Spot Checks

SPOT CHECK: Cromer Skatepark

Gem of the Norfolk Coast

Words, photos and video by Robin Pearson

We’re seeing more and more new concrete parks popping up all over the UK. When deciding on somewhere new to ride, there are almost too many spots to choose from but, for me, when there’s something really different about a set up then it’s worthwhile making the effort to visit. That was the case with Cromer’s new park. I mean, it’s not every day you see a skatepark with features like a lighthouse and an over-vert wave, is it?

There are a number of good concrete skatepark companies out there, so when a council opens up their skatepark budget to proposals from UK skatepark designers, they’re all battling against each other to win the job. Showing the councils a design with some kind of theme they can relate to – like the elements of a seaside town – was Maverick‘s clever way of increasing the chance of securing the job, while also linking the park to its surroundings.

Joe Embrey tucking out of the top of the tight lighthouse quarter.

At first the lighthouse and wave structures appear gimmicky, but they’re actually very interesting obstacles to ride. Super tight and steep when hit straight on but can be used in a more flowy way for lines when the park isn’t too busy. The other transitions are pretty good, especially the taller extensions, and there are some fun lines to be had.

This park is right out there on the north Norfolk coast, so it’s a bit of a destination – you really have to mission it there. During the school holidays, a brand new skatepark is obviously going to get busy but Joe, Connor and I had a good time riding the place, especially once most of the kids had cleared off. It was quite a long drive for us to get to, but if you’re in the Norwich area and fancy a tight flowy concrete set up followed by fish and chips on the beach, hit up Cromer.