Can You Really Make a Living from Skateboarding in Portugal?

Exploring Setúbal’s Skate Scene: 7 Parks, 1 Mission

7 Skateparks in Setúbal Back from another epic tour — this time rolling through the district of Setúbal in Portugal, where we explored 7 different skateparks, each with its own vibe, style, and beautiful settings. We kicked things off at Quinta do Conde Skatepark, a well-used spot where we met up with Gonçalo Silva who helped us show the local scene and parks. From there, we hit Vendas de Azeitão, a bit of hidden park, very basic park, but with well built obstacles, that's worth a visit. Next stop: Lagoa da Albufeira — a unique park set by the lagoon. We followed that up with the legendary Maçã (Sesimbra) Skatepark, a park we’ve always loved for its street layout. In the city of Setúbal itself, Algodeia Skatepark aka Setúbal skatepark, didn’t disappoint, showing once again how urban spaces can breathe skate culture. We continued the journey at Fernão Ferro, a popular park with a unique layout and relaxed session vibe and we wrapped things up at Corroios Skatepark, ending the tour with a good energy session. Each park told a different story, and every session added a new chapter to our mission: mapping and documenting every skatepark in Europe. Setúbal, you’ve got some solid spots — and we’re stoked to put them on the global skate map.

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Built Like a Skater: How I Sacrificed Everything to Keep This Project Alive

🛹 Built Like a Skater The Story of Trucks and Fins — Falling, Getting Up, and Pushing Forward In skateboarding, the first thing you learn isn’t how to do a kickflip. It’s how to fall. You learn how to slam, how to hit the ground, how to get hurt — and most importantly, how to get back up. That’s the mindset I’ve carried with me for the last five years building Trucks and Fins — a project born from passion and driven by an unstoppable belief in skateboarding and the people behind it. 💡 A Simple Idea That Grew Five years ago, I set out with a simple mission: To build a free map of every skatepark in Portugal — and eventually the world. A tool made for skaters, by skaters. No subscriptions. No paywalls. Just value for the community. That small idea grew into something much bigger: 900+ skateparks visited (myself) and 17,6% of the skateparks visited worldwide with our skatepark hunters; 120+ filmed and documented;  2,5 million+ yearly views across our site and social media; Weekly videos, photos, articles, and community content. But it didn’t stop at parks. From the start, I made sure that: Skatepark builders, shops, schools and skate friendly hotels could sign up for free. All to support the community — expecting nothing in return.Because I believed that skateboarding would grow stronger if we helped each other. 🏆 PUSHLeiria: A Dream That Almost Didn’t Happen In February, together with João Sales, we organized PushLeiria — the first national awards for skateboarding video parts and photography in Portugal. It was meant to celebrate our scene — to give credit to the artists, the skaters, the filmers, and the photographers who’ve been pushing creativity behind the lens. But we almost canceled it. We couldn’t find sponsors. No one wanted to back it. We were days away from pulling the plug. Still, we went ahead. We believed it had to exist. And we made it happen — even if it meant losing thousands of euros personally. Why? Because some things are more important than money. Because this community deserved to be celebrated. 😞 Helping Others, Forgetting Myself For five years, I’ve been shining a light on others — giving away time, energy, and visibility. I poured all my savings into this project, and every minute of my free time: Filming, editing, driving, emailing, coding, building content, fixing the site, sharing every story. There were months I couldn’t afford more than gas and groceries. There were nights I couldn’t sleep, worried I’d have to shut the project down. Because I still haven’t found a way to make it financially sustainable. That’s been my reality. And yet — I’m still here. 🚧 The Slam That Hit Hard One of the toughest moments? I filmed 17 skateparks for a brand. No contract. Just trust. And then, when I asked if I could pass the invoice? They said we never made an agreement. It hurt — not just because I needed the money — but because I believed we were building something for skateboarding, together. But again… I got back up. 📉 Rejections and Silence I’ve reached out to companies, brands, and investors with hope and passion. Some said: “Your website isn’t polished enough.” “You don’t have enough daily views.” Most didn’t even reply. Still, I keep building. Because this has never been just a website. It’s a mission. A calling. A way of life. ❤️ I Owe Everything to This Community It hasn’t all been bad. Far from it. There are people who showed up when I needed it most. People who offered support, shelter, trust, and encouragement. People who reminded me why this matters. I owe this project to every single one of you who believed in me. And a special thank you to all the skatepark hunters out there — Those who, just like me, have traveled across countries, visited hundreds of parks, taken photos, shared spots, and documented skateboarding expecting nothing in return. You are the soul of this project. You kept me rolling when I was ready to stop. This platform exists because of your energy, your time, and your belief in what skateboarding stands for. 🛠 Still Rolling Despite all the setbacks, Trucks and Fins is still standing — and still growing: A directory connecting skaters, shops, parks, and brands. A platform showcasing skateboarding from the ground up. A living archive of culture, places, and people. And it’s all been done with: ❌ No external funding ❌ No agency ❌ No big corporate team Just a few skaters, a camera, a car, and a dream. 🚀 Let’s Build the Future — Smarter This journey has taught me a lot. About skateboarding. About people. About giving too much. And now, it’s teaching me something new: 💬 Ask for help ✋ Say no when needed 🛠 Build with support — not just sacrifice If you believe in this mission — if you love skateboarding and want to help us map it, share it, and grow it: 👉 Let’s talk. 👉 Let’s collaborate. 👉 Let’s create something meaningful — together. And if not, that’s okay too. You’ll still find me at the next skatepark. Camera in hand. Board under foot. Heart still in it. Because we’re skaters. And skaters don’t quit.

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Can You Make a Living from Skateboarding in Portugal?

Can You Really Make a Living from Skateboarding in Portugal? Skateboarding in Portugal is having a moment. The spots are world-class, the local scenes are vibrant, and the talent runs deep — from Lisbon’s crusty plazas to DIY gems in the north. Events, skateparks, and video parts keep popping up, and Portuguese skaters are finally getting more international recognition. But beneath the surface of this growing culture lies a harsh reality: Can anyone actually make a living from skateboarding in Portugal? The Reality for Most Skaters For many skaters in Portugal, the dream is alive — but the paycheck isn’t. The majority of sponsored skaters receive product support only: boards, shoes, maybe clothing. While that helps offset some of the cost, it doesn’t pay for rent, food, travel, or filming trips. Cash support? Rare. Health insurance? Forget it. Paid video parts or contests? Very few. In fact, many of the skaters pushing the scene forward also work full-time jobs, film their own parts, and organize local events — all out of passion.The Culture of “Helping Out” A big part of the problem lies in how skateboarding is still perceived by many companies and city councils in Portugal. Brands are often open to helping out, but only in the form of gear or symbolic support. “Here’s a box of T-shirts.” “Put our logo in the corner.” “Sorry, we don’t have a budget for that.” There’s no question that Portugal has amazing skaters and content creators. But the infrastructure to support them professionally — through financial sponsorship, marketing partnerships, or skate industry jobs — is still very limited. Do Brands Have the Budget? The short answer? Yes. Many brands do have the money. The issue isn’t budget — it’s mindset. Most companies still don’t see skateboarding as a serious channel for brand building or youth engagement. Skateboarding is seen as underground, unpredictable, and difficult to control — which, ironically, is exactly why it’s so powerful when used well. Unlike traditional advertising, skateboarding reaches communities through authenticity. Skaters don’t care about polished commercials. They care about who’s really supporting their scene. When brands finally realize this — and start collaborating with skaters not just as influencers, but as creative partners — the game will change. What Needs to Happen? If skateboarding in Portugal is going to evolve from a subculture to a sustainable industry, here’s what needs to happen: Brands must invest real money — not just gear. Skaters must be seen as professionals — creators, athletes, storytellers. Projects like Trucks and Fins must build bridges between the skate world and business world. City halls must maintain parks and support scenes, not just build and forget. Skate shops and local brands need support, so they can, in turn, support the community. A Glimpse of Hope There are signs of progress. Parks like Santo André are maintained with love and care. Skateboarding is officially part of the Olympics. Portuguese skaters are being featured on global platforms. And projects like Trucks and Fins are pushing for real visibility and value — creating media, touring skateparks, and collaborating with institutions. There’s still a long way to go, but the wheels are turning. Conclusion So, can you make a living from skateboarding in Portugal? Not easily — but it’s possible. And more importantly: it’s worth fighting for. Because skateboarding isn’t just a sport. It’s a culture, an art form, and for many of us, a way of life. And that’s something worth investing in. But this leads us to a bigger question: Who’s actually helping who more — the skaters or the brands? Right now, it’s the skaters who are giving more than they’re receiving. They’re creating content, building community, and representing brands with passion — often unpaid, often unseen. And yet, brands still hesitate to invest. That needs to change. Skaters aren’t just athletes — they’re culture shapers, storytellers, and grassroots marketers. When brands start recognizing this and giving real support — not just gear — the entire skate ecosystem in Portugal (and beyond) will level up. Until then, the skaters will keep doing what they’ve always done: pushing forward, building scenes, and proving that skateboarding is more than sport — it’s movement.

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8th anniversary Santo André Skate Plaza

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Wooden Skateparks vs Concrete Skateparks: Which are better?

Wooden Skateparks vs Concrete Skateparks: Which One is Better? Choosing between a wooden or concrete skatepark is one of the most important decisions when planning a new facility. Both materials offer unique advantages and challenges depending on the environment, budget, and intended use. Here's a detailed comparison to help guide the best choice for your project or community. Riding Experience Wooden skateparks are known for their smooth and responsive surfaces. They offer a slightly softer feel, making them great for beginner skaters. Many skaters find wood more forgiving underfoot, especially when learning new tricks. The quieter ride is also a plus in indoor or noise-sensitive areas. Concrete skateparks, on the other hand, provide a fast, stable surface ideal for flowing lines and transition skating. The consistent feel of concrete makes it a favorite among experienced skaters, especially those who enjoy bowls, banks, and street-style setups. Concrete is the go-to for permanent, sculpted terrain that encourages creative skating. Maintenance and Durability Wooden parks require frequent maintenance, particularly if they’re outdoors. Exposure to rain, sun, and temperature changes can cause wood to warp, crack, or rot, reducing the park’s lifespan. Regular resurfacing and inspection are necessary to ensure safety and performance. Indoors, however, wooden parks tend to last longer and maintain their quality better. Concrete parks are extremely durable and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Their weather-resistant nature makes them perfect for outdoor installations, and aside from occasional cleaning or minor repairs, they demand little upkeep over time. This makes concrete a solid long-term investment for public or high-traffic spaces. Cost When it comes to cost, wooden skateparks are generally less expensive to build. The installation process is quicker and simpler, which is helpful for temporary setups or when working with tight budgets. Wooden structures also allow for flexibility, as they can be moved, reconfigured, or replaced more easily. Concrete parks have a higher upfront cost due to the complexity of design, engineering, and materials. However, their long lifespan and minimal maintenance often result in a lower total cost of ownership over time, especially for municipalities or organizations planning a long-term facility. Aesthetics and Community Impact Wooden parks are often modular and functional, but they tend to stand out visually and may not integrate seamlessly into surrounding environments. They’re best suited for temporary locations, events, or indoor use where aesthetics are not the main focus. Concrete skateparks can be beautifully sculpted and integrated into natural landscapes or urban design. Many serve as architectural features or public art pieces that enhance the visual appeal of neighborhoods. These parks often become social and recreational hubs, increasing their value to the community beyond just skateboarding. Safety From a safety perspective, wooden parks offer softer landings, which can be beneficial for beginners and those practicing new tricks. However, if the wood becomes damaged—due to splinters, soft spots, or exposed screws—it can pose risks if not properly maintained. Concrete parks offer a consistent and reliable riding surface, but falls on concrete are harder and more painful. While the risk of injury may be slightly higher, many skaters prefer the consistency of concrete because it reduces unexpected hazards like loose parts or warped transitions. Conclusion Both wooden and concrete skateparks offer important benefits depending on the purpose and location. Wooden parks are perfect for indoor setups, events, and budget-conscious projects that require flexibility and mobility. Concrete parks are ideal for permanent public installations where durability, minimal maintenance, and creative design are priorities. At Trucks and Fins, we document and review every type of skatepark around the world. Whether it’s wood or concrete, indoor or outdoor, every park has its place in the skateboarding ecosystem. If you're planning a skatepark or just exploring new spots, visit TrucksandFins.com to find detailed information, photos, and reviews of thousands of parks worldwide.

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Europe vs USA: Who Has More Skateparks?

A Tale of Two Continents on Four Wheels When people think about the heart of skateboarding, the United States usually takes the spotlight. From the iconic spots of California to the roots of modern street skating, the U.S. has played a huge role in shaping skate culture as we know it. But when it comes to numbers—how many places you can actually go skate—Europe quietly takes the lead. Let’s break it down. Size Matters (But Barely) At first glance, you might think the United States of America, has the upper hand just based on space. After all, it’s massive, right? Well, turns out Europe and the U.S. are nearly the same size. United States: 9.83 million square kilometers Europe: 10.18 million square kilometers That means Europe is just about 104,480 square kilometers larger—so, not a major difference in land area. Skatepark Numbers: Europe Pulls Ahead Now, here's where it gets interesting. Skateparks + Asphalt Pump Tracks in the USA: 3,740 Skateparks + Asphalt Pump Tracks in Europe: 9,831Yes, you read that right. Europe has over 2.5 times more skateparks and pump tracks than the United States. This includes everything from world-class concrete parks in places like Malmö (Sweden) or Barcelona (Spain) to modern asphalt pump tracks popping up across Germany, France, and Eastern Europe.People Per Park: The Real Density Battle Let’s bring population into the mix. How many people does each park serve on average? United States Population: ~332 million Europe Population: ~746 million Now let’s calculate: USA: 1 skatepark for every ~88,770 people Europe: 1 skatepark for every ~75,880 people Even though Europe has a significantly higher population, the number of parks keeps pace—and even beats the U.S. when it comes to accessibility. What Does This Mean? It flips the script a bit. While the U.S. may dominate skateboarding in terms of global influence, media, and history, Europe is quietly building a stronger physical infrastructure for the next generation of skaters. The sheer number of accessible spots, especially in smaller towns, makes Europe an underrated gem for skateboarding and pump track culture. In recent years, funding for public sports infrastructure in Europe has prioritized multi-use spaces like skateparks and pump tracks, especially in places like France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Local municipalities see the value not just in terms of sport, but community engagement and youth culture. The Bottom Line While the U.S. gave skateboarding to the world, Europe is giving it room to grow. If you’re a skater looking to travel, explore, or even relocate, Europe might be your new paradise. Whether you’re bombing hills in Lisbon, cruising pump tracks in the Alps, or skating DIY spots in Eastern Europe, the scene is alive and thriving.

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