Skateboarding News and Updates – All You Need to Know
If you love skating, you’ve come to the right place. This page gathers the newest skateboarding stories, event alerts and culture buzz so you can stay ahead of the curve. Whether you ride the streets of Johannesburg or follow the global scene, we bring the highlights straight to you.
What’s Happening in the Skate World Right Now?
Recent weeks have seen a wave of new skate parks opening across South Africa, with the Cape Town City Council finishing a downtown concrete bowl that locals are already calling the "Drop Zone." The park’s design blends street lines with a deep vert section, giving beginners and pros a place to practice tricks without leaving the city. In Nairobi, a community‑driven initiative launched a DIY skate spot using reclaimed pallets and recycled concrete. The project shows how skate culture can thrive even with limited resources.
On the competition side, the African Skate Championships are set for November in Lagos. Riders from Ghana, Kenya and Egypt will face off in street and park categories. Expect to see future X‑Games talent making a name for themselves. Keep an eye on the official BassaNova feed for live results and behind‑the‑scenes interviews.
Tips, Gear and Culture – Keep Rolling Smoothly
Gear talk matters. This season, many skaters are swapping out traditional 70‑mm wheels for 69‑mm low‑profile models. The change gives better grip on rough pavement and a smoother ride on park coping. If you’re upgrading, look for wheels with a hardness rating around 98a–99a for street skating; softer wheels (95a) work best on skate parks with a lot of concrete.
Safety isn’t optional. A well‑fitted helmet can prevent serious head injury, and triple‑layer pads protect joints during big landings. Newer helmets now feature airflow vents that keep you cool while staying tough on impact.
Skate culture is more than tricks; it’s about community. Local skate crews often host monthly “shred sessions” where riders share tips and film each other's runs. Joining a crew can boost your skill level faster than practicing alone. Look for groups on social media with hashtags like #SAskate or #KenyaSkaters to find meet‑ups near you.
Finally, stay inspired by the legends. Watching classics like Rodney Mullen’s “The Original” or newer footage from Tony Hawk’s “Skate Forever” series can spark fresh ideas for your own lines. Break down each trick frame by frame and try to replicate the foot placement before adding your own style.
Skateboarding keeps evolving, and BassaNova is here to track every shift. Bookmark this page, check back for updates, and share your own stories in the comments. The skate world moves fast—stay with us and keep rolling.
