Building Secret DIY Skatepark

[@derekarmstrong1408]

When I was a kid reading Thrasher in Virginia, I thought all of California was covered in DIY ditches. We searched far and wide to find a tiny 6' diameter spot to pretend we were having that kinda fun... So awesome to see you manifesting the dream and sharing tips.

[@ZackDowdy]

I bet that was just as fun!

[@tonyn5055]

Thrasher really fooled us then. I thought the big time skating was going at Virginia Beach back then? I grew up in Dogtown. In the 70's and 80's. We literally had nothing to skate here by the 80's. I should take pictures of the spot's we did have. 1ft banks on rough asphalt in the alley would have been a major spot here in the 80's. We really had no ditches. Home made ramp's(1/4 pipes) would only last a couple weeks, if that. Oh we also had a couple school yards with banks. The pickings were very slim. You can't believe everything you read in a magazine, or see in a movie(Lords of Dogtown).

[@davidchurch7023]

It's not my community, but they hide them so the cops don't show up. Show up with a couple joints and a case of beer. Then ask "where is the spot this weekend " Not my community I mean, people who hide our spots. It's tight, and we only like locals. Slam at the local spots. And we will bring you into the fold

[@tonyn5055]

@@davidchurch7023 Whut? Who is they?

[@Yitzaak]

Oh... its not. Its really not. LOL.​@ZackDowdy

[@alazyprogrammer]

Bummer the shovel got taken. Hope this covers it. Keep up the good work, loving the videos.

[@ZackDowdy]

Really appreciate your support, it goes a long way!

[@TheMatinn]

You're the man!

[@ZackDowdy]

You're awesome, I'm putting this towards more supplies & tools.

[@CaptainNuka]

Bro you are a saint for building this, I hope this gets recognized by the skating community and becomes a legendary spot. Good job man.

[@spencernuzzi]

Love these episodes of Dowdyside coming together 🙌🛹💯

[@Dwyy__]

😂

[@ZackDowdy]

This episode is longer then previous, hope you don't mind. Chapters are below if you'd like to skip around! Please subscribe to see the next episode. 0:00 Introduction 0:28 Patching Transitions 10:39 Picking Ledge Supplies 11:54 Patch Results 12:50 Blending New Wallride 18:40 Building Ledge With Cinderblocks 23:10 Ledge & Wallride Update 24:00 Form Supplies (audio missing) 24:30 Wood Forms For Concrete 25:00 Messed Up Forms 27:50 Adding Angle Iron 30:57 Forms For Concrete Shape 35:00 Add Concrete Filler 36:00 Concrete Supplies 38:49 Last Prep for Concrete 40:42 Making Concrete Bank 45:55 Adding Smooth Finish 49:00 Check-Up 51:16 Skating

[@lonelypatios]

me personally i luv the longer vids

[@user-uu5of8rd1n]

We love the Dowditch

[@P1nt0707]

The smooth jazz and stoner expectations really make me feel like I’m chilling with my grandma in a drain. I love it.

[@CodyKhaoz]

Your grandma sounds like fun! 🎉

[@teamconspiracy]

Hahaha exactly, that measuring job 😅 me and grandma were cackling

[@flannelshirtenthusiast4159]

Always love to see another DIY episode, I can't imagine how cool it must feel for folks that stumble upon it

[@wingdingdmetrius8025]

It took me literally 3 hours, but I just found it on Maps

[@milesobley]

Dowdy’s Ditch is really coming together

[@robertgoin7722]

Thanks!

[@ZackDowdy]

Thank you!

[@basically_chris]

Kids will discover this spot by accident in 2, or 32 years, and will get their minds blown! You're making the world a better place mate!

[@BlazedOutSushi]

You are rockin those jorts Zach

[@NinjaLifestyle]

i like these vids dude

[@youfosignhere]

mannn, those walls and spot is perfectttt

[@Allyc87]

Keep going buddy, don’t let the fuckers drag you down. I appreciate how hard it is to try and document what you’re doing when you’ve got a limited timescale. From one solo DIYer to another you’re an inspiration 👍🏼

[@426john]

Excellent work , Great video to watch , thanks dude !!

[@GoldStreet09]

The diy effort you put in is heroic. Let me ask you: did the kids that skated while you worked offer to help you? Even once? I know I’m older than most skaters, but I just don’t get that. Learned long ago, never stand around talking about another person working, always offer to help. If they did offer, I’ll take the L.

[@ZackDowdy]

No they didn’t 😅 I was a bit surprised

[@jeddrance6863]

That’s is sad 😞

[@Zvox]

there's not as much of a DIY spirit as there once was. people won't offer to help if they don't know how.

[@SnareGG]

its great to see that the artwork has steadily improved along with the park

[@werkstaat6588]

inspirational and nice to watch, good work for the neighborhood man !

[@owenwalters7186]

With all the stressful toxic shit on the internet these days , I find these videos therapeutic ❤ thanks dude , love and luck from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@wrenwry]

This spot just keeps getting cooler and cooler, keep up the good work man!

[@ZackDowdy]

Appreciate it, can’t wait to have multiple obstacles and not push.

[@marionlesniewski7415]

Dude, you’re getting better and better at your masonry work! Keep on keeping on.🔥🔥🔥

[@ZackDowdy]

Thank you! Always learning.

[@marionlesniewski7415]

@@ZackDowdy, By the time we figure it out we’ll be done…😂😂😂! Best wishes

[@PHILVD]

🤗🤗🤗 you could use some deep solvent primer to make the bonding better and surface cruble less. 🤗🤗🤗

[@BlazedOutSushi]

I’m waiting for Ricky, Julian and Bubbles to make an appearance

[@BrewedMotorsports]

Make sign you can leave that explains new feature WET don’t skate yet ❤ Kids just get excited to hit something new sure they meant no harm but def understand the concern!

[@AnthonyCarlyle]

Ya I second that. Little sign could go a long way

[@DavidKemp]

A lot of Bob Ross vibes in this episode

[@l.j.i]

The DIY Bob Ross of skateboarding 😂👌

[@gregridd]

attempting to build a DIY skate park for my kids in my garage after watching this series. Hello from not so sunny west Sussex!

[@ZackDowdy]

Love that!

[@dakotacopeland5038]

You should build a grind box next.

[@ZackDowdy]

I was thinking that

[@user-uu5of8rd1n]

I love the longer cuts dude. This series is fascinating.

[@user-uu5of8rd1n]

Fantastic as usual. The spot is looking like a lot of fun. I love these DIY videos

[@jasperd4972]

Looking forward to the first homie video with everyone skating the ditch(Dan, Spencer etc) giving a bit of critique too 🤙 keep at it

[@Chocalateshake]

I love watching you work and create this awesome spot

[@TrucksandFins]

Love these videos explaining how to actually fix and build things. Cheers for this.

[@nicopatlaihorst3140]

Build a hidden door in a ramp to leave valuable tools like shovels and hammers.

[@TheOnlyEntertainmentEmpire]

Love the build ❤️

[@barfthebarf]

I enjoy your videos and always look forward to your posts.

[@jordansearle7337]

Good job buddy! Few suggestions that may help improve your concrete, if you get a wet sponge and gently rub down the transitions you can get it nice and smooth, your wallride would have benefitted from this, sure it still skates well, and also when sticking with the silicone gun, squirt circles, you get a suction which will have a better hold, sure its not going anywhere, just a few thoughts I had, big ups for making a diy spot, stay busy homie 👊🏿

[@jmoney627]

Killing it My G

[@artofeddysara]

Jenell… love you ❤

[@LosViejos]

we need that in mexico city, good job!!!

[@philipdahl8767]

very first time seeing your videos. those locals should contribute for sure. liked and subscribed.

[@Dwyy__]

Love this series

[@henrythomas2547]

Another Great F/N Video ! 🤘😆🤘❗

[@KitVonRadical]

Man I loves these videos, I don't even skate i ride bikes but I totally appreciate what you are doing and your cool attitude 🤟

[@yanick_tanner]

Thats so sick🔥🔥

[@scottkeenan6339]

I think I know where this is....I'll let you know if I find it. Hell yeah dowdy!!! That's how the pros do it 💥🤙

[@farseerflore9512]

When you are applying the white liquid (can't remember what you called it in the video, but we call it SBR in the UK) for the chemical key, spread it on to both surfaces with a big wide brush instead of just pouring it on. It needs to be worked into the surface for a good bond, pouring it on wont do that,and youll also use less. If you apply it with a brush. Ideally, you want the SBR to have dried fully, to form the chemical key then brush water over again and start applying cement. You want to work the SBR into both surfaces that you're trying to feather in with the cement.

[@darkwaterblack]

If you use expanding foam again, next time spray the surface with water before, it helps it stick where you want it to stick. Awesome spot, very inspiring.

[@craigoswald9083]

Looking good 👊🍻

[@Broelijah]

Bro I love these series you crazy good at building sk8 spots

[@yung___lx]

sick man!!!

[@matthewzito5952]

Love you bro thanks again for everything .. your right - sponge would’ve helped ‘feather’ everything

[@willblackett4709]

SIC AF BRO you gotta sesh it with Dan and Chris Hiett and Mathew Wilcox

[@robertgoin7722]

Keep up the hard work

[@evanschmitt7401]

I love this stuff man 🤙

[@Corinthians-kjv]

That's fired up.

[@thestonedandstripped]

Wow! Rad❤

[@Skjellis]

Love the sunglasses! Tried to find em myself, but after an hour i had to give it up. So here i am asking: could you tell me the brand/model? Cheers! Love the series, keep it up!

[@JAMIEPHILLIPS-g3j]

Keep up the good work bro!

[@zackrog1270]

if you etch the old concrete with muriatic acid, you will get a better bond. Also add glass fiber to your mix. both are cheap. this is awesome though, nice work!

[@jizzymacg2440]

Love your channel bro ❤️

[@dadboard]

Damn that place is really coming together! You ever consider caution tape and leaving a note informing people that skating the build early will fuck it up for the long run?

[@wingdingdmetrius8025]

the school has young kids that def wouldn't have understood what to do/not do just looking at it

[@PhatallyFlawless]

Even has the california legal leaf blower 😂

[@Luke139]

Dowdyland!

[@RidgedVector]

love it

[@hotstankygarbage788]

Gotta incorporate a flatbar. Maybe have it angled down from the top of the bank.

[@puls3illegalmusic]

Dude you should bring Dan and Sean down there for a video and see what they think!

[@tristinlloyd10]

Great video 🔥🙌🏼

[@illsaveyes]

Go above the area where your building and shovel soil directly over wall into your forms👍save lots of time and energy

[@kay.js.skatefb]

brings a mask just to keep it off🤣 sick vid man, love the idea you got goin and ill definitely check it out myself in real time. keep the progress rollin homie!

[@307beez]

Favorite part about the kids not helping out, is them sitting in the shade watching you work 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️

[@jeddrance6863]

Was hoping they would go get some water at least

[@StereoDiscoShit]

Long live to the spot!

[@dbk1440]

🔥🔥🔥

[@GETMEASTRAITJACKET]

Extra points for the dust mask that powder aggregate stuff is so destructive to lungs. Sweet job

[@popeyepiggy2538]

I think a pole jam would be sweet for this spot

[@myrmeko]

Should definitely have a rail somewhere in the middle of the ditch, between obstacles. Maybe a mannypad too. It's a bit empty down the center. All obstacles attached to the walls. You can make the mannypad's corners chamfered, like an emerald cut viewed from above, a really long octogon, so water and debris wouldn't get caught on it. I think you could use the spraycans as the base shape for a natas spin kinda obstacle. Like a tapered cone with a metal cap at the top. My local skatepark has one of those. It goes kinda like this: ......_ ..../...\ ╱........╲ I also like how the walls are becoming livelier with each day passing. Maybe a ramp over gap into pad into bar. That would be pretty cool.

[@philhowes]

What's the rack for holding your skateboard on your bike? Keep up the good work!

[@lillprince6840]

no right tools! not even a stick on the brush! just pure will to make the way! i fucking love it bro!!

[@lillprince6840]

pour some water on the cement while its drying so the drying process takes longer time and it wont crack

[@lillprince6840]

high heat speeds up the process whyle cold slows it down, but a plastic bottle/bag in the freezer, wait for it to freeze, bust some holes in the bottle/bag and let it melt on the new concrete but cover it so its in some shadow while melting

[@jessepatrick7471]

now put a thin layer of the good cement over the ground so its smooth everywhere XD

[@christbland]

Growing up we made a sick jump trail for our bmx bikes off the highway deep in some overgrown brush. We were hidden for years until the city turned it into an ecological reserve and years later they found it hidden and demolished them.

[@nickbillings8668]

Damn bro. Don’t come to Northern California. 85 degrees is amazing weather to work in here. lol!!

[@thestinkyweasel6297]

You mixed that 'crete on the ground like I make dough on the counter lol!

[@thefredkalis]

thank you

[@ericcarr1648]

So cool what you are doing, dude. Unfortunately some people suck and have to mess with your stuff. That's a bummer.

[@donaven42]

Dude I finally found your spot on Google earth. By the way I live in Denver and I've never even been to Oceanside so it was challenging to find it and props dude keep building!

[@SkaterPoopyPants]

Nice 👍

[@trumancrockett9796]

Are you worried about the cinder blocks on top breaking since it is the weak side of the block?

[@mybleachhouse]

There's this stuff called weld crete for the transitions that is crazy strong. I have this old shiny trowel that I still can't get the cement off of it.

[@TrumanCrockett]

Are you not worried of the top layer of cinder blocks breaking when people land on it? since it is the weak side

[@itsnottylor4011]

there's nothing more socal skater than making an illegal diy skate spot instead of going to the hospital to get an ear infection checked out

[@hughwilla4744]

Lots of work

[@filipbartas576]

do you use the same mixture for the fillings and the top layer?

[@ZackDowdy]

Something with Type-S concrete will do, less rocks. But not required if done properly.

[@doktor_faust]

Just save on the concrete bonding agent to get a grinder quick. I got mine for like 50 bucks including battery. The bonding agent actually is not helping much in your use cases, cause you use it for stuff thet is chipping away anyway quickly because the stress on the concrete is too much. Its just to expensive.

[@garycoffeebum3450]

You should build it at home then take the concreat ramp down and just stick it to the floor and walll you would need a way to move the ramp but you would have it all made with only the connecting it to the ditch at the end wouldn't have to worry about it being destroyed at night

[@caseysmith544]

If in the Midwest to Plains in USA and no Home Depot I would look for Menards and get fine cement.

[@gnarvin]

As a mason I have so many questions, Ill admit I only skimmed the video, but why are you laying the blocks down sideways? its much weaker that way. If you want a smooth top they have solid for exactly this that are far stronger. Why are you not breaking joints? Its much weaker that way. Why are you using glue and not cement? Its much weaker that way. There is many steps I'm confused by that will make this entire structure far weaker which just makes the object not last as long. That being said, now I really want to find an abandon concrete pad somewhere and start building shit.

[@digitalrandomart3049]

reminds me of the show "Built To Shred"

[@jellymaster123]

Love the videos man, have u thought about making anything with like a S bend or a curved ledge

[@ZackDowdy]

I just don’t want to risk building into the center of the ditch, city might have a problem when that happens so I tend to stay on the walls.

[@SnareGG]

one day archeologists will find a bunch of cans in a concrete display case and say "wtf?"

[@gnar2552]

how much flat should I have for 3 foot high quarters on a mini ramp?