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Hotels with skate bowls - Noah Surfhouse

Noah Surf House lives in total respect and consonance with Mother Nature and was born and raised with its eyes towards the sea. This little gem consists of 8 rooms and 13 bungalows, all decorated in an original way. Once you step into Noah you instantly regret you didn't book more days. This week we reached out to Ângela Pereira, communication manager at Noah, and asked three short questions.

Tell us a quick story about the early days of Noah Surf House. And why Santa Cruz?

Marta and Gonçalo - the owners, were born and raised around Santa Cruz. The wild Atlantic ocean, the rocky cliffs and sand golden dunes were always their natural environment. If their dream was to build a “house” which could gather sea lovers from all the 4 corners of this world, then Santa Cruz should be the place.

Santa Cruz, even though it’s a well-known beach destination among Portuguese people, it’s still very “non touristic”, unchanged and raw. Mostly due being located between 2 big surfing spots (Ericeira and Peniche) and its inconstant weather/sea. We, as locals, rather find it special. We love that it is (still) not crowded or overpriced and that we cannot count on sunny warm days every day of the Summer, we like to be surprised and accept whatever Poseidon feels like giving us that day.

This being said, Santa Cruz presents its delicacies only to a few and not every day. It’s not the ordinary definition of paradise… there is no warm water, the northern breeze blows more frequently than we'd like, the sky is grey on most summer mornings, the waves can be rough and powerful… But when conditions are right… Santa Cruz can be overwhelming and one forgets the bad days right away. The good is really good! Somehow all these ingredients combined seemed perfect to open this house.

Why did you decide to integrate skate into your concept?

For those days when NEPTUNE wakes up in a bad mood, and we cannot go inside the ocean, we can still surf wood waves at the bowl. There's no excuse anymore! Surf, skate or die!

Tell us a bit more about the local skate scene in Santa Cruz.

In Santa Cruz, while skateboarding or longboarding, you will discover surprising characters and places and inspire dance moves and steps to the sound of the OCEAN in an intense sharing with the local community. Especially the longboard dancing community is growing stronger each year. The local association Sealand organizes several longboard meetings during Spring and Summer, with workshops, challenges and gigs.

No need to say that you need to book in time. Do it now, you can thank us later.

Visit Noah on trucksandfins Visit Noah website

By Haroun Cherif

The Mystery of the Belmonte Bowl

Quandary in the Quarry - The Mystery of the Belmonte Bowl. The village of Belmonte (population: ca. 3500) lies towards the northeastern part of Portugal. It’s head of a rural municipality where you can find about 54 people per square kilometre and where they’re highly likely to be advanced in years, as the ratio of elderly to young people is close to 3:1. Towards the northeastern part of the village, not far from the local Intermarché supermarket, there’s a small residential neighbourhood facing an abandoned quarry. Inside this quarry sits one of the biggest skate bowls in the world. It’s a kidney shaped bowl, wrapped around a half-pipe that leads to a fullpipe ending in a cradle. The pictures should help make this clearer. It’s close to 4 metres deep and has almost a full metre of vert all around. There are oververt extensions over a metre tall. It’s a beast of a thing, especially when you consider the standards of skateboarding and skateparks in Portugal. Anyone that sees it immediately asks himself “What the hell is this doing here?” And it seems to me to be a fair, reasonable question. Anyway, when faced with a Portuguese skate-related mystery, there’s always one thing you can do, and that’s call up Luís Paulo. This dude was the first Portuguese skater ever to get sponsored, one of the few to have met Tony Hawk and the only one to have done an aerial over him, so he’s been in the game for a bit and knows his shit. I thank him for giving us the lowdown on this one. Apparently the whole idea came from the Belmonte Municipality. They are close to Serra da Estrela, the only ski resort in Portugal, where there’s also quite a bit of downhill biking and hang gliding going on in the summer, so they figured a skatepark would attract some of that crowd and get some more visitors to come to the village. Not a bad intuition. However, as it often happens, they didn’t consult any skateboarders before diving into the project. At the time, the largest skatepark in the world had just been built in Shanghai (SMP Skatepark – it’s since been surpassed by the one in Guangzhou) and the architects hired to do the job in Belmonte decided to take inspiration from one of its sections. They did an impressive job: the bowl is nicely tucked inside the quarry walls, the transition is good and the full pipe and cradle look amazing. The only problem is that vert skaters in Portugal are thin on the ground. They did build a street section above the bowl, but unfortunately they didn’t study this subject as well as the transition bit, and it’s just unskateable. As it is, the Belmonte Skatepark, which was inaugurated in April of 2011, is about to celebrate its tenth anniversary with a still pristine coping. We have seen examples of what can go down at that bowl when the right people find it, but they’ve been few and far between. In 2012, Jake Phelps and the Thrasher crew (P-Stone, Rhino) came by and brought Peter Hewitt, Pedro Barros, and Grant Taylor for some serious ripping. One year later the Carve Wicked team (Sam Pulley, Alex Perelson, Sam Beckett, Rob Smith, etc.) also dropped some hammers. But the place can take it. In fact, it’s begging for it. If you’re into big walls, start planning that trip and type this into your GPS.

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Santarém skatepark tour in Portugal

Nestled in the heart of Portugal, the vibrant town of Santarém boasts an extraordinary gem for skateboarders and enthusiasts alike—the Santarém Skatepark. This urban oasis is more than just a place to ride; it's a masterpiece inspired by renowned skateboarding spots around the world. The ingenious design marries elements from iconic locales like the Hubba Hideout in San Francisco, the Brooklyn Banks in New York, and the Las Olas de Besós in Barcelona, resulting in a skatepark that's a true homage to the global skateboarding culture. The homage to these legendary spots isn't just a mere replication—it's a celebration of the spirit of skateboarding that transcends borders. The Hubba Hideout's legendary stair set, the Brooklyn Banks' urban feel under your board, and the flowing lines of Las Olas de Besós' waves have all found a harmonious home in Santarém. This park isn't just a spot; it's a testament to the universal language of skateboarding. Beyond the skatepark, Santarém has much to offer curious explorers. As you take a break after a session, immerse yourself in the town's rich history and culture. Wander through its charming streets to discover medieval churches, gardens, museums and charming restaurants. The imposing Santarém Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, is a must-visit, offering panoramic views of the town. Santarém isn't just a skateboarding haven; it's a multifaceted experience waiting to be explored.   Santarém Skatepark stands as a testament to the boundless creativity that define skateboarding. As you navigate its inspired features, take a moment to appreciate the artistry that went into blending these legendary spots into a single, awe-inspiring playground. In Santarém, skateboarding and exploration unite, promising an unforgettable day in Portugal. Crew of the day: Rodrigo Russo (local skater), Tiago Miguel and Rodrigo Simão behind the camera. Visit Santarem skatepark

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Torres Vedras skatepark tour in Portugal

Welcome to the next exciting stop on our mission to skate and film every skatepark in Portugal! Today, we find ourselves in Torres Vedras, a city steeped in history and a vibrant skateboarding community. As we explore this charming place, we can't help but notice the rich heritage that blends seamlessly with the modern skateboarding culture. While the skatepark itself may be in need of some love and attention, the abundance of high-quality street spots makes Torres Vedras one of the best places we've visited on our skateboarding journey. Historical Charm Torres Vedras boasts a captivating history that dates back centuries. The city was strategically fortified during the Peninsular War, earning it the title of "Lines of Torres Vedras" – a defensive system that successfully halted the French invasion in the early 19th century. Today, visitors can still explore remnants of these fortifications and gain a glimpse into Portugal's past. The blend of old architecture and modern influences creates a unique backdrop for our skateboarding escapades, giving us a sense of connection with the past as we ride through the streets.   Places to Visit Beyond skateboarding, Torres Vedras offers a plethora of attractions for everyone to enjoy. The historic city center, with its narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque squares, is perfect for leisurely strolls. As we explore, we stumble upon quaint cafes serving delicious pastries and local delicacies. For a touch of culture, we immerse ourselves in the city's museums and art galleries, where the work of talented Portuguese artists is proudly displayed. Population and Community With a warm and welcoming population, Torres Vedras embraces its skateboarding community with open arms. We find like-minded individuals eager to join us in our mission to revive the skatepark and celebrate the sport we love. The locals' passion for skateboarding is evident. As we bond over shared tricks and tips, we discover that skateboarding has become a powerful unifying force in this charming city. Conclusion In conclusion, Torres Vedras captivates our hearts with its rich history, charming streets, and welcoming community. While the skatepark may be in need of renovation, the abundance of high-quality street spots compensates for it and makes Torres Vedras a must-visit destination for skateboarders of all levels. As we continue our journey across Portugal, we're grateful for the experiences and connections we've made in this extraordinary city. So, join us as we ride the streets, embrace the past, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Skate on! 🛹✨ Stay tuned for more skateboarding adventures and follow our journey. Visit Torres Vedras skatepark

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