A funbox is a standard element of a
skatepark
A skatepark, or skate park, is a purpose-built recreational environment made for skateboarding, BMX, scootering, wheelchairs, and aggressive inline skating. A skatepark may contain half-pipes, handrails, funboxes, vert ramps, stairsets, q ...
. It generally consists of a
box shape with a flat top and a
ramp
An inclined plane, also known as a ramp, is a flat supporting surface tilted at an angle from the vertical direction, with one end higher than the other, used as an aid for raising or lowering a load. The inclined plane is one of the six clas ...
on two or more sides. A funbox may also include other elements that allow for more complicated
skateboarding trick
A skateboarding trick, or simply a trick, is a maneuver performed by manipulating a skateboard, usually with one's feet, in a specific way to achieve the desired outcome – the trick.
History
Though skateboards emerged in the 1900s, skateboard ...
s.
[''Skateboarding Skills: The Rider's Guide'']
by Ben Powell (Firefly Books, 2008)
Like other skatepark features, funboxes are used by
skateboarders
Skateboarding is an action sport originating in the United States that involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard, as well as a recreational activity, an art form, an entertainment industry job, and a method of transportation. S ...
,
roller skaters using inline skates or quad skates, and
BMX-riders.
Features
Table-top - The main characteristic of a funbox is the standard
table-top; the flat top of the main structural ''box'' component. The table-top can vary in height and surface area.
[
Ramps - To allow access to the table-top, a funbox will generally be surrounded (on two or more sides) by ramps or ]stairs
Stairs are a structure designed to bridge a large vertical distance between lower and higher levels by dividing it into smaller vertical distances. This is achieved as a diagonal series of horizontal platforms called steps which enable passage ...
to allow tricks or transitions on, off or over the table-top.
Other elements - A funbox may also include a number of other elements including ledges, rails, spines, copings
Coping refers to conscious strategies used to reduce unpleasant emotions. Coping strategies can be cognitions or behaviours and can be individual or social.
Theories of coping
Hundreds of coping strategies have been proposed in an attempt to ...
, angled ramps, wall sections to allow "wallrides" and improvised street furniture pieces.
A funbox with ramps on opposite sides may allow for the conduct of aerial tricks. As such, funboxes are commonly placed in line with the "outlet" of a larger ramp to allow for a build-up of speed. Typically, a funbox with ramps or transitions on all sides of the table will be placed in the middle of a park.
Construction
Funboxes are generally constructed of concrete
Concrete is a composite material composed of fine and coarse aggregate bonded together with a fluid cement (cement paste) that hardens (cures) over time. Concrete is the second-most-used substance in the world after water, and is the most wi ...
(as a permanent element in a skatepark) or wood (as a moveable or customizable element for street skateboarding). Some variations include steel
Steel is an alloy made up of iron with added carbon to improve its strength and fracture resistance compared to other forms of iron. Many other elements may be present or added. Stainless steels that are corrosion- and oxidation-resistant ty ...
frames and both concrete and wood constructions will often include steel copings or rails. Some funboxes will be constructed in sections to allow for further customization.''Ramp Plans: Learn How to Build Vert Street Mini Launch and Bowls (2000 Edition)''
(High Speed Productions, 1999) ''Thrasher'' magazine">hrasher_(magazine).html" ;"title="eleased by Thrasher (magazine)">''Thrasher'' magazine/ref>
The construction must resist dynamic structural load resulting from aerial tricks or jumps onto the funbox.
References
{{Skateboarding
Skateboarding
Skateboarding equipment