Jerry Blohm and Jeff king created this floating skateboard ramp for Brazilian-born, California-based skateboarder Bob Burnquist in just four days.
Non-profit organization 'Visit California' challenged Burnquist to "think big;" he responded with the idea of skating over water, and the ramp was quickly assembled over the clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Blohm's design features one half pipe, one quarter pipe and a 45-degree ramp. He attached weighted riggers to the ramp to account for the possibility that too much water was being oscillated.
The exterior of the finished ramp was stained with different colors in horizontal patterns. It took four hours to tow the ramp to Lake Tahoe. Blohm explains, "We had a host of folks coming up to the ramp on the way out to see what it was exactly. When they got close[,] most could not believe it. It looks like it is fake, floating with no supports."
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Floating Skateboard Parks
- As skateboarding evolves, the idea of floating skateboard parks can disrupt traditional skateboarding experiences.
- Water-based Sports Equipment
- As athletes continue to push boundaries, there is a demand for unique water-based sports equipment that can allow them to perform tricks on lakes, rivers, and oceans.
- Innovative Recreational Equipments
- With the rise of adventurous sports and the need for unique experiences, there is an opportunity to introduce more innovative recreational equipment like the floating skateboard ramp.
Where This Applies
- Skateboarding
- Companies in the skateboarding industry can create new and exciting products that incorporate water, such as floating skateboard ramps.
- Water Sports
- Traditional water sports industries, such as boating and fishing, could potentially integrate recreational equipment like floating skateboard ramps for added fun and excitement.
- Tourism
- As more individuals seek unique and exciting recreational activities, the tourism industry can appeal to thrill-seekers by incorporating unique and innovative experiences such as skateboarding over a lake on a floating ramp.
