Kinds of Ramps

Extreme sports enthusiasts use ramps to execute aggressive maneuvers and high-flying tricks. While snowboarders and free-skiers utilize ramps made of snow, skateboarders and BMX riders require ramps made from durable materials, including wood and cement. The height and incline vary depending on the intended riding discipline the ramp is designed for.

  1. Mega Ramp

    • The mega ramp features a hybrid design that was first constructed in the early 2000s. As of 2011, big-name skateboarding contents such as the X Games showcase the mega ramp competition as a main event. The mega ramp features a sloping roll-in ramp that allows skateboarders to reach top speeds of around 30 mph. According to ESPN, the newly constructed mega ramp housed at the Woodward West training facility can launch skaters over a 50-, 60- or 70-foot gap.

    Half Pipe

    • The half pipe features a compact design compared to the mega ramp. The sloping sides of the ramp form a U shape that commonly ranges between 15 and 18 feet in height. Half pipes often feature a sloping roll section that allows bikers and BMXers to gain speed. Half pipes designed for snowboarding often have a larger design. The snowboarding half pipe, often referred to as the super pipe, ranges from 18 to 22 feet in height.

    Mini Ramp

    • The mini ramp is a compact version of the half pipe. Many avid skateboarders prefer the mini ramp, as it can easily fit in a garage or backyard lot. The height of the mini ramp ranges between 3 and 8 feet. According to professional skateboarder and ramp builder Billy Rohan, the mini ramp features a metallic bar fastened to the top lip known as the coping. The coping allows skaters and BMX riders to grind across the top of the ramp.

    Quarter Pipe

    • The quarter pipe is one of the most compact ramp designs. The quarter pipe resembles a mini ramp cut in half and can range in height between 3 and 8 feet. Many novice skaters prefer the quarter pipe, as it can be easily transported between riding destinations. According to The Berrics, indoor quarter pipes generally feature a wooden construction that is covered with a thin layer of smooth composite material. Similar to the mini ramp, the quarter pipe features metal coping.