By Ahmed Bin Hussain

KUWAIT: Skating, whether on a scooter, rollerblades, or a skateboard, has always been a sport that requires skill, dedication, and a love for fun. In Kuwait, this sport remains vibrant within various subcultures but faces significant challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is the scarcity of dedicated skate parks. This not only hinders those passionate about skating from honing their skills but also fosters negative community dynamics. These toxic environments can demotivate individuals and dampen their enthusiasm for the sport.

Rayan Al-Sherif, a 16-year-old skater, shared how difficult it is to find a skatepark that isn’t scorching hot in the summer. Safe places to skate without being harassed by security or the public are also rare.

The shortage of parks designed for skating forces skaters to skate in empty parking lots, sidewalks, or even busy streets. These spaces are unsuitable and potentially hazardous as they aren’t designed to accommodate the small wheels and high-speed movements of skateboards and scooters, especially during stunts. Additionally, Kuwait’s extreme heat poses a safety hazard for those wanting to skate during the summer, with temperatures peaking at 60 °C. “We get kicked out of lots of places, and there’s nowhere else to go. We don’t feel welcome, and the heat makes it worse,” said Al-Sherif.

The lack of skateparks isn’t just a minor issue; it’s a significant concern for both the safety and growth of the sport. Without proper skateparks in Kuwait, skaters are unable to practice new skills in a safe environment. It’s not just about the daring stunts; the shortage of skateparks also hampers the growth of the skating community. Skateparks provide an essential space for socializing, connecting with fellow skaters, sharing tips, and pushing each other to new heights. They can also serve as hubs for organizing events, competitions, and gatherings, helping to grow the community and introduce more people to the sport.

Another skater, Abdullah Haddad, 15, highlighted how excluded he feels within the skating community, explaining that sometimes he feels unwelcome in he wasn’t part of a specific group. “I feel bad for those who are just starting. I would just kick the floor and go home.”

Currently, Kuwait has only two skateparks: a popular one in Salmiya and a lesser-known, smaller one in Khaldiya. Karim Mohammed, a skilled skater, suggests building more skateparks in Kuwait, where both the government and private developers can contribute to creating spaces that are safe, welcoming, and inclusive for skaters of all ages and skill levels. These parks could be designed to cater to different types of skating, whether it’s street skating, vert skating, or freestyle.

However, building skateparks alone won’t solve all the problems. The community itself needs to take action to foster a supportive and inclusive environment. This means actively welcoming and encouraging newcomers, sharing tips, and promoting diversity within the community.