Mornings Start with a Skate and a Beach Breeze

LOCATION

Kuta Skatepark

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I still remember the first time I found Kuta Beach Skatepark. It was about two years ago, when I decided to jump back into skateboarding after letting it go back in high school. It’s wild to think it had been almost 17 or 18 years. I felt like I wasn’t moving enough, stuck in the same routines. I wanted a sport that felt cool but still made sense for me. So, one random night, I clicked checkout on a skateboard that I already adore online. No second thoughts. Just pure impulse.

The next step was finding a place to start. I didn’t want to start again on some random parking lot. I wanted a real park, something that could keep me excited. After some Googling, Kuta Beach Skatepark popped up, and man, it looked amazing even on screen. That weekend, I drove down early in the morning. Kuta used to be a spot I avoided because of the crazy crowds, but that morning, it felt different. Cleaner, more chill. Turns out Bali’s government has been working hard to fix up the area, more sidewalks, bike paths, and yep, a free public space like this skatepark.

The park itself has everything, banks, ramps, ledges, rails, and a couple of boxes. But what had me hooked was the bowl. It’s a perfect bowl, not some half-done thing. You can cruise, drop in, and carve around. It’s the kind of place that lets beginners have fun, but also gives enough space for a pro to go wild. It’s still the best bowl I’ve ever ridden. It’s fast but forgiving. Deep enough to feel exciting, but smooth enough that you don’t feel like you’re gonna die dropping in. Later, I found out the park was built by Motion, a name that’s huge in the Indonesian skate scene. They’re known for building proper skateparks, and after knowing they were behind this one, I had no doubts. It’s honestly one of their masterpieces.

What’s cool too is the people. It’s a mix of locals, tourists, kids, older skaters like me who are just trying to relive the good old days. The vibe was nothing but supportive.sometimes it’s just a handful of people doing their own thing. No judgment. Everyone’s just happy to be outside, moving, sharing the space.

Honestly, the first time I rolled into Kuta Skatepark, it gave me a tiny rush of Venice Beach skatepark vibes. Even though I’ve never been to California (yet), somehow the feeling was there. The ocean breeze, the sound of waves crashing just behind the park, the sun starting to climb higher. It’s the kind of morning that makes you feel wide awake but relaxed at the same time. If you ever come in the late afternoon, the sunset from here is crazy beautiful. Even if you’re not skating, just sitting by the edge and soaking it all in is worth the trip.