrance and five-meter wall ride ramp.
Movie recommendations
Skateboarding is firmly entrenched in popular culture, including film. Among our recommendations: “Paranoid Park”, directed by Gus Van Sant; the classic “Lords of Dogtown”, written by Stacy Peralta; and “Skate Dreams”, directed by Jessica Edwards. Watch one and you may be inspired to take up the sport 🙂
