Skateboard Ramp Games

Skateboarders have invented a variety of games to play while skating transitioned ramps. The most common ramp skating game, referred to as s.k.a.t.e, uses rules quite similar to the game h.o.r.s.e, which is commonly played on the basketball court. Along with the game s.k.a.t.e, skateboarders have created such games as the high Ollie contest. Skaters also choreograph doubles routines on the ramp.

  1. S.K.A.T.E

    • At the beginning of the game of s.k.a.t.e, a chosen skater is responsible for setting the trick. The skater chosen to go first has one chance to land his trick. If the skater lands his trick on the first attempt, the trick has officially been set. The other skaters involved in the game must attempt the set trick. Each skater has two chances to land the set trick. If the skater does not land the trick in two tries they receive a letter. On the first failed attempt, the skater receives an S. Each time the skater fails to land the set trick, he acquires a letter. Skaters receiving all the letters of skate can no longer play. The skater who wins the game has the least amount of letters. Certain old school tricks, such as the no-comply, do not count in the modern game of skate. The no-comply involves the skater placing his front foot on the ground while popping the board with his back foot.

    High Ollie Contest

    • Another common ramp skating game, called the high contest, consists of skaters trying to perform the highest Ollie. The Ollie consists of popping the tail of the board while jumping into the air, using the front foot to level the board. The first skater drops into the transition of the ramp and pops the tail of the board. The skater performs an Ollie above the coping of the ramp as the other skaters judge the height and distance. Each skater then has a chance to outdo the previous one by performing a higher Ollie. In official high Ollie contests, judges use video equipment to determine the highest Ollie. Ramp builders construct ramps with more of a vertical incline for use in high Ollie contests.

    Doubles

    • A more difficult skateboarding ramp game, referred to as doubles skating, takes place as skaters perform tricks in unison on opposing walls of the ramp while avoiding collision. Skateboarders even execute tricks above their partners as they grind underneath them on the coping of the ramp. Novice and intermediate skaters drop into the ramp at the same time and follow each others lines trying to perform the same tricks. Professional skaters choreograph intricate and difficult routines to showcase in contests and trade shows.