Red Bull bringing skateboarding contest to SF's Twin Peaks
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Chico Brenes, one of the judges for Red Bull Sky Line, at the Twin Peaks Boulevard. Photo: Tobin Yelland
The world-famous Twin Peaks have had many names, from Los Pechos de la Chola to Eureka and Noe. On Saturday, they'll add one more to their resume: skategrounds for Red Bull Sky Line.
Why it matters: San Francisco, home to iconic skate spots like Embarcadero and Pier 7, is considered the birthplace of modern street skateboarding. Red Bull, the energy drink company known for its extreme sports series, is bringing it back to ground zero.
Driving the news: Over 30 of the nation's top skaters, including TJ Rogers and Marcelo Jimenez, will compete Saturday at the iconic Twin Peaks.
- Slated to take place from 11am-4pm, the event aims to spotlight the local skate scene and pay homage to the sport's history in San Francisco.
How it works: Constructed on the eastern roadway at the top of the hill, the specially designed course will feature a mix of street and transition obstacles, such as quarter pipes, rainbow rails and "ramps to salvaged bike racks and dumpsters."
- "I don't think anything like that has ever been done," San Francisco skateboarding icon Chico Brenes, who will serve as a judge, told Axios. "I look forward to ... seeing what they have to offer."
The big picture: The Twin Peaks, located near the center of the city, is a popular destination for those seeking panoramic views of the Bay and a trove of animal and plant diversity.
- But it didn't become a popular skateboarding spot until the city closed the eastern part of the roadway to vehicles as part of an effort to ensure pedestrians could safely enjoy the scenery.
- Red Bull Sky Line will serve as a sendoff for that portion of Twin Peaks Boulevard, which is set to be replaced with the Promenade Project once construction begins in 2025.
- The new promenade will feature a linear park, sitting areas and multi-use trails for walking, cycling and skateboarding in front of the scenic lookout.
What to watch: Brenes is hoping to use Red Bull Sky Line to pitch an idea for the city to hold a series of skateboarding events at iconic spots like the Embarcadero, which was a launching pad for him and many other professional skateboarders.
- "That's where everything began," he said.