Archive · 3 Oct 2026
India’s Skateboarding Scene Grows Through Community Despite Financial Hurdles
Skateboarding in India began as a small activity practiced by a few people.
Over time, more skateparks and groups have appeared in cities.
Some parks now host events attended by hundreds of people.
Indian brands also make skateboards and other gear.
But equipment can be expensive, and skaters often have few paid sponsorships.
Gautham Kamath built a business around teaching, events, and skatepark construction.
He also started a skateboarding contest with cash prizes.
Many skaters see skateboarding as a way of life, not just a sport.
India’s skateboarding community has expanded from a small underground scene into a network of crews, parks, and events.
Hyderabad’s WallRide Park opened in 2017; its manager, Hamza Khan, says events now draw 300–400 people.
Homegrown brands and collectives have made skate gear more available, though an average Piso skateboard costs about Rs 6,000.
Skateboarding income and sponsorship remain limited, while equipment costs can put the sport out of reach for some riders.
Gautham Kamath founded Escape Skateboarding in 2015 and launched Jugaad Skate, a contest now in its ninth year.
- Who
- Indian skateboarders, including Hamza Khan and Gautham Kamath, along with local skateboarding collectives and brands.
- What
- India’s skateboarding scene is growing through parks, community events, homegrown gear, and initiatives such as Jugaad Skate.
- When
- The article describes developments since around 2010–12; WallRide Park opened in 2017, and Jugaad Skate is in its ninth year.
- Where
- India, with examples from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Goa.
- Why
- Dedicated skaters and organizers have worked to build the sport and its community, although high costs and limited sponsorship remain challenges.
- WallRide Park
- Opened in Hyderabad in 2017.
- Event attendance
- WallRide Park events typically draw 300–400 people, according to Hamza Khan.
- Piso skateboard price
- An average board costs around Rs 6,000.
- Basic deck cost
- Shilpa of SkateLab Goa says a basic deck costs around Rs 4,000.
- Escape Skateboarding
- Founded by Gautham Kamath in 2015.
- Jugaad Skate
- India’s first official skateboarding contest, now in its ninth year.
- Jugaad Skate prize money
- The contest awards Rs 1.5 lakh in cash prizes.
- FP shop closure
- The Delhi skate shop closed in February due to rising costs.