Posts about the blue fiberglass ramps that were used in Thrasherland and Skateball skateparks remain some of the most popular on Skate and Annoy. Stephen Smith was trolling the site and remembered he had saved an old flyer for the Great Bay Skatepark of Newington, New Hampshire:
I went there in the summer of 78 or 79 while on vacation with the folks from Nova Scotia. We got there at like 3 in the morning and all slept in the car so I could go skating as soon as it opened up. What a blast, great memories! Also while at the World Freestyle comp a few weeks ago , I chatted with old school East coast skate legend Bert Mathieson and he had skated there back in the day too. I got the flyer at the pro shop there.
As you can see, as well as “faster and safer,” the Great Bay Arena claimed to be the world’s first indoor fiberglass skatepark. I’m imagining a guy behind the counter at the pro shop mumbling to himself as he crosses off the incorrect session times and rewrites them by hand. He probably stole a coke that day because he was so annoyed.
6 comments
Mac
Randy, the slides of mine that you have are from this park. We used to road trip down from Waterville, Maine. About a 2 hour trip. I think there’s a pic of Bert Matheson in there, too. Used to skate with him, Joe Spier, and Dave the Hippie (the manager). I don’t remember ever seeing this flyer. Amazing. Good times…
Jim
Yes! Dave was the only guy we ever saw who could do one-wheelers on the halfpipe. He was very cool to give us tips to improve.
Robert yergeau
I used to skate there as well. Joe spiers was a very good skater. I was the youngest one on their team. Bob yergeau
Kilwag
MAC! Ha, I wondered whether this might bring out of the woodwork. Yes, I have been… very remiss in getting those back to you.
surfer
they ruled! EEEEEAAAAASSSSTTTT!!!!!!!!
CS
They were insanely dangerous to skate