This past summer, the skating community received its very own exhibition at Somerset House. This exhibition, No Comply, was a free exhibition that outlined the incredible culture of skateboarding and how the sport has impacted UK communities throughout the decades.
The exhibition covered a 45 year period, and the culture itself has never been more important than now.
The skate community, comprised of skateboarding, longboarding, roller skating, and many other new emerging tools, became widespread in Britain throughout the 70s and has seen many ups and downs.
However, with skateboarding now included in the Summer Olympics, skating has taken an entirely new reputation, and with it, a new cultural impact that is seen in London and throughout the UK.
Skate culture in London
London is a unique scene for the skating community, and it is here where the nexus of the next generation of skaters can be found. Not only are there some superbly unique locations, like the iconic Southbank Undercroft, but there are numerous for-purpose skate parks popping up throughout the city. Combine that with new initiatives and the internet, people are connecting through their love of skating than ever before.
Decked out in the best skate helmets UK has, armed with a wide variety of boards, skates, and more, this new generation of skaters is more inclusive and diverse than ever before, and London is thriving for it. This resurgence was noted way back in 2018, and though the pandemic did dampen the sport, it is resuming with gusto as more people are eager to connect with others and to get active once again.
Skate culture in Manchester and the north
There have been plans and proposals to make Manchester the “city of skateboarding” by expanding into the site underneath Mancunian Way. This new skate park isn’t just a location, but a fully serviced centre that offers lessons, a café, and does outreach programs to increase participation by a more diverse range of people. Their work has really inspired the next generation of skaters and has become an incredible hub for older skaters, new skaters, and those rediscovering their passion for the sport.
Further north in Scotland, there are stories of skating enthusiasts, often just kids, saving skateparks, with Livingston skatepark the topic of a BBC Scotland documentary and Tony Hawk himself helping with the efforts.
From a more diverse range of enthusiasts to great new investments to communities from across the UK galvanising to save their local skateparks, there has never been a better time to get involved and try out a new sport. Famou for its welcoming community and a great way to exercise and enjoy a healthy thrill, skating is only set to become more widespread as an increasing number of people, men and women, children and adults, and people from all backgrounds, get started with this excellent sport.
Skateboarding has a long history in the UK, and with new investment, a greater sense of community. With an improved reputation that has brought people from all backgrounds and ages to the scene, it will only continue to thrive.
