Sierra Wave Skatepark - Sacramento CA

From the Guide to Western Skateparks (1978): "HOURS:

Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday - Sunday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Holidays 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

FEATURES:

The Sierra Wave has 68,000 square feet of skating surface in a park with an overall grade of 10 percent. Designer Mark Stanley conceived this so the whole park could be skated without having to constantly push off. This also makes for some pretty outrageous speed runs.

The first run is a modified snake that was designed to be carved or kick turned off of the variable height walls; the 22' lips were included to provide some hot lip slides. Next is a 300' advanced snake run with seven sharp turns that empties into the 11' by 40' "Pentagon Bowl."

The most radical action in the park, however, is on the 300' combination snake run and half pipe. The snake run leads into the half pipe, which is 20' in diameter and has 2' of vertical. It then leads into a high-banked, sharp right turn and down a steep runway into a 13' by 40' bowl which has 3' of vertical. With runs like this one, it is easy to see why Sierra Wave is unleashing some pretty hot riders.

For the not-so-advanced, there is the "Baby Run," a 150' snake with smooth, easy banks. This empties into a 4,000 square foot freestyle area with banks from 2’ to 11'. Finally there is a 340' banked slalom run which empties into an 11' by 30' bowl. The slalom was designed to accommodate dual slalom competition runs.

MEMBERSHIP:

A $3.00 annual membership is required, and you will receive a photo ID card. Admission is $2.50 per two hour session, and sessions start every two hours on the odd hour. Safety equipment may be rented in the pro shop for $1.00 for everything (gloves are not required).

FACILITIES:

The pro shop carries top-of-the-line equipment, including the Santa Cruz line. Contests are held each Saturday at 1 p.m. in the pool and half pipe, and Sun day is Slalom Day, also at 1 p.m. Prizes include skate boarding equipment, T-shirts, and free sessions. Plans are being made for more and bigger contests on a regular basis. Beginners can receive tips from the park staff at this time, but a full-scale instruction program is also being developed. The game room has 25 machines, including pinball, foosball, air hockey, and video. The park sponsors a high point contest on the Star Ship video machine for free sessions. The snack bar carries orange juice, milk, and your basic munchies right now, but in the near future a complete health and juice bar will be installed."