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Aggressive Ramp Plans

Find Ways to Build Your Own Inline Skating Ramp

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There a a lot of great outdoor and indoor skateparks designed for extreme athletes practicing and performing aggressive inline skating, skateboarding and BMX tricks and stunts. But sometimes there is just no place like home - especially if there are no accessible skateparks.

Building your own inline skating ramp or private skatepark (if you have the space) is not impossible. Aggressive structure plans are available, and many are free. Most of these ramp plans come with instructions, a shopping list for lumber, hardware and other supplies needed as well as suggestions for some of the basic tools that will be needed. But, you may need excellent woodworking skills and professional carpentry equipment to assemble even the simplest skating ramp, once you take a deep dive into your project. The help of a few friends with these skills and tools or the advice of a professional carpenter would definitely be helpful.

Pipe and Ramp Construction

The frame and other structural support for personal and recreational inline skating, skateboarding and BMX ramps often consists of a 2x4 lumber framework covered with plain plywood. Metal frames finished in wood or metal are sometimes used for professional or competition ramps, and then they are finished with sheets of Masonite, Skatelite, RampArmor or HARD-Nox for a smooth surface. Some private ramps are surfaced in the same manner but may use finished plywood instead of masonite as the surface material. Occasionally, ramps are constructed using sheet metal that is spot-welded to the frame.

Ramps can be customized with channels, extensions and roll-ins. A section of the platform can be removed to form a roll-in and a channel to allow skaters to ride without dropping in and facilitate performance of tricks over the gap. Riding becomes more challenging when temporary or permanent extensions are added to the height of one section of a ramp.

Where to Find Free Ramp Plans

Now, if you are really a hard-working thrill-seeker and want to build your own ramp or a private skatepark, you need to start with a good plan. These plans are all free. Some have forums and support groups. And many are very similar, so the best free solution may be to review all of the freebies, do a little networking and make sure you are using a plan with a history of success.

Pieter Possenier's Collection of Ramp Plans
You will find plans with shopping lists for an assortment of ramps, spines, minis, jump boxes and more. These plans are available as Autocad, con Autocad lite, jpeg screen dumps and in other formats.
Xtreme Skater's Collection of Ramp Plans
This collection includes mini ramps, vert and regular half pipes, quarter pipes, grind boxes and more. The ramp project page shows successful ramp building projects.
Free Ramp Instructions
Get free instructions and helpful hints for a simple skate ramp.
A Modular Halfpipe Plan
If you want a ramp that can be stored - so neighbors don't complain, weather doesn't wear it out and no one accidentally get hurt on it - try these modular plans for a half pipe. You will find diagrams, instructions, techniques for bending plywood and good tips.
Free Ramp Plans
This free collection includes mini ramps, pyramid ramps, bank ramps, half pipes, quarter pipes, grind boxes and more.
IASC Endorsed Blueprints for Skate Ramp
Another free collection that has drop-ins, mini ramps, pyramid ramps, bank ramps, half pipes, quarter pipes, fun boxes and more.
Dansworld Ramp Building FAQ
This FAQ is one of the oldest ramp building FAQs on the net, and has helped many new ramp builders.

Professional Ramps Plans and Builders

If you still want your own ramp, but feel overwhelmed by the construction information and research, consider using a professional ramp builder. These companies sometimes offer professional plans or kits that may not require as much construction knowledge to assemble, too.

Before You Build

Before building a permanent ramp structure on your property, you should make sure that this is a good choice for the available space, your lifestyle and your neighborhood. Take some of these questions into consideration:

Are there any zoning ordinances or special building permits to consider?
Is the ramp location surface big enough and high enough for all tricks that will be attempted?
Will this be considered an eyesore by nearby neighbors or even your own family?
If your ramp is small enough to be portable or modular, is there a place big enough to store it?
Is the selected location secure enough so that no one can access the ramp (possible liability for injuries) without permission?

Make sure that the construction is more than adequate for all users and inspect everything regularly. Performing tricks on any structure is dangerous, so protect yourself with an arsenal of protective gear, good skating basics, experience in advanced skating techniques and a thorough knowledge of how to fall safely.

Check out some ramp building experiences and tips from other skaters in the sport. You can add your own adventures and suggestions. Add one now! Share Ramp Building Adventures and Tips!