Standing at 13 feet in height and 60 feet in width, the largest skateboard vert ramp in Texas was constructed in the backyard of a northwest Houston home. The covered ramp allows for a group of skateboarders to complete tricks, test their skills, and keep up with the latest stunts—all by invitation only.
Vert skateboarding, which is short for “vertical skateboarding,” is the process of using a ramp or other incline to transition from horizontal to vertical planes on a skateboard for the purpose of completing tricks. It got its start in the ’70s with “pool riding,” which is exactly what one might think—riding a skateboard in an empty pool. Over the decades, the enthusiasts of the sport have earned quite a reputation for skill and adeptness, and professional skateboards have ridden its wave of popularity into such high-profile events as the X Games. Vert ramps are often found in modern-day skateparks in the form of bowls, half-pipes, and quarter-pipes, but this Houston version is one for the record books.
Photo: Instagram/houstonvertramp
Owner Scott Arnebold told ABC13, “The ramp is 13 feet tall, 60 feet wide. It’s got two feet of vert. Roll-ins are 18 feet tall and there’s a 5-foot channel, so people can do tricks on it.” Arnebold went on to say that the feeling of having completed the massive ramp is surreal, and he still has trouble believing they really “made it happen.”
Photo: Instagram/houstonvertramp
After nearly three years and a total cost of $100K, Arnebold and his group of skateboarding enthusiast friends are in awe of what they’ve accomplished. “There were days we’d be out here at six in the morning before work,” he told ABC13.com. “We have full-time jobs too, so, it was pretty much working our jobs, then another 40 to 50 hours a week on this.” Despite the fact that the ramp is by invitation only, potential visits can be coordinated via Arnebold through Instagram at @houstonvertramp or by email to [email protected]. Additionally, Topouter.com is a resource for those interested in learning more about skate boarding.
