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| Skateability Scale | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| You probably noticed the alpha-numeric code (e.g., 3-2AV) at the end of each trail description. Here's what that code means. Much like the way whitewater rafters grade their river runs, skaters need a method of grading their trails. The basis of the "Skateability Scale" lies in a set of numbers (1 to 5) for smoothness, a set of letters (A to E) for slope and another set of letters (V to Z) for obstacles. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Smoothness A rating of "1" applies to skating on a wooden or compound floor in a rink (a skater's nirvana). A rating of "5" applies to very coarse pavement (your teeth chatter, your eyes get blurry and your feet go numb from the vibration.) |
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| Slope An "A" rating applies to a trail with little to no slope. Trails with slopes where you almost need to walk up in order to skate down, if you're suicidal, are rated as an "E." |
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| Obstacles A trail which has no cross traffic, curbs to jump off or barriers to go around, over or through would be rated as a "V." A trail which requires crossing a major highway, climbing stairs, or negotiating numerous curbs are rated as "Z" — where no beginning or intermediate skater dare skate. |
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| Putting It All Together Let's apply this skateability scheme to the "Foster City Levee Trail." As we start out, the smoothness is a "3" (a little rough, but tolerable). About a mile down the trail the pavement smoothes out and it becomes a "2." The trail is relatively level with no perceptible slope "A" and there are virtually no obstacles, making it a "V." The combined scale makes it a 3-2AV trail. |
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