Kochi, Kerala – Nestled in the heart of Kochi’s Atlantis area, Loop Skatepark has quickly become a cultural landmark for Kerala’s youth. Designed by Thought Station Studio, it is one of the first professionally built skate bowls in the state, blending skateboarding with street culture, art, and community spirit.
The park’s journey began with a bang during the Fire Bowl Festival, held over the New Year’s weekend (December 29–31, 2023). The three-day celebration brought together skaters, artists, and performers for workshops, competitions, live music, and streetwear pop-ups—marking Loop’s official entry into Kerala’s cultural landscape.
Founders With a Vision
The initiative is led by Raeez Hyder, a creative entrepreneur known for his decade-long work in advertising and film, and Aravind Haridas, an operations and cultural programming expert. Together, they envisioned Loop Skatepark as more than just a sporting venue—an inclusive space where creativity thrives.
“Skateboarding is just the starting point. Loop is about culture, resilience, and community,” says Raeez. Aravind complements this vision with on-ground strategies that have shaped Loop into a hub for youth-driven art and innovation.
Beyond Skateboarding
While skateboarding remains at its core, Loop’s activities branch into multiple creative streams. The space regularly hosts:
- Training sessions and open jams for beginners and advanced skaters.
- Art showcases, including live mural paintings and graffiti collaborations.
- Music and performance nights, offering a platform for independent musicians and DJs.
- Workshops across disciplines, from photography to storytelling and design.
- Community gatherings such as open mics, youth meetups, and cultural festivals.
This multidimensional approach has allowed Loop to build a thriving ecosystem that appeals to both skaters and non-skaters.
Cultural Collaborations
Since its launch, Loop has seen an impressive lineup of events—skateboarding competitions, collaborative art jams, underground music nights, and multidisciplinary workshops. These initiatives have made it a melting pot for youth expression, drawing participants from across the region.
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Loop’s stature as a professional-grade venue was further cemented when it hosted the RSFI Kerala State Championship, a key competitive event under the Roller Skating Federation of India.
A Space for the Future
The vision behind Loop Skatepark extends beyond Kochi. The founders plan to connect with schools, cultural organizations, and creative networks to further its reach. Their long-term goal is to make Loop a regional hub for sport, art, and community innovation.
As Kochi continues to evolve as a cultural hotspot, Loop Skatepark stands as a symbol of how youth spaces can merge play, passion, and purpose—nurturing the next wave of Kerala’s creative generation.