Loading Docks

The Loading Dock or stage has been gaining popularity in recent years, mainly because it offers multiple obstacle options. Pictured here is a loading dock with a flatbar/handrail combo complete with two kinked ledges. This multiple level effect has an immediate impact on parkflow and in turn helps promote a fun and progressive atmosphere.

Custom designs are a good thing

Another variation here; it has a manual pad, and two 'moveable' obstacles, a 'jersey barrier' and a picnic table. Loading docks are a great fixed terrain piece in which moveable objects are placed on top. And you have your choice of either a quarterpipe or a bank at the rear of the dock to help send you back the way you came, creating what we call 'parkflow'. Some loading docks have no quarter or bank at the back, which gives the skater the opportunity to 'push-start', which is what skaters do naturally on the streets.

This version has two quarterpipes in the back with a bank in-between, and up front is a step-up or 'euro' gap, a kinked-ledge, and a stair-set.

3rd Lair's outdoor mini load-dock. Lots of kids got their first grind going here..

Kid's Loading Dock. (above) For the little kids who want to emulate the big kids, the flatbars, rails, and ledges are all smaller, the banks and transitions are mellower, and the height is generally lower. Like a 'Bunny Hill' for the beginning skater. Pictured on the right with a quarterpipe and bank in the back, two kinked ledges and a flatbar/rail combo.