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Santa Cruz is a great area to practice parkour. There are many places to practice, fun obstacles you can explore, and a vibrant community that can help your progress in parkour. This guide will give you all the information you need in order to get started in Santa Cruz parkour. We will discuss where to train, give step-by-step instructions for learning parkour basics, and show some of the local athletes’ work. Continue reading to learn more about Santa Cruz parkour.

What is Parkour?

Parkour is a French sport that was developed in the 1990s. Parkour is a sport that involves running and jumping between obstacles, without the use any equipment. It emphasizes creativity, efficiency, and flow. Parkour is often considered an art form. Practitioners strive to move with grace and precision, rather than speed. Parkour has been growing in popularity in the United States. More people are learning the basics and joining the expanding parkour community.

Santa Cruz: Where to Train

Santa Cruz is home of many great places to practice parkour. These are the top spots for both beginners and more experienced parkourists:

• University of California Santa Cruz – UC Santa Cruz offers a variety of obstacles and a large, active parkour community. This parkour area is perfect for both beginners and experts.
• Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – The Boardwalk is a great place to practice, with lots of open space and obstacles.
• Santa Cruz Skate Park – The skate park features a variety of obstacles, rails, and boxes that make it a great place to practice parkour.
• Santa Cruz Mountains – Get away from the city to explore the stunning natural obstacles in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Parkour Fundamentals: Step-by-Step

Although parkour can seem intimidating at first, once you have the right foundations, you will be able to run and jump with confidence in no matter how much. This step-by-step guide will help you learn the basics.

Step 1: Understand the basics

It is important to be familiar with the basics before you tackle more difficult obstacles. Begin by learning the basics of running, jumping, rolling and tumbling. While building strength and coordination, you should be able to focus on technique, form, and control.

Step 2: Next, move onto Complex Movements

Once you feel comfortable with the basics you can begin to practice more advanced movements such as vaults, wall runs, or jumps. Begin with easy challenges that will help you learn the basics while still having fun.

Step 3: Train from Obstacles

Start training from walls, rails and ledges when you feel confident. Start with simple obstacles and work your way up to more difficult ones. It is possible that you will find it easier to overcome obstacles that seem daunting initially.

Step 4: Get out and train

Finally, get out there and find training spots in your area. Santa Cruz offers many great places to practice and improve your skills. Find a mentor or join a local parkour group to help you make progress.

Santa Cruz Parkour Athletes

Santa Cruz’s parkour community is active, thriving, and some of its members have achieved national and international recognition. These are some local parkour athletes who are pushing the boundaries.

• Sam Heiligman – A parkour athlete who placed 8th at the Red Bull Art of Motion competition 2014.
• Gavin Bree, a professional parkour athlete who also teaches classes in Santa Cruz.
• Paul Robinson – A world champion parkour competitor, and the leading member for the Tempest Freerun Team.
• Randy Taylor – Randy Taylor is a local parkour coach, and the co-creator the Santa Cruz Parkour Academy.

Santa Cruz Parkour: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Parkour? Parkour is a sport that involves running and jumping over obstacles without the need for equipment. It is often considered an art form because it emphasizes creativity, efficiency, and flow.
2. Where can you parkour in Santa Cruz?
   
   Santa Cruz offers many great places to practice parkour including the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Skate Park, as well as the University of California Santa Cruz.
3. How do I start parkour?
   
   Parkour is a sport that requires you to learn the basics, such as basic movements and more complex moves. Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can start training from various obstacles. Find training spots in your area.
4. What should I wear to parkour?
   
   When doing parkour, it is best to wear light and breathable clothing. Running shoes or athletic shoes are recommended.
5. Can I do parkour alone?
   
   Yes, you can do parkour alone. It’s safer and more enjoyable to have someone to help you spot mistakes and pick you back up if you make them.
6. What are the top Santa Cruz parkour athletes?
   
   Santa Cruz’s top parkour athletes include Gavin Bree and Randy Taylor.
7. Is it safe to do parkour?
   
   Parkour can be safe when done correctly. Parkour is safe if you warm up properly, use proper technique and know your limits. Be aware of where you are jumping and what surfaces you are on.
8. Where can you find a Santa Cruz parkour community?
   
   Santa Cruz is home to a vibrant parkour scene. For more information, visit local gyms and online forums.
9. Should a class be taken or should I learn on my own?
   
   Both are possible. A class can help you quickly and safely learn the basics of parkour if you are new to it. You may prefer to learn by yourself if you are more experienced.
10. Is parkour for young people only?
    
    Parkour is open to everyone, Parkour can be beneficial for all ages and abilities. It improves strength, coordination, flexibility, and balance.
11. What are traceurs?
    
    Parkour practitioners are called “traceurs” It is derived from the French verb tracer which means “to trace”.
12. Where can you find parkour gear Santa Cruz?
    
    Parkour gear can be found in Santa Cruz specialty shops as well as online.
13. Are there any Santa Cruz competitions?
    
    Yes, there are parkour contests in Santa Cruz. You can find out the exact dates and times on local forums or social media pages.

Santa Cruz parkour awaits you to discover. You’ll be able to run and jump fluently with the right foundations, strong workouts, positive attitude, and all the right mindset. Get your gear ready and join the amazing local parkour group!